theresaman Reviews

The Event (2010–2011)

Political Alien Conspiracy... very 2010

[22 October 2010]

Traditional political conspiracy series combined with Alien Invasion theme.

It is cleverly done, and feels very contemporary, especially plane crash incident. Camera-work and effects is done in an unobtrusive way, unlike some recent TV shows where camera-work gets in the way of viewing.

Acting is solid and plot is interesting. It is a clever idea, but ultimately all is going to rest in the hands of the scriptwriter, whether he can maintain his avoidance of cliché, and keep the dialogue stimulating.

Overall, worth it so far... one can only hope that future shows continue high standard set. (Only seen first 3 episodes so far).

Tamara Drewe (2010)

Fairly amusing, quite dark, do you need a nose job?

[19 September 2010]

Tamara Drewe is a slightly amusing sex comedy, with a definite dark side, and somewhat formulaic situations and script.

*** Plot Spoilers Follow ***

What happens when the ugly village slapper (Tamara) departs and returns some years later having re-invented herself as a beautiful, famous, rich and as a writer/journalist? (Nose plastic surgery is important here).

The film is set in Dorset, and the locations unsurprisingly are lovely.

This might be a good start for some dirty revenge story. However, Tamara's main interest is in sex, not revenge. Her sexual exploits start with a passing (famous) rock star, move on to the local womanising author, and finally she gets the man who dumped her all those years ago.

There are two subplots.

One involves the marital difficulties of the womanising author, who lies and shouts a lot to his wife. He comes to a sticky end at the hands of the most boring American ever portrayed on film.

The second involves two village girls who are obsessed with the rock star. This is a silly but amusing side attraction, as the main plot is somewhat sterile.

I couldn't help wondering why this was done as a film, and not as a TV series. Was this because it was lottery-funded? The film production had a slightly lazy quality to it, as if a number of the people who worked on it were going through the motions.

Anyway,... what the moral of the story? Plastic surgery will get you the back the man who dumped you 10 years previously! A bit silly really.

PS: It would have only gotten 5/10, but the Dorset countryside makes it a 6. :)

The Last Exorcism (2010)

Some potential there, but delivery lacking

[18 September 2010]

In brief, unless you are specifically a film history student, I wouldn't recommend watching this movie.

*** Spoilers follow ***

Take an storytelling idea: Hoax-documentary, like Blair-witch project, Get a good location: Louisiana, Capable actors, check, and a plot in which a priest who specialises in exorcisms, makes a documentary about how he doesn't believe in them but instead he hams it up with fake equipment. But he says if it works for his customers, then he doesn't see it as a scam.

The hook of the film is that he is about to encounter a real devil/demon, and get the shock of his life. The last scene ends with him running towards the demon, having been reconverted to the realities of the world of demons and possession.

This conversion however is undercut by a subplot, in which it appears the possessed girl, who is pregnant, may have been impregnated by a local priest, and the demon burning ritual may simply be a device for covering up this misdemeanour.

Possession or no? The film leaves a number of gaps in the explanation. The killing of animals seems to have little basis, and the father's wish to kill his own daughter is extreme.

The film scores well for a couple of gruesome scenes which are quite stomach-churning.

The film suffers dramatically, as a musical score has been added part way in the the film, which undermines the faux-documentary style.

The film also ends very quickly, as if they had to cut the film, spent the budget, or got stuck for ideas. Overall it was a good idea, that ran out of either enthusiasm or effort.

Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987)

Sex, relationships and class.

[13 September 2010]

Sex, relationships and class. Universal themes set in context of Northern England.

Rita, Sue and Bob Too! has very adult themes which will interest those who have been involved in sexless marriages, interracial communities, and adulterous relationships.

The backgrounds of the main characters represents different communities in Northern England, white working class England, a slum where Pakistani immigrants have settled, and an affluent 'middle-class' suburb.

A working class that doesn't work? Unemployment and poverty are a backdrop and supporting cast to the violence and alcoholism which pervades the working class.

Love and joy are expressed through dancing and sex in the film. Away from the dancing and sex, there seems little to inspire the inhabitants in their lives.

The ending of the film is like the beginning: directionless and soulless, and just like the main characters in the film.

Overall, 10 of 10. A quite brilliant work of art.

Apocalypto (2006)

Vitalistic Action Movie Set in Jungle 500 Years Ago

[18 January 2007]

This is the movie for the dedicated adrenalin junkie.

Do you fear nothing? Are you unshockable? Do you live a comfortable middle class life? Is life too safe?

Imagine you live in a small primitive jungle community hundreds of years ago before the invention of creature comforts, where the men hunt wild boar and evenings are characterised by communal eating and story-telling. A life quite raw, but also at one with nature.

What would happen if a neighbouring community instead was run along idol-worshipping lines, with no regard for human life or any sense of the community of man? Imagine if that neighbouring community was obsessed with power and domination.

Apocalypto is an original twisted full-on action movie with breathtaking cinematography. It has a superb script, even though the words are few and spoken in a foreign language.

The Holiday (2006)

Surprisingly Good ChickFlick Even This Bloke Loved It

[6 December 2006]

Well I have to confess I was dreading seeing this film, but actually I loved it.

The story is quite fantastical. But once you can go along with the ridiculous plot, it is very funny and totally charming. It's a bit like eating liquid chocolate, and somehow manages to last for 2 hours and 10 minutes without you feeling sick.

At the start of the film, the acting is very hammy, but this removes your desire for believability enough to carry the film. Cameron Diaz and Jude Law look absolutely lovely. Kate Winslett really pulls off her comedic role brilliantly. The are some beautiful touching moments about Hollywood history and a couple of famous faces appear in cameo roles. The English countryside is lovely. Lots of laughter and tears in the audience.

The nutritional value of chocolate is limited. This film will uplift you though if nothing else. Excellent Christmas movie (from a bloke!).