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Reviews
Flood (2007)
Flood - or just a wash-out?
Topical? Certainly. Entertainment? Probably - but only on removal of any shred of the viewer's common sense. Reality? Only in so much that it was made on this planet.
How thousands of people were supposed to have died as a result of a 5-metre wall of water in a city liberally littered with buildings in excess of 25 metres high is quite beyond me. Carlyle's line to the effect of "How could anyone survive that?" when the shot shows forests of buildings with several floors above the water is completely laughable. Further, if someone commits themselves to an area (under water) where one cylinder of air is not enough (i.e. they are going to die), why not use the simple expedient of taking more than one cylinder? Clearly, the writer thinks that people in stressful situations cannot count beyond one (one cylinder, one floor).
Rather than watching this tripe, you would be more informed and entertained by throwing the DVD away and reading the pricing information on the cellophane outer wrapper.
Pitiful, truly pitiful, and a terrible waste of the on-screen talent.
As for the sexist propaganda suggesting that only women can see through the problems to illuminate the solutions to be effected by the expendable men: yet more PC 'tosh'. Small wonder that First Blood, Delta Force, Navy Seals and other such movies of little or no merit will always have a following while this blatantly politically-motivated bilge is peddled.
King Arthur (2004)
At last, a credible tale of the basis behind the Arthur myths!
Given the period that the character of Arthur originated from, I have long awaited a movie that deals with one of the men who contributed to the myth. It is probable that the legendary Arthur was an amalgamation of several war-lords and resistance leaders in the immediate post-Roman period who, in their several areas and periodds fought the Saxons. This is, by far, the most convincing movie scenario yet.
I admit that some elements of the plot were thin: the presence of a prominent Roman family north of Hadrian's wall does stretch credulity. However, the presence of a prominent Romano-British family friendly to Rome would not! But this subtlety would be totally lost on most movie goers so why split hairs?
It was nice to see a movie based in Britain that had not been overwhelmed by American accents. Having had the recent history changed by the movies to indicate that US forces had gained or won EVERYTHING in WW2, it was refreshing to note mainly European (or at least cod-European) accents prevailed.
Historically, this movie was as true to fact as could be expected. One or 2 of the weapons used were slightly anachronistic but all the technology did exist at the time so no real problem there. Anyone who wants to nit-pick about armorial details should compare this to any other Arthurian movie - that always contains fantasy or 15th-century armour - and then hold their comments on this aspect.
As to the actors, the words 'understated', 'credible', 'intense' and 'human' apply. The performances were highly competent but not outstanding. The whole package made for a compelling drama-come-pseudo-documentary that provoked thought and gratified the need for action.
Perhaps the most obscure element was making the indigenous northern tribes alien (by speaking Gaelic) and the Saxons closer to the Romans by their use of English. This demonstrated the power of the Arthurian myth that drew diverse peoples together against a more familiar race that was however a common enemy. This is probably the most salient point for our modern times.
Terror Peak (2003)
A poor antipodean reprise of Dante's Peak
I usually say nothing if I can't say anything good; however, in this case, I make an exception. A very poor movie; tried and tested story (i.e. unoriginal), every volcanic cliche in the book, no eruptions of brilliance, highly questionable effects and a vast range of technical inconsistencies.
New Zealand never fails to impress by its scenery: pity about some of the actors! The most notable effects were those in the latter part of the movie when memebers of the cast were running to their airlift point (that was strangely devoid of any sign of ash, darkness or other tell-tale signs of volcanic activity): the said effects were strangely reminiscent of those used by Tim the Magician in Monty Python's Holy Gail. Even more surprising was the loss of the top half of the volcano prior to any major eruption occurring.
After this, even 'Volcano' looks polished, professional and credible!