gogul1 Reviews

A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Oozing atmosphere, Venice is an inspired choice

[7/10 · 14 November 2023]

Halloween Party is one of Agatha's less favoured books so it's a tad riskier to choose than the first two outing. However, strangely enough the way these films are made, this story fits in better with that style. The way Orient Express is shot takes away a lot of the claustrophobic atmosphere, however this film doesn't suffer the same fate. Dark shadows, flickering candle light, rainy soundscapes, howling winds, whispering children and foreshadowing are used to great effect here (I recommend a good pair of headphones for this one). The mystery at the heart of the story isn't some of her best work for sure but it does allow the story to be a bit more intimate and simple, thus allowing you to be engulfed more in the ambience. It also helps being set in a house as there is far less use of obvious green screen to distract you.

Setting it in Venice was an inspired choice. There is no city quite like it on the planet and so it brings a whole unique atmosphere by itself. The waterways, ghostly masks and beautiful, almost gothic, architecture amplifies the story (something I think Agatha would see today and wish she had done too). The fact that in the 40's it was already a city on the verge of destruction due to the foundations eroding adds to the backdrop immensely. As the city crumbles - it's most buried secrets will rise to the surface.

There's some symbolism in certain objects as well, like the apples throughout the film. A snake in the garden of Eden suggests the presence of the certain style of killer, but also the fact the authoress brings apples to "Tempt" Poirot (into coming out of retirement) is also seen a few times.

But even though the mystery is fairly obvious it does a good job of continually keeping you engaged throughout and doesn't make the mistake of overstaying it's welcome. At 1 hour 45 minutes with credits it moves along at a nice pace while not rushing too much.

Overall this was a pretty great film, one I plan to go back and watch at least a couple more times to see if I missed any of the clues or just to soak in the wonderfully spooky (but romantic) atmosphere.

I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a Halloween favourite for some people because it does a great job of keeping the atmosphere going and has just enough twinkle in it's eye to keep you coming back if you should be so inclined.

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

Starts off interesting but drags on a bit too long...

[5/10 · 22 February 2023]

The initial premise of a couple having to choose one of them to die is genuinely intriguing. Even more intriguing if it's a same sex male couple. Ultimately a hetero couple would most likely decide on the man taking the bullet as would the audience (the "women & children first" theory comes to mind) but with an all male couple it does blur that line considerably. Tragically they barely spend any time on this and it's pretty much obvious from about 20 minutes in who gets chosen. Dave Bautista does a good job considering and I was a bit disappointed we didn't get a bit more of Redmond in the film. The other two were also doing an ok job, they all looked like they were in over their heads and act accordingly. But ultimately as the credits rolled I felt indifferent towards the film. After 50 minutes or so I just wanted them to get on with it. If you like TV shows like Twilight Zone and Inside no.9 you may just get a bit of enjoyment out of this, but is does feel a bit like an episode of a TV show that goes on a bit too long.

Seen way worse films though and will fill a weekday evening after dinner.

Spirited (2022)

Alot of effort easily forgotten

[3/10 · 20 November 2022]

Some effort was there but the music was instantly forgettable. Will and Reynolds bring their charisma and try to elevate a very dull script, only to fail miserably. Overall it needed another year of hard work on the script (and especially the music) in order to get this to somewhere near decent. I zoned out at one point near the end and completely missed a major plot point for Ryans character (yes you won't remember the characters name either). Overall it's on streaming for a reason. It just wasn't good enough to carry a theatrical run and only content hungry Billionaire streaming services were desperate and stupid enough to buy it. (It feels like they were trying to get Disney but even Mickey refused) Save yourself 2 hours and do something else. You're not missing anything!

Batman Ninja (2018)

Stunningly beautiful but feels like it was written by the Joker

[5/10 · 24 April 2018]

