i-burgess1 Reviews

Harry Brown (2009)

Nothing Really Original here

[5/10 · 12 December 2009]

I found this film rather disappointing. Although it was good to see both David Bradley and Michael Caine the rest of the characters I'm afraid were two dimensional and all rather predictable. This film reminded me of Death Wish and in that sense was derivative. And how predictable was it that the female police officer was right (and right-on PC) - just like the TV series The Bill? The final scene of the DI has been seen so many times before - a corrupt system. We'd seen enough to know that that would happen. The characterisation of the young people was awful. None of them had any redeeming qualities. The writer of this film should watch The Wire/Goodfellas for how to draw the characters of even the bad guys. I suppose the fee that Michael Caine received will add to his pension but this is not one of his better films.

City Island (2009)

Seen on a Jet Plane

[6/10 · 27 November 2009]

I saw this film when travelling from Hong Kong to the UK - one of 6 'Art House' movies. Watched all the way through and then the film froze right at the end - with Andy Garcia about to tell his secret (one can see his wife in the wings) - duh - so what happened? I know it wasn't the true end because there was no roll of the credits/cast. I found it to be quite predictable with nobody in the family listening to anybody else and a whole lot of shouting (maybe the director has been watching too many soaps where shouting seems to be the equivalent of good acting). I thought the characters were stereotypes; so the storyline was rather predictable except perhaps the likes of the young son in the family. Art House it ain't.

Army of Crime (2009)

Thought provoking film.

[8/10 · 11 October 2009]

I'm surprised at some of the comments here. Cliff Hanley I think you'll find that all the members of the gang were white so can't see where you got the idea that the leader had a 'multi-coloured' gang. From different national and religious groups, yes. Can't say I agree that his comments are anti-Semitic, David W - Hanley's comments about the Palestinians are simply irrelevant. I was struck by the coldness of both sides. What does come through is that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. At least the gang tried not to kill civilians, but that came from the members not the leaders. What Mr Timothy has against 'knobs', I do not know! 'Nazi knobs' 'Commie knobs' - how about door knobs? I thought that this was a very powerful film - with few redeeming characters. Under extreme circumstances people give up their ethics, but at what price? Betrayal, either innocent or knowing is one of the major themes of the arts (see Graham Greene's books).

Breathing Lessons (1994 TV Movie)

Ann Tyler story

[6/10 · 12 February 2009]

So it was TV movie - I only saw it fairly recently but feel I must write something about it. Some of the comments on here indicate that the viewer has never read anything by Ann Tyler (my favourite writer). She writes about ordinary people who have their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and dreams. And that's what this couple were like. One viewer found the Joanne Woodward character irritating - and so one might if you view her out of context. The wonderful thing about Ann Tyler is how she gets into the heads of ordinary men and I presume women. The Joanne Woodward character brings an optimism and 'romance' to the relationship with the Garner figure. I enjoyed the movie - just like I enjoy Tyler's novels - I'm always disappointed when I get to the last page, just want to know more. If you've not read her stories give her a try. The movie is a reasonable introduction.

The Wrestler (2008)

Great sporting movie

[9/10 · 24 January 2009]

Mickey Rourke is back on form. I saw the trailer to this film and just knew I had to see it. The wrestling scenes were very well done - reminded me a bit of the wrestling one used to see on ITV on a Saturday afternoon during the 1970s in the UK. I thought the story was tightly organised and one could understand the main character's motive in continuing to wrestle - don't want to say more. I hardly ever give films such a high rating. This film stayed with me for hours after I'd seen it. Having seen The Reader all I'd say is that this film has so much more passion to it - especially from the performances of the 3 major characters - all have strengths and weaknesses. In some ways I found it a bit reminiscent of Million Dollar Baby - but it certainly isn't a derivative of that. Great sporting movie - but go and see it for yourself (shame on Bristol that the cinema in which I saw it was not even half full on a Saturday night).

I've Loved You So Long (2008)

Moving Forwards

[7/10 · 4 October 2008]

I found that this film stayed with me for a few days after I'd seen it. The film shows some strange behaviours which are resolved as the story unfolds (e.g., the initial attitude of the brother-in-law which seems both heartless towards his sister-in-law and insensitive towards his wife). The portrayal of the relationship of the sisters is well done while the development of the relationship between Scott-Thomas and Greville is beautifully drawn - in a way that only French directors manage; the smallest gestures having deep meaning. I thought the direction of the older child was nothing short of outstanding - that is how articulate 7 to 8 year old children behave. I think that this is a life-affirming film despite the obvious losses. There is both a literal and symbolic birth.

Angel (2007)

Angel? More like spoilt brat.

[4/10 · 21 September 2008]

Now I must admit I've not read the book, but I cannot believe that it can be this bad. The dialogue is awful. At the beginning of the film the lead (totally out of her depth) speaks like a 21st century adolescent. What child in Victorian times would have spoken to her mother like she did, stomped off, slammed her bedroom door and not come down to dinner? I was amazed that she didn't switch on her I-Pod. A totally unsympathetic character - gauche is probably a compliment. And the literature she was supposed to be producing? Gothic rubbish (see Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey for a put down of this tripe)? The outcome of the relationship with her husband was totally predictable - oh, how ironic at the end! What a waste of Sam Neill and one of my favourite actresses, Charlotte Rampling. Tyntesfield looked good though - mind you, in these days of 'global warming' we don't get snow in Wraxall anymore.

In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Not enough Susan

[6/10 · 23 March 2008]

I saw this film while flying from Auckland/Hong Kong to London so one sort of gets film-lagged never mind jet-lagged. I thought there was too much Charlize and not enough Susan. I know this might have hampered getting over the theme of a 'woman in a man's world' (yawn) - Sarandon's depth of despair was not really explored; especially the effects on her relationship with Jones as well as her view of her son as more information is disclosed (does she ever find out?). An opportunity missed; Sarandon could have given this film much more depth rather than it being a rather mundane thriller exploring stereotyped themes.

Control (2007)

Surprised that it was so good

[9/10 · 5 October 2007]

I read the reviews of this film and decided it was worth a punt. I have to say that although I was in Manchester during the 1970s I was not a fan of Punk music. This film is beautifully made - almost like a 1950/60s kitchen sink film of the gritty north (there are worse places than Macclesfield, believe me!). I don't know Joy Divsion's work but the acting in this film by the major players was excellent. Sam Riley as Curtis is very very good as is Samantha Morton as his downtrodden wife. I thought the guy who played the manager was a bit OTT. What a shame that Tony Wilson died before this was released. My reaction to it was much like the one I had to Trainspotting. I was convinced that I wouldn't like it but came away feeling that this was a very important film. Even if you don't know Punk music or Joy Division - go along. Well worth it.

London to Brighton (2006)

Gangster Movie - Brit Style

[7/10 · 15 December 2006]

This film had a good start which then unfolded to give the viewer an understanding of what had happened. I thought the sets were really good - showed the squalor in which these people existed. Characters were a bit two-dimensional; nice touch showing the relationship between the young girl and the young gangster at the end. The final scenes were not as surprising as might have been thought. Derek was not only nasty, but was also stupid. At least the 'tart with the heart' didn't settle down in rural domesticity - back on the mean streets of King Cross(?). Not as good as the other recent Britflick I've seen (Red Road) - now there was brilliant film.