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graham_wright
Reviews
Wild Things (1998)
Good story, but cinematically poor.
The plot of this movie is an interesting one, dealing with greed, lust and revenge. However the film is far too short to include quite as many plot 'twists' as it does, and in the end it becomes a confusing mess with several unlikely and, frankly, unbelievable turns of events.
If the script was sharper, the editing and directing less rushed and more stylish then this film could have done much better.
The cast list is impressive, with Kevin Bacon and Neve Campbell in particular giving strong performances. But Bill Murray steals the show playing the lawyer that defends Lombardo (Dillon). However his performance does take away the seriousness of the plot that the other actors and trying to create, adding to the mockery of the film as a whole.
As an alternative, and much more stylish and creative, crime movie (with a strikingly similar plot), I suggest the serious movie-watcher checks out The Talented Mr Ripley instead.
I give this film 5 out of 10.
Bounce (2000)
Below Average Dramady
Don't bother going to see this if you don't like this sort of film, it is very mediocre. The storyline is simple and does not require much thought and the ending is highly predictable and soppy.
Ben Affleck is good but nothing special and in my opinion Gwyneth Paltrow is as bad as ever (what's with all that blinking?!).
This is a film that film fans should not bother with.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Better than you might think
Don't be put off of this film because it is a period drama, or because it stars Leonardo DiCaprio.
The story is based on a myth, and after watching the film for the first time, I felt compelled to research the myth myself. The most convincing parts of the film are the acting of the supporting characters (notably Byrne, Malkovich and Irons) and the musical score.
Certain scenes involving the older stars were some of the most powerful and compelling I have ever seen, particularly the one in the tomb where they discuss their plot to replace the king.
The film does not rely too heavily on the swashbuckling appeal of the musketeers, but rather on the development of individual characters and the relationships between them.
It is DiCaprio's best performance, though I admit that that is not saying much and his performance is nothing on that of the older men.
The plot is slightly unbelievable in places but if this and possible historical inaccuracies are overlooked, this is a very good film.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Indescribable
Anyone who has seen this film will understand why I cannot justify with words.
Anyone who has not seen it; I feel sorry for you.
10/10
Brave New World (1980)
All too likely to be realistic
I am not going to pretend this is my favourite film of all time, but it was a good, clear version of the excellent book.
The film looks dated and would be boring for some. But those who are interested in what might happen to the human race should check this out. This idea is the most likely to come true of all possible fates of humans.
The acting is in places 2-dimensional, but this is usually only when portraying characters who are themselves 2-dimensional, such as Lenina, Linda and Thomas.
The three more interesting and deeper characters of Bernard, John and Mustapha are portrayed well and all change dramatically and believably as the story unwinds.
Not a funny, thrilling or exciting film but a clear film that makes you think.