sharkey000 Reviews

The Godfather Part III (1990)

Disturbing finale to a brilliant trilogy

[7/10 · 25 November 2009]

I was not happy with how they aged Al Pacino for this role. But that is the besides the point, it doesn't take away from what is a very good ending to the trilogy.

Although some complain that Coppola's direction is vastly contrasted to the previous two movies, I didn't feel that affected the movie in a negative way.

Michael Corleone is now old and his business is finally 'legitimate'. However, there are obstacles in his path to purging himself of past sins, and his confession to a priest about how he murdered his brother is highly symbolic of how that one act has haunted him till now and is something he will always regret.

I loved how this movie picked up from the devastating murder of Fredo in part II and emphasized how Michael wishes to seek repentance for this act. However, a negative in this movie is the character of Kay and how she reappears in Michael's life and he seems eager to seek her forgiveness and profess how he has always cared for her. What I found even more incredulous was how she claims she has always loved him! After her murder of his child in part II I found this not in-keeping with her character development by the end of that movie. Equally ludicrous is how Michael has changed towards her and seeks her approval even now. It is sad because it shows us how alone he really is yet it isn't in-keeping with the Michael we saw in part II.

The devastatingly poignant ending where Mary is shot is the final bullet to Michael's heart and he dies alone. I wasn't happy with this ending but somehow I suppose it fit. Mary couldn't have the love of the cousin who loved her back because his destiny is to take over from Michael as the new Don. So her death seems the only solution as we know she will not be able to live without her cousin reciprocating her love. Vincent, her cousin, is the bastard child of Michael's elder brother Sonny and somehow I doubt his ability to succeed Michael successfully. But we will never know how that turned out...

All in all a must-see for die-hard Godfather fans. This movie includes flashbacks to Fredo's murder and Michael's first marriage. Yet the real story here is about Michael's relationship with his family and in true movie-hero-villain style his downfall into a lonely broken-hearted death, in much the way as Tony Montana in Scarface ended up.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Brilliant sequel to a phenomenal movie!

[9/10 · 24 November 2009]

I don't think there was a second during this 3+ hour movie when I got up! Despite having watched it as a child, my memories didn't do it justice.

It covers the history of Vito Corleone through a series of flashbacks artfully juxtaposed with present-day Michael Corleone's struggle to maintain hold on his business and personal life.

I felt such empathy towards Michael! He really is a loner, who kills anyone who gets in his way, who won't bat an eyelid at killing his brother yet is obviously heartbroken by that brother's betrayal.

This is a really brilliant movie, not to be missed!

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

not a gay movie

[7/10 · 14 September 2008]

If you're able to take this movie out of context, meaning look beyond the homophobia lurking between the lines and the attitude of people during the early sixties towards homosexuality, you can enjoy it. it's a love story, nothing more. two heterosexual men, one engaged to be married another trying to find his way in life, meet during one summer. they fall in love. from then begins their lifelong love affair and them both trying to hide it under the normality of acceptable lives: wives, children, jobs. it's poignant and strikes a chord. i think it's a must see just to pay homage to heath ledger, who acted extremely well and the chemistry between the lead actors is magnetic.

Shame (1992 TV Movie)

shameful!

[2/10 · 10 August 2006]

This movie was so gripping i kept switching the channel, alternating between 'shame' and 'the deadly silence'. Enough said really.

The thing that surprised me most was how innocent Fairuza Balk looked...i am of course comparing her to what she was in 'the craft'. she actually looked quite pretty in this movie, though she does have rather a large mouth!

All in all definitely shameful. Don't bother unless you're a hardcore fan of hers.

Why does this comment have to be 10 lines? I really don't have much to say about this !

Why Don't You Just Switch Off Your Television Set and Go and Do Something Less Boring Instead? (1973–1995)

Exploding milk

[27 June 2004]

....Ah Ben's exploding milk, I remember that.... The guy was so popular he was brought back when the show reached Manchester I think...Anyway this was a good show :)...Catchy theme song, great ideas and which kid didn't want to be on this show? ...I know I used to dream of getting onto this show. Favourite childhood shows alongwith why don't you? Byker Grove, Number 73, Rentaghost, Thunderbirds, Knightmare, Hartbeat, The 8:15 from Manchester, Going Live, Blue Peter...The list goes on! :) Why don't you, switch off your t.v set, and do something less boring instead!?

