Purity_of_Essence87 Reviews

Single Father (2010)

Beautiful and truthful

[10/10 · 4 August 2011]

I have to say I wasn't quite prepared for this miniseries when I first set down to watch it. I was led to it through my admiration of David Tennant, who does a truly remarkable job as the title character - Dave, a father of five children who suddenly and tragically loses his love, Rita. I feel uniquely qualified to judge the realism and emotional weight of the story having just lost my boyfriend equally as suddenly about 10 weeks ago. Coincidentally, the main story picks up for Dave at the same place in his life - 10 weeks after the loss.

So please keep that in mind when I say that these performances struck something very real and very present inside of me. The breakdowns Dave has are so incredibly and perfectly portrayed - the full rainbow of emotions artfully shining through David Tennant. The writing is exactly right. The leap from pain to sex isn't that far off and it's wonderful to see how such basic wants and desires can blossom into full-fledged love as Dave and Sarah cope with their loss.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the portrayal of Dave as father and his relationship with his children. Though you watch him almost neglecting them as he struggles, it is clear that he loves them above all else and so the character never becomes unlovable. The children's' performances are all spot-on (and you know how difficult it is to find good child actors).

To sum up, I feel as though my personal loss and pain was expressed through this film, and that is a fair feat. Thus, perhaps I was moved more than the average viewer may be, but I think there's enough solid drama, acting, and writing present to make this a worthwhile watch for anybody. Also, because it's always fun to just tack something on at the end, I really rather enjoyed the filmmaker's style and thought it was well directed.

The Prestige (2006)

A Breathtaking Tale of Obsession and Deceit...

[10/10 · 5 March 2007]

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are extraordinary in this mind-bending fantasy thriller. I couldn't get enough of the movie and it's true - you immediately want to watch it a second time. Well directed and written, spectacularly acted by the whole cast and it keeps you guessing even after the credits finish rolling.

If that isn't enough, the cinematography and art direction were wonderful. There's a real "magic" feel to the film and a surreal sense of wonderland. Who is the true protagonist? Antagonist? What is real and what is illusion? This film will keep you on the edge of your seat. Watch and decide for yourself. It's worth it.

I Trust You to Kill Me (2006)

Artistic and mournful....perfect

[10/10 · 11 November 2006]

This is not a music documentary - not solely, anyway. It documents the journey of two separate artists and their transformations not only through life, but on the tour featured within the film. Though the movie is about Rocco Deluca and his band and music, Kiefer Sutherland plays an intricate and intregal part.

The parallels between the two men, like absent fathers, make a connection that doesn't need to be explained. The pain of the artist(s) is made clear, and both men's honesty and openness to the camera makes for wonderful film.

Rarely have I seen a celebrity, let alone one of Sutherland's caliber, be so clear and so true while being filmed in a private setting. Sutherland's words obviously come from the heart, and he reveals so much about who he is. It's more than impressive.

Everyone should listen to Rocco's music. A wonderful songwriter and even better performer, he and his band, The Burden (Dave, Ryan, and Greg) have a unique and moving sound quality. Something I particularly noticed was when Rocco plays, it's like everything else fades back. You can't help but be mesmerized.

How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog (2000)

Hilarious!

[10/10 · 12 October 2006]

This overlooked gem is everything you want from a movie. It's funny, has great acting, and better yet - a plausible and well laid out plot! Kenneth Branagh shines as Peter, the writer with writer's block, and Robin Wright Penn is perfect as his child-hopeful wife.

The dynamics presented are new and unique, as is the humor. You'll find no tired jokes in this flick! However, I did find myself laughing heartily out loud on more than one or two occasions.

This is a great drama about middle age life, perceptions, and relationships. My advice? See this movie! It's truly great! Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite actors, and that is how I stumbled across this film - I suggest you do the same.

Warm Springs (2005 TV Movie)

How did even two people give this a 1 out of 10?

[10/10 · 8 October 2006]

I'm in shock that two people gave this excellent film a 1 out of 10. I can perhaps see how some didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did, but to rate it as awful shows just plain ignorance to me.

