emmet-2 Reviews

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

An excellent adventure and great fun!

[18 December 2002]

As an avid Harry Potter-fan, my expectations for this movie were high even though 'Chamber of Secrets' is my least favourite of the four published books. But CoS the movie works very, very well indeed – a nice step up in quality from 'Philosopher's Stone'. Whereas the first movie – for all its charm and freshness – had to cover so many different aspects of Harry Potter's life and his magical world that it sometimes gave the impression of being assembled by a row of different scenes which didn't always fit well together, the structure and overall aim has been greatly improved in CoS. Since this is a sequel, we can disperse with all the explanations and introductions to the magical world and go straight to the plot (which, in fact, strongly resembles the plot of the first book/movie: something evil is going on at Hogwarts, and it is up to our three heroes to figure out what it is and how to stop it). But the story works better in CoS, mainly because the film constantly moves forward – all the scenes serve a purpose, and they are sowed perfectly together. Sure, there are some omissions, but nothing significant in the overall plot is missing. Add to that some greatly enhanced special effects (mostly noticed in the Quidditch match) and an improved group of child actors, and the result can only be a success.

It falls to the three young protagonists – Harry, Ron and (partly) Hermione (she is absent from much of the last quarter of the film) – to carry most of the movie, since they definitely get the most screen time. They do well in my opinion – my personal favourite is still Ron (Rupert Grint), who shows superb comical timing and has an overflow of facial expressions to match any given situation. Daniel Radcliffe is more convincing as Harry this time around and gives a good performance, while Emma Watson has surprisingly little to do as bossy Hermione takes a back seat to the boys in this movie (but she still sparkles at times). All three seem to have grown more into their roles since the first movie (as well as maturing physically), and it will be interesting to see if they choose to stay on for all seven movies. Tom Felton also gets several chances to show he can be a real menace as Harry's arch-enemy Draco.

The adult cast is flawless as expected, with newcomer Kenneth Branagh as the wonderfully self-centred Gilderoy Lockhart stealing most of the scenes he participates in (interestingly enough, Branagh seems to be down-playing Lockhart a bit, which gives him more credibility and actually seems quite appropriate here). Jason Isaacs as the evil, venom-dripping Lucius Malfoy is another noticeable addition. A haggard Richard Harris portrays headmaster Dumbledore with quiet dignity in what was to be his last movie, and Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman are solid as Professors McGonagall and Snape (even though they get far too little screen time).

The special effects in the movie also deserve praise. Having more than a mild case of arachnophobia, I strongly feared the spider scenes in the Forbidden Forest (more so than Harry's final encounter with a giant snake), and the computer generated eight-leggers completely gave me the shivers with their credibility. Equally impressive (if somewhat annoying) is the 100% animated house elf, Dobby. Other treats in the special effects department include the journey to Hogwarts aboard a flying Ford Anglia, the Mandrake plants, the tongue-in-cheek Quidditch match and the huge basilisk in the chamber. All of these – as well as the scenes involving more 'everyday' magic like staircases changing directions, people in paintings moving around and pots and pans cleaning themselves – are excellently crafted and executed, and they blend in with the 'real' actors and the 'real' scenery amazingly well, adding an extra dimension to the movie.

So, with a strong plot, convincing actors, a strong musical score by John Williams (very reminiscent of the first HP-movie, but it still works well), excellent special effects and a darker, more 'adult' cinematography and scenery, 'Chamber of Secrets' is a great movie which should entertain almost everyone (but avoid bringing very young children to see this movie, as it is definitely scarier than the first). Almost three hours in front of the silver screen fly by, and I left the cinema wanting more (or at least to see this movie again). I'll rate 'Chamber of Secrets' a strong 5 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend it warmly. Enjoy!

Air Force One (1997)

Good action flick

[31 July 2002]

'Air Force One' is a slick, fast-paced, exciting thriller – not very innovative or ground-breaking in any respect, but solidly made and well executed. Harrison Ford gives a commanding performance as the President (wouldn't we all like to have someone like him in the White House?), and Gary Oldman is – as always – an excellent choice as the villain, snarling and delivering his punch lines with fierce conviction. Glenn Close, Dean Stockwell and William H. Macy add to a convincing supporting cast.

