houndtang75 Reviews

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)

Well worth checking out

[8/10 · 24 February 2017]

I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore - mouthful of a title masks a nifty little blackly comic thriller about a woman turning to vigilantism after a burglary. Melanie Lynskey is perfect in the main role and is well supported by Elijah Wood and by a quirky cast of side characters. The plot goes in one or two unexpected directions and the film doesn't outstay its welcome. Writer/Director Macon Blair - who starred in the thematically similar but more po-faced Blue Ruin - has made a most enjoyable debut here.

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

An effective slow burner

[8/10 · 4 November 2016]

The rather awkwardly but evocatively titled 'I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House' is a slow, relatively uneventful, somewhat opaque but rewarding ghost story. There are few outright scares but the film succeeds in creating a chilling mood aided by effective performances from a small cast and evocative music. I believe 'I Am the Pretty Thing...' is a homage to Shirley Jackson and whilst I have not read her work there are certainly echoes of the film 'The Haunting' based on one of Jackson's most famous stories. The basic set-up was also vaguely reminiscent of 'The Grudge'. Overall, an unusual film that won't be to all tastes but which I enjoyed.

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)

Bafflingly under-rated

[9/10 · 8 June 2013]

Quite why this excellent film was little appreciated upon release and remains relatively overlooked in the annals of British cinema is hard to explain. Perhaps it was just a question of timing and a backlash against the brief resurgence of British cinema in the 60s. Whatever the reason, Far from the Madding Crowd remains well worth watching, remaining engrossing for all of its lengthy running time - in fact this is a rare case of a film that could have been longer as some incidents do feel slightly telescoped. As for the performances, Julie Christie is good and remarkably beautiful as the heroine, but it's the men in her life - solid Oak, sexy but impecunious Troy, and obsessive Boldwood - and the actors who play them that make the film really memorable.

Bad Teacher (2011)

Not Bad

[7/10 · 17 June 2011]

Bad Teacher, the title and theme of which seems to pay homage to Bad Santa, is one of the best comedies of the last couple of years. Not saying much I hear you cry and that's true but this is enjoyable from start to finish and Cameron Diaz proves herself an excellent comedienne. Also very good is the supporting cast particularly Lucy Punch as the relentlessly perky but somewhat creepy rival teacher Amy Squirrel. It would be intriguing to see a sequel featuring Amy bringing her own 'brand of zany energy to the disadvantaged students of Malcolm X High'. Justin Timberlake and Jason Segel also do a good job as potential suitors for Diaz's bimbo teacher.

Shutter Island (2010)

A massive slice of A-grade hokum

[6/10 · 14 March 2010]

Shutter Island is one of the biggest loads of old tosh I've seen in a long time. The twist - if you can call it that - can be guessed from the trailer and must have been seen at least 47 movies before this one. There is a strange, artificial feel to the whole film, with the crazily doom-laden music the icing on the bizzaro cake. How this 70s B-movie script attracted Scorsese, DiCaprio, Ruffalo etc who know - perhaps it was just an excuse to camp it up for a while. That said, it entertains in its way, despite its overlength and awkward plotting. Truly a bit of a curio, no doubt it will become something of a cult 'guilty pleasure' down the line.

Youth in Revolt (2009)

A flicker of hope for film comedy...

[9/10 · 14 February 2010]

Youth in Revolt is probably an 8 out 10 really, but the standards of film comedy are so low at the moment I'm giving it an extra point just for not being awful. Incredibly for a recent US effort it does not feature Seth Rogen, Steve Carell, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Paul Rudd or any of the funny-five-years-ago but now dreadfully over-exposed Frat Pack. Unless you count Michael Cera, who I suppose is the thin, thinking man's Seth Rogen.

Cera, an actor in his 20s doomed to play 16 year olds for a good few years yet, plays a geeky loser called Nick Twisp who devises a cool, criminally inclined alternative persona to help him win the beautiful Sheeni. There's nothing amazingly original here, although some of the dialogue is pleasingly quirky, but there's a freshness and amiability about this movie - a massive contrast to the bloated and self-indulgent Funny People which I also saw recently - that makes it well worth a look.

