Red Planet came out when there was a rush for Mars films(there was also De Palma's Mission to Mars released the same year). This is a decent film featuring some good actors and fine special effect but the plot is bare. A group of scientists head to the red planet and something goes awfully wrong and they are stranded. Then it is a matter of time and life and death. I won't spoil anything for you but this is one of those in flight movie type of films that you watch and forget. Not bad- just average.
Reviews
10 Reviews
Alien
(1979)
The film that started an awesome sci-fi series
21 September 2018
Alien by Ridley Scott is a masterpiece of setting, production design, atmosphere, acting- all the mise en scene elements. The screenplay is lean and compelling and even though this is a big budgeted more professional approach, it is basically a monster chasing down victims in space. But all the characters seem real and relatable- which is down to the fantastic actors portraying them, and more importantly they are all on equal levels so that we really don't know who is bound to die and who will be the last man standing. Alien's atmosphere is so good it gave rise to several similarly themed films although none could better or even challenge Alien for its overall artistry.
Side by Side
(2012)
Fantastic documentary for every film enthusiast
18 August 2018
Hollywood insiders are aware of a battle that has been brewing for quite sometime now: the technology to capture the image has two camps- film and digital and each are perhaps overwhelming the other. Film is photomchemical and the method by which cinema has been created and projected for all these years (since the late 1890). Digital cameras are new on the block and because they can do everything a film camera can but with less production costs, they are vying to be the medium every director chooses. Keanu Reeves questions industry insiders from top directors and cinematographers and gets a honest non biased overview. This is a good watch for anyone interested in the technical and "behind the camera" scenes of making of film and television. The documentary is precise and educative.
L.A. Story
(1991)
An underrated classic from Steve Martin
2 August 2018
LA Story is an ode to Los Angeles- the sunny city of angels. Bathed in early 90s sunlight, which when exposed to the film stock of that time created an atmosphere without even trying LA Story is Steve Martin at his best. This is a quirky, offbeat and yet endearing film that includes among other things a reference to Mel Gibson and a talking freeway Billboard. Victoria Tennant is nice as the newly arrived Englishwoman who Martin's character falls for. And Sarah Jessica Parker is fresh faced as the bumbling sales girl before she took off to rule the streets of New York. But this is Steve Martin's movie and he is excellent as the straight faced funnyman trying to make sense of his career and the city he lives in. This is early 90s movie magic at its finest and one of the best heartwarming comedy films out there.
The Player
(1992)
One of the more accessible Altman films
21 July 2018
Robert Altman was a master filmmaker. Not everyone's cup of tea but if you like him I think you will enjoy The Player- a satirical take on the film industry. Starring Tim Robbins and a host of cameos (An Altman trait) the Player follows a studio executive's fight for survival after he accidently kills a screenwriter. Featuring some amazing sequences including an astonishing opening scene long take this film is one of the finest examples of Altman's wit and craftsmanship. The film wasn't a huge success upon release, but it is considered a great film now. I suggest you give this film a chance because this is auteur theory in tinsel town at its finest.
Perfect Blue
(1997)
A great psychological thriller from Japan
13 July 2018
I am not a huge anime fan, as a matter of fact I have barely seen more than five of them, but this psychological thriller is as good as any film in the genre. It concerns a pop star who wishes to be an actor, but she also becomes a victim of stalking which leads to some serious consequences. The thin line between reality and hallucination are crossed and soon we are question what is real and what isn't. The material is strictly for adults and the artwork, as expected from the multimillion dollar anime business is stupendous. If you wish to get into anime watch this film.
Heat
(1995)
A masterpiece of action
5 July 2018
Heat is an amazing movie but with the people associated this is a given. Directed by the amazing Michael mann and starring De Niro and Pacino (amongst many others) Heat is a fantastic Los Angeles crime film filled with great dialogue, fantastic characters and amazing sequences. Really, the choices you have for top notch action is hard to decide but the bank shootout takes the cake. This scene became so legendary that it inspired an actual robbery. You have to see Heat if you like character based action films. This is a treat.
Unlawful Entry
(1992)
Watch it for Ray Liotta's crazy cop turn
30 June 2018
Unlawful Entry becomes a passable film and not a bad one courtesy one performance- Ray Liotta. Kurt Russell and Madeline Stowe play a married couple living in an Upscale flat in LA when one night they are awakened by a break in. Two cops come to their assistance and one of them- Liotta befriends the couple even taking Russell out for a night out. He helps them with proofing the house but as it turns out he is a psychopath with an unhealthy obsession for Stowe's character. Liotta is suitably creepy and carries the film on his shoulders. Russell and Stowe are adequate and aren't allowed to do much except go with the proceedings. A good one time watch.
Winter Sleep
(2014)
This Turkish delight you don't wanna miss
30 May 2018
This is a mesmerizing film from Turkey and the expectations were sky high since this won the prestigious Palm d'or in Cannes. Plot follows a family caretaker of a hotel- this film features amazing cinematography and performances. The plot is basic but the flow of dialogues keeps you intrigued. This film should be watched by any cinephile. (This Turkish delight you don't wanna miss)
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