There are a few scenes where credibility is stretched far beyond the limit – for instance a sequence where the plane lands, skids around the airport at several hundred mph and then takes off again (not to mention all the shooting going on inside the plane, miraculously avoiding any damage to the fuselage or windows). But if you're willing to swallow this (and loads and loads of American patriotism as well), 'Air Force One' is two hours of solid, well-made entertainment. I'll give it a 4 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend it if you want to watch an exciting movie without having to apply your brain too heavily.

Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)

Good premise, bad movie

[30 July 2002]

The idea of making a "realistic" version of Snow White, much like it was actually written by the brothers Grimm, is a quite fascinating one. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't deliver what it promises - in fact, it does very little to justify its existence.

There are so many flaws in this movie, it is hard to know where to begin. But for starters, it seems to have been edited with a weed-wacker, leaving lots of important scenes on the cutting room floor. There are sudden changes in the character's behaviour towards each other (particularly between Snow White and the "dwarfs") - which aren't explained at all. The viewers are left to guess what must have happened off-screen. Furthermore, almost every character seems to be made out of cardboard - and most of the actors, too. Sam Neill sleepwalks through his entire "performance", and Monica Keena as Snow White can't seem to do anything but alternate between sulky and bewildered. Gil Bellows ("Billy" from Ally McBeal) is half-decent, but still too polished to play a rugged thief. The only interesting character is Sigourney Weaver's stepmother, but even she delivers a somewhat restrained performance - I always pictured the evil stepmother as being much more over-the-top and lunatic, but Weaver chooses to downplay the insanity and go for a more matter-of-factly portrayal. She does have some good moments, though - particularly when she sings at the different parties at the castle (in her own, remarkably fine voice), and when she's all disguised as a hideous old crone.

But sadly, not even Sigourney Weaver can rescue this movie. Apart from her and some breathtaking location scenery, there's very little to write home about here. I'll give the movie 2 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend people to stay away from it.

40 Days and 40 Nights (2002)

Bland comedy, but watchable

[18 June 2002]

I went to the movies with a friend, and this was the only film we could agree on. I had pretty low expectations to begin with, so I can't really say I was disappointed, but "40 Days..." didn't really leave any lasting impression on me. It's a bland film - it does create a few laughs - but all in all, it's a pretty forgettable affair.

The best thing this film has going for it, is the nice on-screen chemistry between the two leads. Both Josh Hartnett and newcomer Shannyn Sossamon do well with their characters - or at least as well as the juvenile script allows them. The funniest moments in the film were the condom scene at the beginning, dinner with the parents and the "examination" of Matt's sheets. It's also nice to see a Hollywood movie that doesn't drag on beyond the two hour point. "40 Days..." clocks in at a pleasant 94 minutes, which feels just about right.

All in all, it's a mildly enjoyable film, but nothing memorable. I'll rate it 3 out of 6 on my dice.

Gosford Park (2001)

Brilliant writing; brilliant acting

[31 March 2002]

I highly anticipated this movie, and I can truly say I wasn't disappointed. 'Gosford Park' is stylish and elegant, witty and sharp, well written and excellently acted out. To begin with, I was wondering whether the filmmakers would be able to tie all the different people and their stories together in a coherent way, but my fears were put solidly to rest.

The film is set on a country manor in England in 1932, where a group of guests arrive for a weekend shooting party. We follow both the 'upper class' in the luxurious lounges and their servants in the quarters below, and watch how their lives and actions intertwine. There are literally dozens of people to keep track of, but somehow Robert Altman manages to convey some individual character traits in all of them to help us keep them apart from each other and keep our interest in them going. Numerous plot lines are served for the viewer to enjoy and be puzzled by as the characters eat, drink, laugh, smoke, go hunting, have sex and insult each other with impeccable perfection. Conflicts, jealousy, secret relationships and sexual encounters take place, not only among the nobility, but also between the nobility and their servants. Then, suddenly, a murder takes place. A fumbling police inspector arrives to investigate, but it is one of the servants, a young chambermaid named Mary, who on her own manages to solve the puzzle and discover who the murderer is.