Not only is this gem beautifully scripted, wonderfully shot and edited, as well as tremendously directed, but Cynthia Nixon and Kenneth Branagh dominate. I am familiar with a wide selection of Branagh's work, and this is one of his best performances to date! FDR is my favorite President, and I surely feel that Branagh does justice to the man.

On a personal note, I was brought to tears on three separate occasions when watching this film. Now, this may not seem like much, but rare is it that a tear falls from my eye even once during a showing.

Please, please see this film, if only for it's inspiration. I believe this is a sadly overlooked masterpiece, and we must not allow it to be forgotten. If you liked his Hamlet, you'll love his Franklin.

Romeo Is Bleeding (1993)

Excellent Modern Noir

[10/10 · 23 October 2005]

I loved this film. Mostly for the acting, but the story line is compelling and you can feel for even the most rotten of people.

This story is a great callback to the Film Noirs of classical film times.

Gary Oldman does an incredible job, one of his best IMO, as the corrupt cop, Jack Grimaldi.

Lena Olin is one of the most deadly women on the planet...if you see her, run.

If all this isn't enough, GO is hot as anything in his role.

So rent it for that if you hate Noir but love Oldman.

Cheers and happy viewings.

Swimming Upstream (2003)

Beautiful

[10/10 · 12 June 2005]

That just about sums up this film. Beautiful. What it depicts may not be, but it's portrayal certainly is not even given justice in words. Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis were incredible. Had the film only featured the two of them, I think it still would've been amazing. Jesse Spencer also performed wonderfully, especially for such a young actor. Incredibly gifted, the three of them.

My warning is this: this is not even close to a comedy and I think it's a highly emotional movie. Somewhat of a roller-coaster in that aspect. But worth every minute of film. It has just been moved to one of my favourite movies, and is now one of my favourite Geoffrey Rush movies up there with Shine, Elizabeth, and Pirates.

Just see it.

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)

Excellent Film

[10/10 · 11 May 2005]

I went into this movie as a fan of both Geoffrey Rush and Peter Sellers, and I was not left disappointed. I have read several reviews from Peter Sellers fans that they did not like seeing the darker side of the man. Well, I guess I didn't mind. In fact, I came out more sympathetic for Sellers than I had before because I felt so bad for the dude.

Oscar-worthy performance by pretty much the whole cast, especially Geoffrey Rush. I really liked the film style and the doppleganging by Rush. It really helped enforce what Peter Sellers was actually like - unable to express himself through himself - just through others. The movie as a whole left me really satisfied - no real unanswered questions or anything. Definitely worth sitting down and watching for a couple hours.

The impressions Rush did of Sellers impersonating characters and such were excellent, especially his Dr. Strangelove, which I think could've fooled Kubrick. His Clousseau was a little weak, as stated by some, but I think that's understandable. That character has been done and re-done so many times, that nothing could even compare to the real thing anymore.

Sin City (2005)

Good film, AMAZING style

[10/10 · 2 April 2005]

I just saw this film and all i have to say is wow! Not so much the acting, which for the most part was okay, but i have never seen a film done like this. It was so incredibly innovative and mindblowing. Shooting in black and white was the perfect idea, and especially adding colour for certain that dramatic effect. You know, someone's eyes, blood, lipstick, etc. It was just really cool because it was like reading a comic book..without the...reading part?

Only downside to the film was that it got a little bit slow around the middle, but jeez what a story. I liked the Film Noir style narration, and the characters are all so extreme they are just so cool. Elijah Wood really freaked me out as Kevin. Brucy does a good job and so does Rourke, Del Toro, Alba, and everyone pretty much.

I leave you with, see this movie, you will either love it or hate it, but it's worth the view.

Lantana (2001)

Surprised Me

[10/10 · 1 April 2005]

The movie surprised me not in that it was good, which it was but I was expecting that, but the dynamics of all the characters.

The intertwining plot was played out beautifully on screen and all the characters were portrayed brilliantly by all the actors. I didn't realize for the longest time that Anthony LaPahglia was NOT American and in fact an Aussie. Go him!

Love Geoffrey Rush anyway and he did a great job as the mysterious and suspected husband. The relationships portrayed in the film come across as so real and true that it's sometimes difficult to remember that none of the people are ACTUALLY married.

All in all, great film, great ensemble cast, great writing, directing, etc. View and be happy.