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

enjoyable watch!

[9 December 2002]

this movie was by far the most fun i have watched this year. it made me want to go out and buy the book. each actor suited their role to perfection. as always firth and everett were perfect, and complemented each other perfectly. great fun to watch with a friend, so go out and rent it!

Alive (1993)

what would you do?

[4 August 2002]

Given the knowledge from the onset of the movie that the story and characters are real, we are plunged into a world where man must choose whether or not he wants to survive and live to see the world as he knows it once more. The reality i felt when watching this movie was how easily we take for granted things like food to eat, clean clothes to wear, and warmth that comes from blankets and heaters. By the middle of the movie (when watching it last night after nearly 10 years) i was aghast at the sheer strength of some of all of the people that survived the initial crash of the actual plane. And when the deciding moment arrives where they must choose whether they are willing to eat human flesh to survive and find a way beyond the Andes, I found i asked myself 'what would you do?'. The answer is, i don't know. i truly don't. This movie makes you realise how precious life is, and how we should never take anything for granted. How we should be thankful of all that we have, and yet how easy it is to lose all that just by a bad twist of fate. Call this movie what you will, I think it's a must-see for everyone because it really happened. There are lessons to be learned, morals to be recognised, and questions to be asked and somehow solved. Each person/character you will encounter in this movie is unique which makes it all the more worthwhile to watch. Because you find yourself sympathetic with the viewpoints of all the men and women in the movie yet at the same time questioning what decision you would make if you were in their place. Maybe we never will know or understand what they went through. But by watching this movie and reading the book, it will help us become wiser people and possibly open our minds to the endless enigma that is life, God, and the vastness and emptiness of the world that lies not so beyond our reach.

Chicken Run (2000)

the film appeals to all ages!

[8/10 · 30 July 2002]

i enjoyed this movie because of the seriousness mingled with the humour. children can enjoy this movie because of the sheer fun that is the world of animation! the part where they build the plane is magical and uplifting. the seriousness which lies behind certain scenes - the chicken edwina when given the 'chop'/ the chicken pie machine/ makes for perhaps a theme aimed at adults. yet the seriousness never overpowers the fun and laughs. this matched with humour makes for an entertaining watch for the entire family! the movie is a must for children. also a must for all you adults on a weeknight in front of your tv! put your feet up and relax and enjoy this entertaining tale which suffers from no lack of plot, humour, or romance!

Castle in the Sky (1986)

a unique movie

[10/10 · 5 May 2002]

i watched this movie for the first time when i was 10 years old. it has to be the only movie i've ever watched that has stayed with me, all these years. now, 13 years later, i've watched it again, and i can say that the experience has been more enjoyable than all those years ago. the plot stays with you, hits you, and the characters are so beautifully magical that they become real. what person when watching this movie hasn't felt carried away with the action and tenderness of the story? it's like a dream that stays with you forever and is a must see for any child, parent, person!!!

Dance with Me (1998)

chemistry makes a simple plot spring to life!

[8/10 · 8 December 2001]

Refreshingly cute! Though I didn't particularly find Chayanne to be anything special when I caught a glimpse of this movie on tv the first time round (half the movie had finished by then) I changed my mind when I managed to sit down and actually watch the movie from start to finish. Simple plot, simple dialogue, yet executed to perfection. All I can say is I hope Vanessa L. Williams and Chayanne do another movie together because not only did they dance well together, the chemistry between the 2 was perfect. It brought to mind the fact that there are so few couples nowadays that work well together. Beyond your Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks; Julia Roberts/Richard Gere, can you name any that have had great chemistry???? The story is cute, centres around a young Cuban who comes to Texas to confront his dad (who owns a dance studio). He falls in love with one of the dance instructors who works there, yet she's more interested in winning the world championship with her ex boyfriend. Go rent it and watch it on a Friday night!

