singles00 Reviews

Final Destination 3 (2006)

Running out of ways to die?

[6/10 · 7 March 2006]

Sequels are notoriously to be taken with a pinch of salt. For the first two instalments, the Final Destination formula had worked alright, teenagers dying gruesomely in succession and sadism aplenty. No wonder its third chapter is released already, promising to do exactly what is expected. Final Destination was never the most complex of horror tales to begin with, yet this time –seriously- not even one iota of imagination is in place. It doesn't even take parts 1 or 2 an inch further, like most sequels instead are set to do.

As it's exactly like the first two (except different cast and slightly different ways to die), it actually crosses your mind whether director James Wong just aimed at an exercise of the kind: alright guys, now let's try it over again; Got your body mangled in a pile-up? Now try and get your cranium squeezed like a spot by a fork-lift truck, see which one works better. Did the lift-doors leave you decapitated? Now check out how many limbs you lose while at a fairground… However, if you don't set it in context with its predecessors, Final Destination 3 does its job and is honest enough. For a roller-coaster-phobic like myself, the initial scenes are absolutely terrifying, a 5-minutes gore-fest that leaves your palms drenched in sweat... And would you believe it, this simple, unassuming movie even managed to stir some controversy in the US where the 'Los Angeles Daily News' denounced "its vulgarity on its blood-caked sleeve" calling it "cynical enough to use 9/11 in its vapid story lane!". Whoa whoa, guys, I'm not sure the sophistication of Final Destination 3 went that far

Syriana (2005)

A new generation of US movies

[7/10 · 7 March 2006]

Before castigating America, people should note what a multi-faceted society it is. A look at the last few months is a staggering demonstration of film after film (and we're not talking about little known 'indie' ones) carrying a strong critical and anti-White House message. In succession, Jarhead, Good Night and Good Luck, Flight 93, Syriana and others are kick-starting a welcome new-era of politicised Hollywood. They may not be quite as easy to follow as American Pie, yet those grey-matter-friendly movies should put in their place those who think the U.S. is merely an equation of bible-belt, rednecks and trailer trash.

With the fanfare surrounding it, an amazing cast (George Clooney at his best) and its Oscar nominations, Syriana has a huge potential to preach beyond the converted. Stephen Gaghan's film is extremely intelligent and valuable, as it points out how each single one of our informed choices as ordinary citizens is likely to be connected to some appalling policy carried out by the Government-backed oil industry in that ticking time-bomb that is the Middle East. The movie isn't political propaganda as such, yet the sheer fact that it isn't fiction is enough to convey an extremely brave message, especially when you consider that we're talking about Hollywood. If anything, it makes you wonder how the creators managed to find any producers to back it.

Nonetheless, you can't help but think that after penning the bulk of Syriana, its masterminds sat down to a cup of tea and discussed how to make it as muddled as possible for the viewers. The plot can get so disjointed that even the most attentive person struggles to keep up which, frankly, is a real shame as there was no need for that. The idea of having a web of subplots that will come intertwined at the end is an intriguing and admirable one, yet not all of the stories on display in Syriana are as relevant or interesting as others. Its merciless realism, though, is enough to make it recommendable. Unless, that is, it's Final Destination 3 you're after...then you have to consider whether a 2-hour snooze is worth £5.

Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Not your average Vietnam film

[9/10 · 29 December 2005]

"Born on the Fourth of July" had a certain impact of me. I first watched it at the cinema when I was 13. I didn't understand much about politics or war at the time. But it certainly struck some chord within myself. And then I watched that film a couple of times more in my "adult" life and, to me, it's one of Oliver Stone's very best. As well as Tom Cruise's induction into serious Hollywood stardom, forget "Cocktail" and "Top Gun". The way patriotism is depicted, it's veil of ignorance, god-family-and-the-flag...the way Vietnam 'vets' were betrayed, used...cannon-fodder for US politicians is fantastic. The beauty is that "Born on the Fourth of July" is not agonisingly political or in any way patronising.

Caruso Paskoski, Son of a Pole (1988)

Hilarious comedy

[10/10 · 8 November 2005]

"Caruso Paskoski di padre polacco" was Francesco Nuti's finest hour. I had the luck of living in Italy at the time of its release and, as demented as the film was, it was hilarious. It's a comedy, and it perfectly fulfils its job without ever being banal or over-simplistic so i don't quite see the point previously made about the film "not having a specific message". It's a tale of nymphomania, jealousy and quite intriguing is the little poke at the culture of self-importance of many a 'shrink' - not to mention the inevitable nod at the "matriarcal" texture of Italian society. The only shame is that "Caruso Paskoski" isn't available in any other language. Nevertheless Nuti's humour is quintessentially an Italian one, more so with its consistent relying on typically Tuscan expressions and Florentine accent which you would only appreciate in full if you're a fluent Italian speaker. Truly entertaining.