The murder mystery is not the centre of attention of this movie, however. It rather focuses on the relationships between people of different classes, and is a brilliant insight in a 'lost era' – the lavish lifestyle of the British upper class in the period between the two world wars. Rarely has the class differences in British society been better portrayed than in this film. Quick glances and subtle (and sometimes even not so subtle) remarks are enough to put someone thoroughly in their place. One of the less fortunate upper class wives appears in the same dress two nights in a row. 'It's so nice to be able to travel light, isn't it' one of the other women sardonically comments. It is also interesting to watch the relationship between the British elite and the small American contingent at the party. 'Oh, don't mind him – he's an American', one of the main characters informs the detective when he arrives to investigate the murder. Another excellent example is when the American film producer arrives at breakfast and expects the servants to wait on him, only to be told very coolly and matter-of-factly: 'in England, nobody is served at breakfast'. It's a delicious understatement which really portrays the way (many) Englishmen (used to?) look down upon Americans.

The upper class gossip among themselves; as do the servants below. But interestingly enough, their stories are exchanged in the many private chambers of the manor. Mary's employer, the formidable Countess of Trentham – brilliantly played by Maggie Smith – downright expects Mary to give her 'the dirt' on the other guests which she has heard from their servants. Discretion is a trait she doesn't value in a maid, she proudly announces – unless it's discretion concerning herself, of course. And in the end, it is Mary's ability to put two and two together and uncover the hidden past of several of the weekend guests which enables her to find out who the murderer is.

With a veritable 'who's who' of British elite actors (who all do their very best) involved, it's difficult to point out someone in particular. But Maggie Smith has to be mentioned, as she truly excels here. She certainly has been given the meatiest role, with dozens of razor-sharp one-liners on her repertoire (she effectively castrates Mr. Novello, the actor, who plays the piano in the lounge – 'don't encourage him, or he'll go on forever'; and when the American film producer is reluctant to give away the ending of his latest film at the dinner table, she deadpans: 'oh, don't worry – nobody here will see it'). She literally steals every scene she's in, and is certainly worthy of her Academy nomination (she should have won, too). Other excellent performances come from Helen Mirren as the head servant, Kristin Scott-Thomas as the snobbish, world-weary lady Sylvia, Stephen Fry as the Inspector (although his incompetence is stressed a little too heavy in my opinion) and Alan Bates as Jennings the (alcoholic) butler.

As a true anglophile, this film was really 'my cup of tea', as the British would say, and I rate it a perfect 6 out of 6 on my dice. Judging from some of the other comments here, however, `Gosford Park' seems to require a certain sense of sophistication to be fully appreciated...

The Others (2001)

One wonderful movie

[28 March 2002]

I love scary movies. The only problem is, it's been a long time since I've seen a film that really had me scared. Last night, I saw "The Others", and my waiting was finally over.

The movie is set on the small channel island of Jersey right after the end of World War II. Nicole Kidman plays Grace, a strongly religious woman who lives alone in a big mansion with her two young children. Her husband went fighting in the war and is missing, presumably dead. One night, something terrible happened in the mansion, and the servants all ran away. About one week later, three servants knocks on Graces door and offers their services. She takes them in and gives them their instructions. Because of a severe light allergy, the children must be kept out of the daylight. Every curtain in front of every window must be drawn, and every door in the house must be locked. To begin with, everything seems to progress as usual. But then, slowly, inexplicable things start to happen. Doors are left open. Whispering voices are heard. The piano starts playing itself. Graces daughter is "seeing" people all over the house. At first, Grace refuses to believe her. But as the events continue, she is faced with the fact that there are indeed "intruders" in the house - and she has to deal with them.

This movie had my complete attention from the very beginning. There is an ominous, eerie atmosphere creeping out from the screen and into you as you are watching. The bleak mansion covered in perpetual fog; the pale children with their mysterious condition; the three servants who may or may not be who they really say they are; and - in the middle of it all - Grace, a truly complex character - deeply religious, a control freak, and at the same time a loving, caring mother. Nicole Kidman gives a tremendous performance as Grace, and really brings out all the different aspects of her personality - especially her mounting insanity and despair. Fionnuala Flanagan excels as Mrs. Mills, the trustworthy nanny who ever so slowly seems to be changing into a menacing threat. And the two young children are the surprise of the movie, playing their parts to perfection. They have some of the scariest scenes in the film - one when they are in bed trying to sleep, and the daughter suddenly starts talking to one of the "intruders" only she can see (a boy named Victor), and one when they are hiding in a closet with danger looming outside. Other spooky scenes involve Grace in a storage room filled with objects covered in white sheets, Grace dressing up her daughter in a white communion dress, and Grace investigating sounds from a piano in a locked music room.

