tseng808 Reviews

Tales of the Black Freighter (2009 Video)

An emotional masterpiece

[8/10 · 22 March 2009]

I regard this more as something stand alone than something that accompanies The Watchmen. It is the perfect example of an animated short. The entire plot is chilling from start to end especially with Butlers sterling performance as the Sea Captain. The animation i was quite surprised how much i actually liked it as i did not expect a great deal of detail- but it looks extremely effective. I can only hope in the directors cut of Watchmen that it makes an appearance between the film as it did in the graphic novel. Though it is unfair to constantly relate this back to the film as it is its own work and has its own merits.

For me it is exactly what i wanted it to be, a haunting exploration of the inner mind.

The Fall (I) (2006)

A Magical Masterpiece

[9/10 · 13 October 2008]

The Fall hits audiences on so many levels and it hits hard! Truly a Roller-coaster ride of Emotions. A perfectly written tale with gorgeous visuals with an inspiring soundtrack.

The dialogue fantastically delivered by all the actors make this film a must see for all movie-goers.

The plot on the whole is truly original and had me glued to the screen from the beginning. At times the story had me in tears and smiles.

This is definitely a secret classic and will one day no doubt get the fantastic reception and critical acclaim it deserves.

This film is laced with Genius, brilliant work from Tarsem Singh.

Annie Hall (1977)

Cheerful and heart warming

[9/10 · 10 September 2008]

Visually the film is exactly what you would expect from a Romantic Comedy film of that era, boring. This is not really a problem because what carries this film along on its feet is the fantastic dialogue and Woody Allen. Obviously written by Allen himself which is already an ingredient for a masterpiece. His stop start sentences and jumpy movements are almost like that of Robert Downey Jr. in someways, which is a good thing in my books as i think Downey is a fantastic actor, though i cant get past the feeling that almost whatever film he is in with some exception, hes literally plays himself. First Impressions of Allen is also this kind of self portrayal. I think this is what creates this brilliant recipe for this fantastic dish of a film. Allens interaction with the audience is great and adds to the audience relating to the character.

The film itself has a strange flow to it, With numerous flashbacks jumping back and forth to the past and then straight back into the present. There's some great use of Audio that add to the effect it is what the characters are thinking.

In terms of humour it's extremely witty, a line about masturbation springs to mind. It goes something along the lines of "Whats great about masturbation is that your always having sex with someone you love." There is some really great lines and quotes from Groucho Marx which when applied to the films context and plot make for extremely inspiring thoughts and you cant help but compare it to your own lease of life.

Such a great film. I give it 9 out of 10.

Defiently worth a watch and definitely something you will enjoy. What a great love Romantic Comedy.

Wild at Heart (1990)

Wizard of Oz meets True Romance

[7/10 · 8 June 2007]

Wizard of Oz meets True Romance, that is the first thought i have after watching this masterpiece. Being new to films by the legend that is David Lynch, i am working my way through his films and creations. All of which i am extremely fond of. Back to Wild at Heart, The film really IS something else in my eyes especially for its time of release obviously with Lynch films audiences never know what to expect but can always expect the out of the ordinary. The plot when summarised to someone can only expect an action thriller of sorts, when informed David Lynch is behind it no one knows what quite to expect. The lead character is Nicholas Cage who i must so was fantastic for the part the way he delivers all of his dialogue which i must add the film is extremely well written in every sense. The dialogue seems somewhat very real aside strange moments within the film.

But as a whole the film is a love story and a very good one at that. As throughout id say the film raises high emotion. Some scenes i must say have rather high suspense and on top of this the music is utilised so well.

This review may be rather vague but i want viewers to go watch the film in a similar frame of mind as myself, and thats knowing very little about the film i was about to watch other than expectations i already had from Lynch.

All in all fantastic watch. Though a little slow at times.

Seven Samurai (1954)

Like films? Seven Samurai is a MUST! for every film fan!

[10/10 · 5 February 2006]

i am not going to say a great deal, other than must see.

i can not stress enough that this film just has to be seen. The attention to detail and authenticity is just beyond belief. The acting seems fantastic, the characters are truly lovable. The film at first impressions seems a bit long, but its well worth it. It puts films like the last samurai to shame. this film is just pure epic! a great masterpiece by Akira Kuwosawa. This is certainly one of my most favourite films of all time! i can no complaints. i am pleased its a PG(UK) as it allows everyone to see it. There is no blood and gore and no stupid exaggerated scenes everything just seems so real. I wish i could go back to the 50s and watch them film it also to see it at the cinema would be immense.

Just go NOW! and get it buy rent however but make sure you watch it!

The Stepfather (1987)

Terry O'Quinn, plays an eerie character thats a murderer.

[7/10 · 4 December 2005]

I would have considered this film if it were not for Terry. Thansk to his performance in LOST I've wanted to check out his other pieces of work and with Stepfather i was not disappointed. The opening scene in my opinion was fantastic, the film progresses with a typical 80s soundtrack (which ain't a bad thing) Terry plays a great part and does it really well, He manages to keep a certain creepiness to the part throughout. I don't want to give much away so ill cut this short although the story is self explanatory. I plan on buying the sequel and hope thats as good.

Either way certainly worth a watch, and if you're an Oquinn fan like myself, Just buy the DVD it will be cheap enough wherever you look.