The art style pays homage to traditional painters like Hokusai and kayosai. Japanese print art and caligraphy are used to get effect to make this one of the best looking Batman animated films released in the last decade. Batmans costumes alone are superb from his great blue glowing tech suit in the beginning to the ninja clothing at the end. Joker too gets a lavish makeover that'll make toy companies stress for ages trying to replicate. Unfortunately the plot goes from the implausible time travel plot (but ok I'll go with it) to out right bat crap insane in the last 20 minutes or so. It seems to want to do a bit for every kind of fan of japanese anime. One minute it's a stunning ninja scroll style martial arts romp, next it's a transformers/gundam style robot slugfest. I honestly started laughing loudly when the army of monkeys (yes you read that right) all join together to make one big giant armoured monkey (yet again you are reading this correctly) to fight a huge mecha robot made up of the top 5 batman villains houses (seriously... it's their homes!). I was laughing really hard but nothing would prepare me for what happened next! As the giant armoured monkey began to lose to the giant house monster a swarm of bats surrounded the mecha money and turned it into a colossal batman called "bat god". It was at this point I yelled "oh jesus god no!" And damn near wet my trousers laughing so hard. I don't think that was supposed to be the desired effect. I suspect it will work well for a bunch of drunk guys looking for a movie to lampoon and laugh at like Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Samurai Cop. The dialogue feels hokey in places but this could be due to having to translate directly from japanese but sometimes it's too on the nose. Again it looks fantastic but a change in art style right in the middle really jars. After a huge battle between joker and batman on a boat, red hood is strolling along a country footpath and comes across a man and his wife farming. He then accuses the man of being the joker and begins to beat him. Batman appears from nowhere and stops him saying that the farmer used to be the joker but he isn't anymore and they should leave the old farmer/former joker alone. There is no explanation as to what the time frame is from the last scene to this scene is and almost feels like it doesn't belong or they tacked it on realising there was a gaping plothole as to why joker randomly goes missing for a while and then shows up at the end just to fight batman. There is fun to be had with this film and again it looks so great but it throws almost every kind of japanese anime into the mix and really pushes the envelope of a realistic setting. This wouldn't too much of a problem but there feels like two conflicting styles of storytelling happening, one based around batman being stripped of all his tech to find out what he is without it, ala Iron Man 3 and rhe other has giant monkey monsters, submarines, huge mounted gatling guns, spiritually aware bats, hive minded monkeys and fighting houses. Altogether it leaves for a "what the hell was that feeling" and finally ends with Batman returning to Gotham, alfred using a horse drawn batmobile garnished in feudal japanese decor being driven through the streets of gotham with bruce being clearly visible just sitting there! So now anyone that sees the horse drawn batmobile going through the streets can clearly see bruce wayne and now know who Batman is WTF?! Some things you can put to artistic interpretation but that is just absolutely and fundamentally not Batman. Just buy a poster and imagine what the film it could have been.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Tim Burton jumps back 18 years and it's back to greatness

[9/10 · 24 October 2012]

Not since Edward Scissorhands has Tim Burton been so fresh. Frankenweenie is based on his short film he made many years ago before Burton was even on the radar as an A list director (1984). He has kept the black and white cinematography of the original and its a great hark back to the old Universal horror era. The story centres on a boy who loses his dog and turns to science to resurrect him. Ultimately it's a story of loss and being able to cope with it. Something everybody in the world must face at some point in their life whether it's when their young or when they become much older. This is where the theme strikes a cord with everybody. As much as it's a story about a boy toying with the laws of science, it's about you and how would you deal with the same situation. For that reason alone I believe this will be a cult classic. The black and white visuals are not to everybody's liking and that's a shame. I doubt no matter how good the reviews will be there will be some kids not willing to go and watch this. It's small town suburb of the 60's feel that made Edward Scissorhands so delightfully madcap is back and it feels just as fresh as when it was seen first presented to an unknowing audience.

But for people who love movies this is also a great tip of the hat to all the old movies that inspired Tim as a young boy. From Frankenstein, Dracula and the Mummy there's moments and characters that just scream Hammer and Universal Horror franchises.

This is a film that Burton fans and classic film fans alike should enjoy. It's small, personal and it feels like it was made just for you. Just see it.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Not as bad as some reviewers make out

[6/10 · 24 October 2012]

When I sat down to watch Abe Vampire Hunter I wasn't expecting much. This may have been the reason I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story of Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter seems like an idea that would be so hard to pitch that it would have never have gotten off the ground in the first place. Indeed 20 years ago it would not have. With so many movies being remakes and reboots it's nice to see that the studios do look at new concepts and are willing to take chances. Abraham's story does indeed have flaws. There are times that i was watching it jump from scene to scene like a storyboard concept with all the subtlety of a montage. The characters are fully fledged comic book characters that all have a story to tell but not much heart to go with them. But this was never meant to be a heart warming story of a man and his dog. It's a high concept action/horror film using a historical figure as it's main focus. I do feel that the tongue in cheek title does deceive a little bit as I was hoping for a bit more humour, it's title alone is a eye roller that asks you to just go with it. But sometimes the film actually takes itself too seriously a bit. But once you get over the fact this is an action/horror, you are left with a great piece of Saturday night entertainment. The ideas on show here are very refreshing to see and some of the action sequences are visually stunning. The 3D is also very enjoyable, with the slow motion really giving the pop out effect another little extra treat for you. (Apologies to the 3D haters but I happen to enjoy films that jump out and occasional moments that break the 4th wall). I found myself looking at the scenery and camera angles as they showed off the set designs and props fantastically. It is a piece of eye candy and its very pleasant on the eye.