But single scenes aside, it's the movie's whole, intense atmosphere that really gets your adrenaline going. This is not a movie for those who love blood, gore and special effects. It relies on its magnificent plot, being slow and deliberate, and building up tension throughout until you are on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and holding your breath in anticipation. The cinematography, the camera angles, the subdued, menacing score - it all blends together into one wonderful movie. The only objection I have is the middle part of the movie, where the plot centers around Grace's lost husband and seem to lose focus for a while. But then it picks up the pace again, and the ending is both so terrifying and so wonderfully ingenious that you are left completely astounded. All the pieces fit together, all the loose ends are tied up and all your questions are answered - but in a way I certainly didn't see coming. "The Others" is a successful mix of several genres - the traditional ghost story, a thriller, a family drama - all in one. I'll rate it 6 out of 6 on my dice, and give it my highest recommendations.

Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)

Beautiful film, but the book is better

[28 March 2002]

The film `Snow Falling on Cedars' takes us to the small island community of St. Piedro in Washington State, USA, where a murder trial is taking place. Carl Heine, a local fisherman, has been found dead, drowned and tangled in the net of his own boat. A member of the Japanese community on the island, Kabuo Miyamoto, who was known to hold a grudge against the family of the deceased, is accused of the murder, and several pieces of evidence point to his guilt. Covering the trial for the local newspaper is young Ishmael Chambers, who was once romantically involved with Kabuo's wife, Hatsue. As the trial progresses, Ishmael comes across some very important information concerning Carl's death, but because he still has strong feelings for Hatsue, Ishmael hesitates to come forward with his findings – knowing that if Kabuo is convicted, there will be a possibility of rekindling the old flame between himself and Hatsue.

This adaption of the highly successful novel by David Guterson is a good movie, but not a great one. The strongest feature of this film is its cinematography - showing an amazing scenery which really captures the spirit of the small island community and the cold and harsh (but still beautiful) winter landscape. The actors are mainly solid, especially Max von Sydow and James Rebhorn as the two opposing attorneys; but both Ethan Hawke and Youki Kudoh (as the adult Ishmael and Hatsue) come across as rather flat. In fact, it's the young Ishmael and Hatsue which manages to touch the audience and give us a real sense of the love between them.

The movie tries to recapture some of the spirit from the book by using a lot of "artsy" effects (such as echoing voices mixing into each other). Generally, this works well, but it's being used a little too often. I think the movie puts more emphasis on the wrongful treatment of Japanese-Americans than the book did, while the love story has been pushed somewhat in the background. "Snow Falling..." tries to be a lot of things - a courtroom drama, a historical documentary, a love story - in the book, these aspects are all mixed extremely well together, but the film fails to do the same thing (maybe because there simply wouldn't be enough time - the movie would have to be nearly twice as long). Still, it's a beautiful piece of motion picture, and well worth seeing. I'll rate it a 4 out of 6 on my dice.

Just Cause (1995)

Solid thriller who delivers the goods

[9 February 2002]

"Just Cause" is a psychological thriller about the American justice system in general, and capital punishment in particular. Sean Connery plays Paul Armstrong, a law professor who strongly opposes capital punishment. Responding to a plea, Armstrong comes out of semi-retirement and travels to Florida to help the young, black death row prisoner Bobby Earl Ferguson, who claims he has been falsely convicted of murder. Upon investigating Bobby Earl's case, Armstrong soon discovers several grave discrepancies, to the dismay of the local police officer, Tanny Brown (played by Laurence Fishburne). Racism and blind hatred, rather than actual proof, seems to have convicted Bobby Earl; and Armstrong sets out to clear the young man's reputation. In order to succeed, he needs to find out exactly how much Bobby Earl's cell-mate, the psychotic Blair Sullivan, knows about the murder.