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District 9 (2009)

Certainly one of the best SF films of recent years

[8/10 · 20 September 2009]

I didn't know quite what to expect from District 9, but it's a diverting film and the South African setting and characters sets it apart from Hollywood films (where a happy ending is usually guaranteed) and makes it a more unpredictable experience. The performances are very good for the genre with Wikus a great flawed hero. The SFX are also great with the CGI work much more realistic than has been the norm in recent times. The only thing that kept it off a 9/10 for me was that it did descend into a bit of a chase movie in the last half hour or so. The ending is neatly done though and a sequel can surely not be far off.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Tarantino gets his mojo back, baby

[10/10 · 31 August 2009]

After the self-indulgence of the Kill Bill films and the drivel that was Death Proof, my expectations were not high for Inglorious Basterds. Trailers and reviews did little to change my mind. Only on the recommendation of a friend did I go to see it, and I'm glad I did. This is an excellent film - tense, funny, compelling. There are some great set-pieces, such as the opening scene of Landa questioning the farmer and the scene in the bierkeller. The ensemble cast is almost uniformly good, with only Mike Myers awful 'Austin Powers at 60' cameo striking a false note, and even Brad Pitt effective in his role. Inglorious Basterds shows that Tarantino has, despite his own best efforts, not lost the talent that produced Pulp Fiction and that when he reigns in his ego he can be a great director.

Anything for Her (2008)

Tense and gripping

[9/10 · 6 June 2009]

Another Gallic thriller in the vein of Tell No One, but not to be sniffed at. Vincent Lindon is superb as the ordinary guy trying to bust his wife out of prison. Diane Kruger is also effective, if slightly implausibly beautiful, as the desperate wife. Their sympathetic, believable performances keep what could have been a far-fetched story grounded in reality. Some genuinely tense scenes are also well handled by the director. This is the third foreign language thriller I've seen a few weeks (others were Let the Right One In and Fermat's Room) and it has to be said the continentals are doing it better than the English language cinema. Anything For Her is well worth a look and it doesn't outstay its welcome at 96 minutes.

Fermat's Room (2007)

The greatest enigma of all

[8/10 · 31 May 2009]

I heard about this film some time ago and was waiting for ages for it to be released. Whilst it probably wasn't worth such a wait, it's still an entertaining little puzzle movie. This is a genre that is plumbed relatively infrequently - The Last of Sheila springs to mind - but is often quite enjoyable. 'Fermat's Room' sets up an intriguing situation, gets a bit far-fetched to be sure, and shows signs of flagging inspiration when it dredges up the old 'one jailer always tells the truth, one always lies, you only have one question' chestnut, which was done in 'Doctor Who' in about 1976; but it doesn't outstay it's welcome and provides some tension and a few twists along the way. Probably more 7.5 than 8 out of 10 but hey.

Stardust (2007)

Some magic in it...

[9/10 · 13 December 2008]

For some reason I had no great desire to see Stardust, the reviews were lukewarm and the trailers didn't look too interesting (too much Ricky Gervais!), so it was only tonight when it came on TV that I watched it. I was pleasantly surprised; Stardust is a very enjoyable fantasy film, not unworthy of comparison with The Princess Bride. The story maintains interest over almost two hours and satisfies as good fairy tales should. The cast is strong with the beautiful Claire Danes doing a rather good English accent, Charlie Cox a likable hero and Michelle Pfeiffer and Mark Strong appropriately hissable baddies. A candidate for most under-rated film of the last year or so.

The Snake (2006)

Lurid stuff

[7/10 · 19 October 2008]

Slightly unlikely French adaptation of a British thriller - 'Plender' by Ted 'Get Carter' Lewis - the French do seem to like these kind of British/American thrillers, 'Tell No One' was in a similar vein. The film starts well, with the characters intriguingly introduced, but the plot gets increasingly lurid and far-fetched. When Vincent smashes through a window and onto some scaffolding to escape the authorities all credibility goes with him. It's never boring and is well-acted, and in its unlikely plot revelations somewhat reminiscent of 'Oldboy'. In fact, had this been a Korean or Japanese film it probably would not have seemed as silly.

How to Lose Friends & Alienate People (2008)

Pegg entertains again

[8/10 · 5 October 2008]

'How to Lose Friends and Alienate People' is an entertaining, if loose, adaptation of Toby Young's memoir of the same name. It's also a great title for helping to fill up the line requirement in IMDb reviews! The basic gist is the same as the book with certain incidents dramatised, but a romantic plot is added and the ending is certainly Hollywoodised. Simon Pegg, despite playing an essentially irritating person, is his usual likable and funny self and pretty much carries the film. Strange to think only a few years ago he was just a TV sitcom guy and now he's rubbing shoulders with Hollywood names. There's a good supporting cast and it's an amusing, easy watch - kind of a male 'Ugly Betty', but funnier.

