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agelshaxe
Reviews
Enduring Love (2004)
Good film adaptation
Enduring Love is probably one of the most thrilling books I have ever read with its exciting storyline, memorable characters and--of course--McEwan's brilliant prose. I was very excited to find out there was a movie based on the novel, even though I stayed cautious, not wanting to be too disappointed.
Fortunately, Enduring Love is a fine adaptation of its source material. Though it doesn't go as deep as the novel does, it certainly delivers as a smart, different type of thriller.
Daniel Craig is one of the highlights of this film, playing the lead character, Joe, with intensity and believability. Seeing him bounce off Rhys Ifans in their awkward confrontations is equally entertaining as the latter portrays the antagonist, Jed Parry, with skillful nuance. Samantha Morton and Bill Nighy on top of all that ? Heck yes !
Though many details have been altered, one can see that the filmmakers have a good feel for the novel because its atmosphere is brilliantly transferred to the screen. The first frantic scenes, the paranoia throughout, the looks the characters exchange, it feels right.
The only true criticism I would have would be with the pacing. It suited me but someone who hasn't read the book and really got to know the characters might not really care about seeing some things happen and at such a contemplative pace.
Anyway... A good film which I enjoyed, but if you want the full "Enduring Love" experience, get the book (preferably during your vacation ! ) and savor it!
Face/Off (1997)
John Woo in the USA
I didn't really know what to expect when I decided to see Face/Off. I love all the movies John Woo made back in Hong Kong, they are all fantastic. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for some of his Hollywood endeavors such as the sadly mediocre M-I:2 . I was afraid, but I decided to give Face/Off a chance.
I wasn't disappointed. Though the basic science-fiction-esquire premise is kinda sorta very silly, it is ultimately a small nitpick in the face of the main performances and the action.
Indeed, Nick Cage and John Travolta do a good job at exchanging faces, roles, personalities, whatever and it makes for some entertaining situations. The rest of the cast, however, is pretty boring and I was most disappointed to see how Joan Allen just seems to stand around with big, wide eyes...
Then there are the big, fat, juicy John Woo action scenes. At first it was kind of strange seeing Cage and Travolta diving into the air, Matrix-style, like Chow-Yun Fat, but I quickly got used to it. The action scenes didn't disappoint, with gun-blazing, slow-mo extravaganzas and a final explosive chase which actually made me giggle with glee. And I have seen a lot of good action movies--including most of John Woo's.
So, in the end, I was glad to have seen Face/Off, as it made me see a John Woo movie I hadn't yet. Despite a pretty silly premise, this is a good action movie... Have fun !
Cloverfield (2008)
Intense and Thrilling
After long months of clues scattered about the internet, teaser trailers for a nameless film about the decapitation of the statue of liberty and viral sites, Cloverfield was upon us : a movie that thrills, chills, terrifies and leaves you with a pounding heart and a gaping mouth...
I have heard some say that the video camera-style filming made a lot of people dizzy at the theater. I couldn't say so myself as I saw the film on DVD. My personal viewing of the film on a small screen added a little to the feeling that the movie was a Youtube-Clip or something like that which felt pretty cool.
Being a relatively short film, Cloverfield doesn't wait too long to plunge you deep into a cataclysmic event that plunges Manhattan into chaos. The special effects--which are fantastically rendered despite the ever-shaking camera--are oftentimes frighteningly believable and dump you straight into the event which makes you feel like your part of the crowd; a feeling that is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. The actors' screams of terror and traumatized expressions are good enough to add to the experience, though some of the dialogs during the quieter moments do sometimes feel a little off, especially those of the too-talkative cameraman.
Cloverfield is an exciting film with a core idea that brilliantly succeeds: you really feel like your seeing an apocalyptic event take place. If not for the story, which--in the end--only plays a secondary part, you should definitely watch this film if you're searching for a high-intensity thrill-ride of a movie!
Battlestar Galactica: Faith (2008)
Exciting !
The beginning of BSG's fourth season has, in my opinion, been so-so this far: a mix of okay episodes and some less good ones with a lot of bizarre happenings (especially plots including the four new Cylons).
This new episode advances the story considerably and satisfyingly and even ties in things some of you may have heard in BSG: Razor. There are also many exciting moments throughout the episode which get the adrenaline pumping and a few welcome surprises. Though the President Roslin part of the episode is less exciting, it is touching and the guest appearance of Nana Visitor is a treat for those who enjoyed DS9.
Looking forward to more episodes like this !