In a movie like this, things aren't always what they seem. There are several plot twists which surprise the audience (one of them includes Armstrong's young wife and her past), and towards the end of the film, the action really starts to set in, and Armstrong's own convictions are tested as he finds his family in the hands of a mad killer. The movie depends on atmosphere and suspense until the last twenty minutes, when all hell breaks loose. It is nicely photographed, with several scenes from the damp, alligator-filled swamps surrounding the little Florida town.

Sean Connery is reliable as the stout, solid professor Armstrong, and as the centerpiece of the movie, he is totally convincing. But as the dubious police officer Tanny Brown, it is Laurence Fishburne who truly excels. He seems to own every scene he's in, and he fills his part to perfection. Kate Capshaw as Mrs. Armstrong and Blair Underwood as Bobby Earl also delivers strong performances. Several supporting actors, like Ned Beatty and Lynne Thigpen, adds to the quality of the film. The only real drawback among the actors is Ed Harris, whose portrayal of the psycho Sullivan is embarrassingly over-the-top. Harris sputters and screams, and fails to deliver anything remotely scary (as he obviously is supposed to). Compared to another movie psycho, the deliciously evil Hannibal Lecter, Harris' Sullivan is simply annoying.

"Just Cause" doesn't offer anything radically new in this movie genre, but it is a solid, mostly well-acted film who should deliver enough thrills and excitement to satisfy most viewers. Rating on a dice, I'll give it a 4 out of 6.

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Bond is back in top form

[5 January 2002]

I truly disliked "Tomorrow Never Dies", for being too much of a generic action movie, and too little of James Bond. Now, with TWINE, Bond is back at his very, very best: Slick, witty, charming, elegant - and relating more on a good plot than simply machine-gunning down his enemies.

TWINE begins with what may be the best opening sequence of any Bond movie - a breath-taking boat chase on the Thames, ending up in a hot air balloon by the Millennium Dome. It continues with a fascinating plot, full of twists and turns, and - quite a novelty for a Bond movie - some genuine character development.

Brosnan is more confident in his Bond role than ever - in his third outing, he IS Bond without any doubts. The stunningly beautiful Sophie Marceau brings tremendously much to the movie with her ambiguous character. Is she good or evil? What are her motivations? Denise Richards looks pretty and fills out her tank top in plenty, which I suppose is why they hired her in the first place. As for the main villain, Robert Carlyle is one of the few disappointments in the movie. He's just too bland to make any real impression, and somewhere along the way you start feeling sorry for him rather than hate him (which any good Bond villain should make you do). Then there's the always reliable Robbie Coltrane reprising his humourous role as Russian mafia-boss Zukovsky, and John Cleese makes a funny debut as Q's replacement.

The locations are mostly ugly (oil fields in Azerbadjan?), but there are some beautiful scenes to compensate (one skiing scene in particular). The action scenes are credible and well executed, and doesn't completely take control over the move (like in "Tomorrow Never Dies"). And finally, the musical score is nearly perfect, giving strong flashbacks to the golden era of John Barry.

This is one of the very best Bond movies ever in my opinion. I give it a strong 5 out of 6 on my dice, and recommend it to everyone!

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

Way too heavy-handed

[5 January 2002]

I really liked the first Bond-movie with Pierce Brosnan in the lead role, and looked forward to the second installment. Sadly, my expectations were not met. If this is the way Bond-movies of the future will look like, count me out.

First of all: James Bond is NOT John Woo-material. In this film, the kung-fu action is way, way over the top, and everything else you would expect to find in a Bond-movie is either reduced to a minimum, or removed all together. Where's the light-hearted, humourous Bond-touch? Where's the "Bond"-atmosphere of charm and luxury. Gone! What we're left with, is a kicking, screaming, machine-gunning run-of-the-mill action movie. A Bond movie is NOT supposed to be like any other action flick. If that's what you want, go rent John Woo instead. Let us keep the cavalier, smooth Bond-style, not this heavy-handed, humourless disappointment. Other drawbacks: Michelle Yeoh is dull as the primary Bond girl, doing way too much karate kicking, and being far too unattractive to hold any interest. The other Bond girl, beautiful Teri Hatcher gets all of what - five minutes screen time? - before she's gone. Pity! The main villain, Jonathan Pryce, is unconvincing at best. Maybe some of it is due to his far-fetched motivations, but still...not a memorable Bond villain.

