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jimsaf
Reviews
Edge of Darkness (2010)
A poorly written script based on a strong premise
What an appalling movie with such a strong cast.
Just to start out, I am actually big fans of Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone and Danny Huston. Unfortunately someone forgot to write a screenplay to match them. This movie is based on an original UK TV series written in 1980s and shown over 6 episodes. What has obviously happened is a failed attempt to squeeze in the suspense, built up over those episodes, into 2 hours of drivel.
The script was slow moving and so blatant, it didn't allow the viewer to build up any suspense in their own mind. The most comical demonstration of this was in the scene with Caterina Scorsone and Mel Gibson, just prior to her being hit by the car. The very fact she had to say "Im so scared" twice, just in case the viewer was in any doubt seeing as her acting resembled a 14 year old in a High school play; breathing very fast and holding her face in a state of (from Joeys Tribiani's school of acting) bemused sadness.
The script just moved so slowly, with the occasional action sequence that was not in keeping with the story line as a whole, it really didn't fulfil the promise of a good conspiracy thriller. If they had concentrated more on the screenplay, and less so on the cars rolling over, it might have been good.
Those who think it intelligent scripting clearly should try reading a book (Thomas the Tank Engine would be a start), since the story is not complex; it is basically explained within the first 45 minutes.
What saddens me the most is the fact that the BBC have put their name to it, when it compares so poorly to dramas like Spooks or Silent Witness.
As always, my criticism is not of the actors but of the script writers. However on this occasion, it was not due to forgetting to write a script, it was just because the script was poor
The Happening (2008)
As movies go, 'Dude wheres my car' deserved Oscars for best Screenplay and Direction compared to this
Not that I dislike 'Dudes where's my car'.
In watching such an appalling movie, I would have normally walked. However, unlike my girlfriend, in my opinion it was so bad I actually found it quite funny; I was always waiting for the next dreadful piece of cinema
Others have tried to list the various shortcomings of this movie in terms of scientific implausibility and various direction inadequacies.
I wish to take the more general approach and categorically state that no part of this movie was good; be it the script, direction, cinematography, casting, storyline, chemistry, acting, political/environmental statement and score.
Ended up listing stuff didn't I!! Unfortunately, you can't but help make a list of this movies flaws just due to the fact there were so many.
All departments who collaborated in making this film failed in their duty to deliver something coming close to a watchable piece of entertainment.
As a B-Movie though, not bad!!!
Stargate: Atlantis: Critical Mass (2005)
Doctor acting a little outside his remit
Just thought I should point out that the statement the Dr makes in this episode: 'I took an oath to preserve life' seems to neglect the fact that a Dr is also there to alleviate suffering.
Although I realise it is dramatised, a Dr would not go against a patient's wishes, when a patient refuses interventions and is fully competent.
The episode really rushes the ending and takes a real knight's move in concluding who the traitor was and also in getting the information. It reminds me a little of the bad writing often done in '24' when trying to quickly end an episode.
I would be interested to see whether the writers of both are close companions in the world.
I do see the point of the episode is to get across that tough ethical calls that need to be made in isolated environments, under pressure and with no back up from superiors, in order to protect others. However the writing muddles this and trys in some way to squeeze other ethical dilemmas into the story, such as the old lady dying who could be saved by the doctor!!!
I a not big fan of series 2 based on most of the previous episodes so far
Jumper (2008)
I used to like Samuel L Jackson
What an atrocious waste of space.
The script was utterly appalling and lacked any depth or character development. The acting was bland as if all the scenes were done on their first take; it appeared as if the director just had something better to do at home and didn't really care what went on screen.
Just a real disappointment in the end when there could have been real substance to a sci-fi superpower that hasn't really been explored yet; i.e. virtual omnipotence.
If I have one wish it would be that Mr Jackson starts reading the scripts put through his letter box, not just blindly taking them on without a care for his reputation!