jibrielle Reviews

Mister Blot's Academy (1984)

aged

[6/10 · 15 September 2001]

I've seen this movie years ago, as a child. I loved the book and Piotr Fronczewski was always one of my favourite actors. While "Akademia" is not as good as the book itself, it still is a fun, family fare. Having seen short clips of the movie recently, I can see its age, and what it brings is a different demographic. Children are not going to be interested in this story anymore, it's not as sophisticated as kids would expect it to be. This is a must see only for fans of the book and the leading actor.

A Knight's Tale (2001)

light entertainment

[5/10 · 14 September 2001]

The first 30 minutes of the film I spent wondering where do I know the leading actor from? This should tell you just how "un-absorbing" the plot of this film really is. I was expecting a bit more, a better comedy, but this is just too close to "Robin Hood Man In Thights" for my liking. Yes, I laughed at the jokes, but there just wasn't enough of them and most of them were in the style of playing "we will rock you" at the tournament, or having a Nike logo on the armour, or the outrageous (for the period in the history) outfits of the female lead. Yet, this movie is enjoyable, if you don't expect too much. Watch it if you really have nothing better to do, otherwise, you'll think afterwards: "I could have spent those 2 hours better"...

Gattaca (1997)

a surprise

[9/10 · 14 September 2001]

When I first came across this movie, I had no idea what it was. Didn't recall it being shown in the cinemas, didn't remember any promotion or commercial for it. To me, it was just one of those "quiet" movies. I watched it without any expectations.

I think this is one of the hardest movies to review. The performances of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman were impeccable. The story engaging and surprising. This movie is a gem, but not an obvious one. It makes you think and recognise so many trends in our society, that could make our world into the world of Gattaca. And that in itself is scary. "Gattaca" is a modern day fairy tale, it has a lesson that we should learn before it is too late.

Eat Drink Man Woman (1994)

a feast

[10/10 · 14 September 2001]

This movie is definitely one of my favourites. It has a permanent place on the shelf, where I keep a handful of other cinematic treasures. It's such a heartwarming story of a family, and so familiar to me - the gathering of the family over dinner, the problems, the friction between a parent and a child. Of course, can't not mention the food, which plays an important part. It was fabulous! The pace here is different, there is not much of the so called "action", no grand schemes, convoluted mysteries. Yet, the story-telling is so absorbing, it pulls you gently in, and lets you explore the relationships. It's a feast for the eyes and the soul.

Evolution (2001)

Fun and enjoyable

[23 July 2001]

I sat down to watch this movie, knowing nothing about it, except that it had David Duchovny in it. I was also under the impression that it was a drama, so I expected it to be of "The X Files" type.

It was a surprise to find out that it was, in fact, a comedy. And one of the best ones I've seen recently. "Evolution" is a light entertainment, aimed to relax and cheer one up after a stressful day -- perfect for a Friday evening viewing. It has a good cast, plenty of jokes for all kinds of tastes and nice visuals with the plot a bit predictable, but never dragging or boring.

Overall, it's a fun and enjoyable movie, I'd give it 7.5 out of 10.