The few upsides to this movie are a much improved soundtrack, with a genuine "Bond feeling" to it; and an interesting henchman (Mr. Stamper). A few funny gadgets (such as a remote-controlled BMW involved in a parking house car chase) also improves the overall impression.

Being a Bond movie, this is a disappointment. Being a standard action movie, I guess it delivers the goods. I give it a weak 3 out of 6 on my dice, and hope for some major improvements in the next Bond flick.

GoldenEye (1995)

A good return for the Bond franchise

[5 January 2002]

After a six year hiatus, the James Bond bandwagon started rolling again with this slick, funny and highly entertaining movie. In Pierce Brosnan, the producers have found a perfect Bond, at least for the time being. He looks - and plays - the part almost to perfection. Now I have to admit that I've liked everyone of the actors playing James Bond in one way or another. They all brought something different to the role, and it worked (most of the time). Brosnan certainly doesn't disappoint in his first outing as the famous British agent. The movie itself is definitively one of the better Bond movies - it contains almost all the required elements, and then some. The locations are wonderful - Monaco, St. Petersburg and the Caribbean, to mention some of them - and the action is certainly up to today's standards. There is also quite a bit of humour here, which I definitively think every Bond-movie should contain. After all, what would Bond be without those clever one-liners?

The villains are very good in this film - particularly Famke Janssen as the evil Xenia Onatopp, whose speciality is killing her victims by crushing them between her legs during intercourse (you simply have to love the Bond series just for coming up with such incredible characters...). Sean Bean is also very credible - for once, it is interesting to have a villain of Bond's own age and physique, not some old fuddy-duddy with a white cat on his lap. Power-hungry Russian general Ourumov impressively completes a strong villain triangle.

The downside to the movie is, first and foremost, the musical score. Maybe not a major point to all of you, but it certainly sets a mood to the film - or in this case, it doesn't. The fabulous James Bond theme is played to a minimum, and the rest of the time there's some heavy drum-beat which sounds like it's made on oil cans or something. The wonderful, tantalizing John Barry-themes from most of the Bond-movies is sorely missed here. Second, I didn't quite warm up to Judi Dench as M. She somehow reminded me too much of my grandmother...but this may improve in the coming Bond movies.

All in all, it's a strong return for James Bond, and it makes you look forward to the next movies. I'll rate this a 5 out of 6 on my dice.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Very faithful adaption of a great book

[4 January 2002]

It took me a while to warm up to the whole Harry Potter-hysteria, and so far I've only read the first book. But if the rest of the series is anywhere near as good as "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (yes, I've read the British version), I can't wait to get my hands on it.

As for the film, it's a very faithful adaption of the novel. Director Columbus has not strayed far from J.K. Rowling's plotlines, which works very well for me. I have to agree, though, with some of the other reviewers, that some of the "magic feeling" of the book is gone from the film. That said, it's still a great movie. The actors do a very fine job indeed, particularly the three young protagonists (with Rupert Grint/Ron as my personal favourite). Daniel Radcliffe does well as Harry, particularly considering that in the book, we get to know very much about him through his thoughts and feelings, which are not so easily conveyed on the big screen. The only funny thing about Radcliffe is the way his voice changes throughout the film (down - up - down again). But I guess that is the danger of working with pre-pubescent boys anyway... The "adult" cast is - as expected - outstanding, and very well suited for their characters (you just have to love Rickman as Snape...). The special effects are well done (and not overdone). The Quidditch game was especially spectacular, as well as the moving stairs and Fluffy the dog.

All in all, this is a wonderful movie for children of all ages. I give it a very strong 5 (out of 6) on my dice, and recommend it to everyone!

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Terribly, terribly overrated

[3 November 2001]

Maybe I've read and heard too much about this film before I finally got around to see it, because I have to say it really disappointed me. OK, so the actors were good and the film has an interesting premise, but I can honestly say I wasn't scared ONCE during the whole movie. On the contrary, I became more and more bored as the film progressed. By the end, I was glad I never wasted ticket money to see this in the cinema, but waited until it came on cable.

