Ahmad-4 Reviews

Central Station (1998)

One of the best films I've seen in 1999

[28 December 1999]

After not being much impressed with the trash that is showing at the common denominator multiplexes this year, I am glad that my eye caught this video slick when I was in the store looking for another video, in fact. I was pleasantly surprised by this film, which is beautiful in it's scenery and cinematography, and is held together by the superb acting duo of Dora and Josue.

IMHO, Montenegro deserved an Oscar for her portrayal of Dora. The audience is shown the dark side of her character at the outset, but she undergoes many changes through the course of the film which are well expressed by Montenegro.

Oliveira is delightful as the young boy seeking out his father, and works well with Montenegro to keep the audience interested in his quest.

The scenery in the film is beautiful and the cinematography is slick and clever. The film is held together well by a good score.

I have also seen Life is Beautiful, and I would definitely rate this movie higher than that. I give it *** 1/2 out of ****

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Great potential, but not quite there

[4/10 · 23 December 1998]

After seeing a trailer for this film, and part of the making for the film, I had high expectations. I was even prepared to finally admit that a non-Disney studio could produce a work that could compare itself to a Disney great.

Frankly, I was disappointed. I found the movie slow in parts, and the songs were mainly boring. I found the voice talents worked extremely poorly, and it took me a while to become accustomed to the wide range of accents which the characters assumed, and which did not quite fit together. Perhaps other studios need to take a look at how Disney casts voice talents - ie. cast actors for the TALENTS in the role, rather than the mere fact that they are Hollywood stars.

The worst element of the film to me was the inclusion of the two magicians of the King. They were completely out of place, and during their musical number, their repetition of the phase "You're playing with the big boys now" annoyed me almost to the extent that I wanted to walk out of the film.

Aside from all the bad, some of the effects (esp. parting of the sea) are visually spectacular. But aside from these effects, this film offers little else.

A Bug's Life (1998)

Funniest film in a long time

[9/10 · 23 December 1998]

This is a FUNNY film. It has all the usual Disney components (music, great range of characters, story, appeal), entwined with superb animation and the excellent voice talents of less well known actors as those in say "Antz" and "Price of Egypt".

The characters work really well, and have a strong appeal, and the humour is aimed at a wide level which overcomes generational barriers. The movie is also presented in superb cinemascope format, which adds to the cinema experience.

Call me crazy, but I have seen the film three times, and I intend on taking more friends to see it this weekend. Many skeptics have seen this film on my recommendation and not been disappointed. I work in a multiplex, and I can honestly say that no-one has ever walked out of this movie without a sense of satisfaction.

See it, and don't be put off because it is animated. You are sure to enjoy this movie, and make sure you stay for the end credits! The bloopers and out-takes at the end are the funniest part of the film, which is packed with laughs throughout.