Possible Spoiler Alert: One scene I found incredibly refreshing was the galloping horses action sequence. Original, brutal and something that makes the film stand out from all the usual hum drum action fare out there. Abe's axe wielding is also another little piece of genius.

It's fair to say that this film is style over substance but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes I want to see great sets, brilliant SFX and intricate action sequences.

Will this movie save your love of cinema? Maybe not but it will keep the bed warm until a film that does comes along.

Abe Lincoln is a great piece of action cinema that will keep you entertained for 2 hours. Give it a go, Timur's vision has to be applauded even if the script is lacking a little X factor.

6 out of 10. Better than average.

Tangled (2010)

A Disney classic to rival loin king, mermaid and beast.

[9/10 · 2 March 2011]

The first thing to say about this movie is that it IS Disney. It is clear that it was originally intended to be traditional 2D Disney animation. Sadly since Pixar has been on the scene the 2D animation department has struggled to keep up with their new rebellious little step brother in terms of story and, indeed - success. Rapunzel was never the most exciting fairy tale ever which is why it has taken so long to use it as a basis for a film. Luckily the writers have done a sterling job at making sense of the whole tale, giving a reason for her to be in the tower and a use for having such long hair etc Then it was taken over and the decision was made to make it a CG 3D movie. And I should say, it's about time. Disney have tried in the past with limited success without Pixar showing them the way. Bolt and Meet the Robinsons were both very OK films but struggled to have that special"something" to make people endear to them. They lacked the "heart" of Disney's beloved classics. Tangled takes the tradition of 2D classics and puts them into a nice looking CG 3D package. The result is the best film Disney has done in an age and lays a foundation for a bright new future. Let's now talk about the film. It's musical, very musical with lots of sing songs and dancing. Problem? It wasn't for Beast or Lion King so it's not a problem here. It's funny, sharp witted, warm and scary in equal measures. It has small characters like the chameleon, maximus the horse and the old drunk in the Snuggly Duckling pub that makes you instantly like them as well as the main characters. Rapunzel and Flynn are entertaining and their relationship is as good as Belle and the Beast's in terms of believability. The main bug bear I have with this film is that it may kill 2D features completely. Why would Disney go back if they can now make great films this way? All I know is that Pixar better beware, they are very established now and can run the risk of becoming fomulaic with Disney taking up the slack and moving back out in front again. (CARS 2 and MONSTERS INC 2 suggests that Pixar may be running low on steam). Here's hoping the next one is even half as good... P.S. go watch it.

The Expendables (2010)

OK but should be amazing!

[6/10 · 15 December 2010]

With an action line up of this caliber it's easy to see how disappointing it eventually was. Promises of Bruce willis, schwartzenegger, mickey rourke, jet li, Jason statham, randy couture, Eric Roberts, stone cold Steve Austin, stallone, Gary Daniels, dolph lundgren and many more made every action fan wet their pants. Sadly what you get is too many people, not enough screen time. Many big names fall short of a starring role, unable to fully be a part of it. Arnie and Bruce in a very weak cameo that looks almost like a laboured add on scene made so that their names could be dropped into the posters. Jet li fights that are so edited they break up his natural skills and speed plus Mickey Rourke sitting on a chair smoking a pipe like some sort of sage like caterpillar spouting advice to a very lost Alice... Er I mean stallone. Very misused people. Still it's enjoyable, several scenes made me smile including the initial escape stallone and statham perform from the island. Plus the opening scene. Dolph Lungdren is by far the unsung hero of this film though, his character is viscously under used and the most interesting, he should get better parts. So is this the final 80's swan song to action movies? No, you only need to look at the last Rambo for that. This, however could be a new action franchise as long as they don't try to use cheap name dropping tactics to sell the sequels!

A Christmas Carol (2009)

3D beauty

[7/10 · 15 December 2010]

3d is the best thing to happen to cinema since colour. Why? It's so much fun. I'm not saying all films should be 3D but the ones that could, should. Take this film, good in 2d, great in 3d. I have this on 3d blu ray and it is so good I keep watching it over and over. It can take tour breath away, especially if you have a large enough screen as the flying sequences excel in this. Jim carrey is his usual self (he will be heralded as a great actor like all the classic greats in 100 years time) and you can easily see who is who from the motion capture expressions. Visually this film is gorgeous, Charles dickens would cry at how great it looks, the story is very true to the original (until the last act) and surprisingly scary, the story was not toned down for the kiddies. 3D really is another stroke of genius for cinema when used appropriately! Watch in 3D if you really want the full experience, it loses a little bit of edge in 2D.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Fantastic movie

[9/10 · 15 December 2010]

This is possibly one of my favourite films of the year. Very enjoyable, very funny, very dramatic, visually stunning and breathtaking. The films pace is perfect, you feel like it ended exactly when it needed to. The animation is amazing. Several subtle characteristics come out from the animation That impresses me all the time. I have watched it at least once a week since released on blu ray. I could try to give you a detailed break down into what is good about this film but I decided to just let you watch it and then you will know. If you haven't seen it already then where have you been?! Don't take my 9 stars lightly, this is better than megamind by far. Much more complete as a film. Now bring out the 3D version and stop hogging it SAMSUNG!