Here are a few of the reasons why I dislike the movie (WARNING - POSSIBLE SPOILERS):

• All the "scary" parts take place in complete darkness, where you are unable to see anything at all. It's confusing and irritating.

• You never see what stalks the three main characters in the woods - you only hear what I guess is supposed to be scary sounds in the background (but it sounds more like someone raking the lawn...)

• No music whatsoever (to create a more scary ambiance).

This terribly overrated movie was a great disappointment to me. Maybe I don't scare easily, but this movie certainly could have made more of an effort to at least try to scare me...

Rated on a dice (from 1 to 6) I give this movie a 2.

Final Destination (2000)

Nice and creepy - most of the time

[29 June 2000]

First of all, I agree with some of the other comments here that describes this film as "disturbing". Why? Probably because what happens to the characters in the film could just as well happen to you or me. Innocent, everyday items suddenly become fatal instruments of death. I also liked the idea of fate and/or "death" being the killer, not some loony mask-covered psychopath. There was a nice creepy atmosphere to most of the film which I really enjoyed. And I walked out of the cinema with an eerie feeling, always looking over my shoulder and checking MANY times before I crossed the road. In that respect, the movie was brilliant. There were a couple of flaws, however, which somewhat muddled up the general impression. First of all, the "Billy" character. Now why do scary films nowadays have to have this clichèd "funny" types in them, always making silly comments at the wrong moments? Take some of the "golden oldies" of horror - "Rosemary's Baby", "Omen", "The Exorcist" - they became a success because they kept the scary mood going throughout the film, not mixing it up with stupid attempts at humor. It just ruins the whole atmosphere of the film. Secondly, I felt the ending was a bit stretched, and it does open up nicely for a sequel...But, all in all, I enjoyed this film; I found the acting to be generally believeable (which is not always true of teen horror movies), and I was repeatedly scared and surprised by some of the sudden happenings in the movie. Oh - and the airplane sequence at the beginning is...upsetting, to say the least. Thank God I don't have any immediate holiday plans this summer...Judging on a dice, this film gets a strong 4 (out of 6).

A Season of Hope (1995 TV Movie)

As good as it gets

[11 April 2000]

I happened to drop in on this movie on a cable-TV-channel the other day, and found myself actually liking what I initially thought would be another boring, made-for-TV sob story. The film is set in a lemon grove in California, where the Hackett family struggles to make ends meet while they're fighting in between themselves because of different dreams and aspirations. The oldest son, Mickey, is tired of life on the grove and dreams only of getting out and away from it all. Michael, the father, is hell-bent on hanging on to his legacy, and ignores the warning signs of his family falling apart. On top of everything, Michael's long-lost father suddenly returns after being away almost 30 years, and the relationship between them is anything but loving. Michael's wife, Elizabeth, and the youngest son, Tyler, are trying to hold everything together, but when the prospect of a dangerous disease on the lemon trees looms, it all suddenly seems impossible.

This is a really feel-good movie, which I found to be both touching and sincere. JoBeth Williams gives (another) excellent performance as Elizabeth, and the dance scene between her and the crop inspector, Davis, is electrical. The song they're dancing to, "For A Love Like You" was actually nominated for an Emmy that year. For a TV movie, this is about as good as it gets. I'll give it a 5 out of 6 on my dice.

Diplomatic Siege (1999)

Slick, but dull

[10 April 2000]

This political thriller has a pretty good, up-to-date story (Serbian terrorists seeking revenge after one of their leaders is kidnapped by US soldiers to stand trial in Hague); but the execution is strangely lifeless and dull. Tom Berenger had top billing on my video cassette cover, but he didn't appear until about half of the movie had passed, and even then he got less screen time than Weller's son, played by teenage heartthrob Jeremy Lelliott. There is one rather catchy plot twist near the end (I didn't see it coming, maybe someone more observant would have) involving Weller and Hannah; but it didn't save this movie from being quite mediocre. By all means, the action stunts, the explosions and the machine-gun-firing is impressive, but the story and (most of) the acting is not. So unless you're a die hard fan of either of the actors involved, you probably won't be satisfied after watching this movie. Rating on a dice, I'll probably give it a 3 (out of 6).