Bob_Arctor Reviews

Lockout (2012)

Thoroughly enjoyable derivative nonsense

[9/10 · 21 April 2012]

I'd skimmed a few reviews inc Ebert's (avoid, even if you skim to the end, he spoils it) and didn't expect much.

Really enjoyed it. Yes it's a re-tread of Escape from New York but who cares.

Good pace, strong acting (Pearce is a given but Gulgun the real revelation - genuinely emotional stuff) Anyone who slates this movie has lost their inner child (or mid-teen) watch it for what it is, not for what you think it reminds you of.

Enjoy, and make up your mind before you let others do it for you.

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The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Thoroughly enjoyable movie (slight spoiler)

[12 April 2004]

This was much better than I expected.

I'd read some negative comments plus criticism of Kutcher's acting and wasn't expecting much, but I'm pleased to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

A wonderfully twist-filled plot and a very satisfactory solution. Kutcher's acting was spot-on by the way, especially as he became more and more deranged in the movie's denouement.

For those intent on picking apart the various potential plot holes, may I remind them that this is a *time travel* movie. There are BOUND to be plot holes. If you want an air tight plot, go and watch Wuthering Heights!

Star Cops (1987)

A breath of fresh space.

[12 December 2003]

I remembered this series after seeing The Moody Blues on breakfast TV the other morning. It reminded me of Justin Hayward's haunting theme song for the show ("Like a ripple on the water...")

Great series. Hard Sci Fi, uncompromising and willing to take a risk. Like a previous reviewer said. The stories weren't huge "save the world" epics but they were so well written they didn't need to be. Even the effects were just a little above the Dr Who budget level, but it didn't matter

I hope it'll turn up on TV again some day.

Daredevil (2003)

Excellent movie, better than I expected.

[10/10 · 2 July 2003]

Missed it at the cinema and caught it on DVD. I only wish I'd seen it on the big screen. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot understand why there are so many negative comments. Maybe people see it as a cheap Batman/Spiderman copy rather than the unique character he is.

It's not as deep as the original comics but then how can it be with years of material to live up to.

All the essentials are there: The origin, the acrobatics, the fights, the costume, Kingpin (who cares if they changed him from white to black, Michael Clark Duncan has so much screen presence I can't imagine anyone else in the role!). Affleck is far better than I expected, giving a real sensitivity to the role and all the supporting cast are excellent too. A special tip of the hat to Colin Farrell as a wonderfully unhinged Bullseye (be sure to keep watching as the credits roll)

Shame there little chance of a sequel.