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Definitely

[9/10 · 16 June 2008]

There is more rom than com in 'Definitely, Maybe' but Adam Brook's film is none the worse for that. It is one of those well-scripted, well-acted, highly professional films that Hollywood rarely makes these days and it is refreshing to see a romantic comedy than doesn't resort to slapstick and bawdy humour. Ryan Reynolds is effective in the lead, and the three (or four if you count his daughter) women in his life are all fine, with Isla Fisher being particularly good (you're rooting for her all the way). There are some genuinely touching moments here, especially towards the end. I look forward to seeing more from Adam Brooks.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

?

[6/10 · 31 January 2008]

Joel and Ethan Coen's 'No Country for Old Men' has proved to be one of the year's most critically acclaimed films, with a raft of Oscar nominations adding to its apparent lustre. On viewing though, one has to ask what all the fuss is about.

The story contrives to be straightforward and opaque at the same time; trailer-trash Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) happens upon a corpse and a bag full of money in the Texan desert. As always happens in the movies, he decides to keep it for himself, thus attracting the attention of the extremely sinister Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem sporting an equally sinister pudding bowl haircut). The first three-quarters of the film are essentially about Moss trying to evade Chigurh's murderous clutches, whilst folksy but ineffectual Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) follows two steps behind. This section of the film works well as a thriller, with some tense and exciting scenes as Chigurh relentlessly pursues the resourceful Moss. However, much remains rather unclear; for instance the origin of the money is never really made clear and a bounty-hunter type character (a nice cameo from Woody Harrelson) enters and exits the story quickly and rather pointlessly.

Had 'No Country' continued in the thriller vein for its two hour running time, then it would have been a strong entry in the genre, but those Oscar nods would still have been rather mystifying. However the film literally loses the plot in the last quarter, with the abrupt, off-screen death of a central character and a slow, meandering and ultimately rather pointless finale. All in all, 'No Country For Old Men' must be one of the more disappointing and over-rated films of recent years.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Defines quirky

[8/10 · 1 December 2007]

A really nice film basically, superior to the slightly too off-kilter 'Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou', whilst maybe not quite reaching up to the heights of 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. Excellent performances from three very convincing brothers in Wilson, Brody and Schwarzmann. Like Wes Anderson's other films, 'The Darjeeling Limited' is a difficult movie to describe, you really have to see it to get a real sense of what it is about. There are similarities with Anderson's other films - the cast, the music, the use of slow-motion, but the Indian background gives a fresh dimension to proceedings. Recommended but probably not to all tastes - when I bought my ticket the woman behind me commented loudly 'That's crap!'.

Run Fatboy Run (2007)

Predictable, but likable

[8/10 · 15 September 2007]

Yes, it is predictable as anything but 'Run Fat Boy Run' is an enjoyable comedy, with Simon Pegg basically playing Shaun again as the amiable loser who comes good and wins the girl. Pegg's range is not wide but he is a very likable performer, and I personally found this film preferable to the somewhat disappointing 'Hot Fuzz'. There's also a decent supporting cast, with Dylan Moran (also from 'Shaun of the Dead') amusing as Pegg's friend and trainer, although Hank Azaria's nasty Yank love-rival character is a bit stereotypical. Director David Schwimmer, who must have become buddies with Pegg on the fairly obscure 'Big Nothing', has a blink and you'll miss him cameo towards the end.

Knocked Up (2007)

A bit disappointing...

[7/10 · 28 August 2007]

Having loved 'Anchorman' and 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' I was really looking forward to 'Knocked Up', but it didn't deliver in the same way those two did. That's not to say it's a bad film, just nothing exceptional. It has some good laughs and funny performances but could have done with a bit of script-editing. There was also no chemistry between Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl which made their decision to stay together seem a bit implausible, unlike the well-played relationship between Steve Carell and Catherine Keener in '40 Year Old Virgin'. Ben's instant transformation from slobby flatmate to job and spacious apartment was all a bit unlikely also. All in all a nice enough movie but don't expect a classic.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)

One of the finest films ever made

[10/10 · 4 August 2007]

Powell and Pressburger made some excellent films together before the creative juices ran dry, but I think 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp' is my favourite. It's one of those rare and wonderful films that you can watch again and again and it always feels like the first time you've seen it. Roger Livesey gives a magnificent performance as Clive Candy, ably supported by Anton Walbrook and Deborah Kerr, looking luminous in her first big role. Livesey made few films but was memorable in those he did appear in, particularly those by 'The Archers'. Like Powell's other colour films of the time the photography is beautiful and the film has that idiosyncratic touch that he brought to many of his best pictures.