Ong Bak 2 (2008)

Tony and the plot go awol

[7/10 · 17 April 2009]

Many a film has had it's fair share of problems but I doubt many films show that so obviously as ONG BAK 2. The comparison to the first is null and void as it is a completely different movie from ONG BAK. I suspect it only has the title so that western audiences will be interested in seeing the movie as the first was so successful. So what do we have? A period movie set many centuries before the first film and is focused around a very troubled time in Thai history where the country was at war with itself. Tony plays Teean, a young nobleman who is sent away by his father to be taught traditional dance at a school while he tries to fend off an opposing army who is attempting to take over his kingdom. Sadly all isn't as it should be and his parents are betrayed, killed and he is left to fend for himself. He is soon sold into slavery and when he does not cooperate with his captors he is thrown into a crocodile pit to fight for entertainment. Luckily though a band of pirates come to plunder and rescue him after witnessing his raw talent for survival. He is then taught many forms of martial arts by the pirates and displays a huge talent in different fighting styles including kung fu and weapons. I won't give too much away after that but what is clear is that as a first directorial debut Tony bit off way more than he could chew. Plot wise the film begins to go shaky at the 50 minute mark, opting instead to go nuts on fighting sequences rather than tie the plot down. It soon becomes apparent that while being so into the fighting Tony pushes the plot aside and the film becomes almost illegible to understand at points. The film then began to go grossly over budget causing the production company to put pressure on Tony to get it back in line and he soon cracked. It was reported in Thailand that Tony then decided, after almost destroying his friendship with choreographer and mentor Pannai, to disappear in the middle of production. Some of the rumours circulated were that he joined a monastery to practice black magic (doubtful) and that he had retreated to a cave to pray and meditate. He returned after a short while and made a tearful apology to the Thai public on TV vowing to finish what he had started. So what was the outcome? A sumptuous period film with fantastic cinematography and visuals but a serious lack of identity. The final third act is almost non existent, kidnapped by a massive over the top and spectacular action sequence. The film really needed to be wrapped up though and they managed to tack on an almost "to be continued" ending hoping to carry on the plot and hopefully drag back some credability that was lost in production. But I will say that this is a far cry from ong bak and tum yum goong, something I wasn't expecting and it's all the better for it. Tony wows with the mixed martial arts he trained so hard to perfect for the film. He pays homage to many of his heroes like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan in some of the fight sequences including a drunken master set piece thats pretty brutal compared to Jackie's style. It lacks a lot of the acrobatics of his previous two outings but replaces them with intricate choreography and brutal weaponry. I was worried after tum yum goong that he may begin to run out of ideas and rely on previous success to sell the flick but he is clearly willing to step up to the plate and be far more ballsy than I gave him credit for. I wish they could have finished the movie properly or handed directing over to someone who had more experience because now we will have to wait for ONG BAK 3 (apparently its been agreed) to seek the real ending as I feel I cannot fairly review the film until then. But on the whole as long as you can forgive the shoddy plot just sit back and watch some real eye candy. The visuals and martial arts are better than any film that has come from Thailand already. I just hope this doesn't put people off of watching the third when it's released...

Punisher: War Zone (2008)

dark and much more honest to the comic

[7/10 · 19 March 2009]

Ah the joys of a multi region DVD player. Clearly the team involved in this movie knew how fans saw the last Punisher movie. This plans to show a slightly more close to the source realisation of Frank Castle's story. The violence has been criticised as being over the top but that's not always the case. If you've ever seen somebody get shot in the head with a high powered rifle you'd know how much of a mess it makes. This doesn't try to portray that castle is an entirely good man who has to be swift and smooth when dealing with his enemies, just brutal and as extreme as they are. I'd agree with somebody that said on here that Jigsaw seems a little over the top but I suspect that he was just as over the top in the comic book too. This is a movie that was made cheaply but does look a lot more expensive in parts so hats off to the director and crew again. If you are a fan of the comic books then I think you have already seen this so this will prove fruitless but I decided to say my piece. Watch if you're not a fan just don't compare it to the 2004 movie, it wouldn't be fair to both films.