james-bennett Reviews

Warrior (2011)

I see what they were aiming for but hmmm..........

[5/10 · 11 December 2011]

I really think that the premise is there for a great movie about MMA, given its expanding fanbase, and really exciting action, but this movie won't be remembered as the "rocky" of its genre.

They story is convoluted and predictable, Nick Nolte is wasted (figuratively) and Tom Hardy is not really given any range to explore his character. The action scenes are pretty good, but crucially you don't care enough about the people to care about the outcome. There are weepy subplots all over the place that don't get resolved, and again not enough time or thought is given so that you care enough to fill in the blanks.

A fair effort, but crying out for some craft and guile in the script and filming.

It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004)

An all time great!

[9/10 · 11 December 2008]

I adore this film. I rented it expected an adult Kevin and Perry, and was shocked by the themes and humanity this film serves you. The acting is first rate to the extent that you can't imagine anyone else playing any of the major characters. Kaye is nothing short of a revelation, with no hint of this ability beforehand, playing dennis pennis!

Then there is the dialogue. There are so many quotes that you take from this film that years later you and friends will still be talking to each other with them.

All in all a truly memorable heartwarming experience that is by turns shocking, hilarious, poignant, sickening and marvellous. You'll never look at a badger the same way..........

Outlander (2008)

Don't spend money on watching this............

[1/10 · 29 November 2008]

Just watched this on the off chance that it would be good, given that I have enjoyed Jim Cavielzel in previous films, and it inspired me to write my first ever review. I can really get into these movies, loved reign of fire, lord of the rings etc. This film does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath.

The sheer implausibility of the script beggars belief, completely destroying any chance to suspend disbelief. Considering the calibre of the actors involved (Hurt, Cavielzel) the acting jars and situations arise that they respond to in amazing and implausible ways. There must be at least 50 events in this film that the characters respond to in ways that could not and would never happen.

My advice to anyone considering watching this 2 hour plus ramshackle, cobbled together, random, sci fi, meaningless, redundant, boring, display of film autism, would be to stay at home and watch reign of fire again, or just sit and watch the walls. It's cheaper and more fun.