About a Boy (2002)

A great and underrated film

[10/10 · 4 March 2007]

I'm not a great fan of Hugh Grant the usual foppish, stammering roles he plays (although I concede he does it well) but in the Bridget Jones films and more particularly in 'About A Boy' he displays real talent and deserved at least an Oscar nomination. Will is a fine creation - an empty, shallow and selfish man, but deep down there's a good person who just needs to make a real connection with someone. Nicholas Hoult was also excellent as Marcus and the film manages to amuse and move without descending into overt sentimentality. The 'Killing Me Softly' ending is a classic. Despite the very British feel and setting this was surprisingly directed by the Weitz brothers who made the rather unsubtle 'American Pie' series.

Rocky Balboa (2006)

Stallone pulls it off

[9/10 · 21 January 2007]

When it was announced Sylvester Stallone was making yet another Rocky movie at the age of 60, I think a lot of people, myself included, smirked to themselves at the thought of an onslaught of cheese with a patently overage star making a fool of himself. However, in one of the nicest surprises in recent film history, 'Rocky Balboa' is a very enjoyable film - it's slight, predictable and sentimental yet somehow it just works. There is a real sense of art imitating life, or vice versa, with a written-off star proving the critics wrong and Stallone gives a great performance as the indomitable old boxer, coming back to prove himself one last time.

The Holiday (2006)

Cheesy, corny, predictable.....but I liked it!

[8/10 · 15 December 2006]

'The Holiday' has a script that must have practically written itself, there's absolutely nothing new here, and it is reminiscent of quite a few other films, particularly 'Love Actually'. However, it is most entertaining and surely that in itself is an achievement these days - it's the kind of film that could have been made in the 1940s. The cast is impeccably typecast, Cameron Diaz is looking a little haggard but Kate Winslet is luminous. There's also a sweet supporting turn from the spritely nonagenarian Eli Wallach (who will forever be Tuco in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'). Jude Law plays the part he almost always plays - incredibly handsome, really nice bloke - and Jack Black plays the part he almost always plays - cheeky but cuddly bloke. A nice film.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

The Simple Art of Murder

[10/10 · 17 November 2006]

'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' was marketed absurdly (in the UK at least) as almost an art-house movie but in reality it is the kind of purely entertaining film that Hollywood used to be able to make in its sleep. The film has no pretensions, the plot is convoluted but essentially unimportant and the film's success rests on the witty dialogue and the interplay between the engaging, offbeat characters. Robert Downey is too old for his role and Michelle Monaghan too young for hers but they, along with Val Kilmer as Gay Perry, give excellent performances. I hope to see more from Shane Black, who also wrote the underrated hokum 'The Long Kiss Goodnight'.

Paths of Glory (1957)

One of the greats

[10/10 · 24 September 2006]

'Paths of Glory' is one of those rare films that you can come across on TV halfway through and be gripped to the end no matter how many times you have seen it. Easily Kubrick's best film, his later pictures were brilliantly shot but emotionally empty, it also features career-best performances from pretty much everyone concerned. Even Kirk Douglas, not the world's greatest actor, is highly effective in his role as the compassionate Colonel Dax. George Macready and Adolphe Menjou, two fine actors who were only rarely given worthy roles, are excellent as the two despicable Generals. Of course the film is unsubtle but with a story such as this subtlety is not really possible; the message is obvious but no less moving for that.

Big Deal (1984–1986)

It's no big deal to take a chance against the odds....

[9/10 · 1 September 2006]

I used to really like 'Big Deal' when I was about 10 but hadn't seen it for 20 odd years so was pleasantly surprised with the DVD release of the first series. I thought that like much 80s TV it probably would seem slow and dated but it's held up rather well. An entertaining show, with a good balance of comedy and drama, which gets quite dark in the later episodes, 'Big Deal' has a very likable leading performance from Ray Brooks for whom this was something of a comeback after his 60s success in 'Cathy Come Home' and 'The Knack' (and, of course, 'Daleks Invasion Earth 2150AD'). Good supporting cast too with some amusing and well drawn characters. The sort of programme that everyone remembers fondly but never gets a mention in the media or a repeat showing, 'Big Deal' also boasts one of the more memorable TV theme tunes (sung by Bobby Gubby of Bucks Fizz!).