Random Hearts (1999)

bad dialogue; bad acting; - surprisingly disappointed

[27 September 2001]

Given the quality of movies such as 'Frantic' and 'The English Patient' one wonders why the likes of Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas decided to opt to make this cheesy flick. It started well enough, with an intriguing first half hour or so, and looked to be on its way to being a sort of typical Harrison Ford in 'Frantic' mode of man who loses wife/gets burned/trouble with police maybe/oh wait he is a cop! scenarios. However the movie not only ripped off one of my favs 'Frantic', (how many times can I mention that movie to make you get up and go and actually watch it) but also suffered from poor acting on the parts of these 2 good actors! As to the English actress Kristin Scott Thomas, her shoddy acting can be overlooked. But Harrison Ford - what was UP with THAT? All lines seemed totally ad-libbed, and after the first hour I found myself wondering which channel I could switch to. For whatever reason, I didn't. Yet by the time the movie was about to finish, I simply got up and left the room. 'nuf said really?

The Langoliers (1995)

Stephen King's novels transform themselves into reality

[10/10 · 13 May 2001]

When you take a Stephen King novel and turn it into a movie, you are bound to experience all the right flavours. Just as his novels are spine-chilling, every movie captures the essence of his novels so well that it's hard to decide which one you prefer. I have never been disappointed with any novel, and luckily enough the movies so far have been spot on. This movie is a must-see for any fans of the novel. The acting is just right, the airplane/airport settings are spine chilling, and the end of the movie has just the right elements of grief, relief, and spookiness.

Escape to Grizzly Mountain (2000)

A recently orphaned boy tries to save a young bear cub from becoming a circus act,

[31 October 2000]

Do not let the first 10 minutes of this movie form your opinion of it. There is a twist to the story, which I will not reveal. However it was certainly something different, and worth watching if you're in the mood for some light entertainment without burning away too many brain cells. A simple, well acted movie, which did not become too mushy despite having 2 themes to it which could have been portrayed in a very depressing manner.

Picture Perfect (1997)

This movie is sure to brighten up a rainy day!

[26 September 2000]

A lighthearted movie, the story opens with Jennifer Aniston (as Kate Mosley) making out on the couch with a date. As the story unravels, we see that she is an ambitious 28 year old New Yorker working for a fast paced advertising agency and still looking for 'her break' as it were. To further secure her position at the agency, Kate is thrown at the deep end by her well-meaning though slightly pretentious friend Darcy; also a colleague at work, who lets slip that Kate is engaged (when she isn't even seeing anyone!) Kate works overtime trying to convince her superiors at work that she is the right person for the job, whilst at the same time 'dressing for the part' by parading around Nick (a guy she met at a friend's wedding for barely an hour or two) played by Jay Mohr, as her fiance. Kevin Bacon also adds a devilish touch as a colleague whom Kate has a crush on, and who also has a fling with Kate thinking her 'hot' because she is 'engaged' to Nick. Though it sounds complex, the story is a simple one, and highly humorous moments are deftly added by Olympia Dukakis as Rita, Kate's mother. Definitely a movie I would recommend to any fan of the hit comedy "friends".

Sun Child (1988 TV Movie)

Laura Goodwin portrays a young girl who learns that sometimes parents do fall out of love

[8/10 · 2 July 2000]

This movie was incredibly touching. The story revolves around a young girl "Em" (played by Laura Goodwin). The movie opens with the image of a small, close knit family. Almost at once we are made aware that Emily's father (played by James Fox) is a diplomat whose demanding job barely allows him time to give attention to his wife (played by Twiggy) and of course his daughter Emily. As expected Emily's mother "Fen" soon begins to have an affair and thus begins the child's torment. The movie is poignant in the way it deals with this very real issue. We are given the impression of divorce and the very real adult problems occurring in marriage through the eyes of a young child and the picture painted is not a pretty one. It brings forth awareness, especially to adult viewers, and is a definite must see for all families. I personally found Laura Goodwin's acting to be both intense and innocent, and it was a delight to see such intensity in one so young. A definite thumbs up for this movie!!