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Max Payne (2008)
Very good for a film based on a computer game...
...which is intended to be qualified praise. Having played both 'Max Payne' games, I really enjoyed the small touches in the film that are intentionally added to please the 'fanboys' like myself, such as bullet time (albeit too brief)and the flashings of red whilst Max is attacked (the same that occurs when Max incurs damage during the game). I also really enjoyed (and I will avoid spoilers) how the script managed to inject some realism into how Max could realistically shoot down (and sustain damage) towards the end when the climax erupts in a shower of bullets.
Also great perfs generally all round - Mark Wahlberg is surprisingly good, Mr Bridges and Ludicrous are adequate, and although she has nothing to do but basically be hot, the upcoming Bond girl is smouldering. The director also adds some nice touches in parts, particularly some of the action scenes which are very well shot/choreographed.
Fan boy ravings aside, the film critic in me had concerns with a number of filming techniques. Firstly, the pacing. The pacing is all over the place, with the first hour often dragging in parts. I also had the concern that people without an awareness of the 'Max Payne' mythology may wonder what the heck is going on. Secondly, given the emphasis on plot in the first hour, the movie is inadequate in explaining back story for some minor characters. Yes, we get the point Max lost his family. We see this in flash back at least three times, each time not adding anything further to the plot. This time could have been spent fleshing out the characters - people whom i saw it with today (not ever having played the game) were wondering (apart from the sister connection) why Mona Sax was such a vicious woman who had a knack for wielding sub-machine games, or how BB came on to the scene. Third, it is disappointing that the cuts to permit it to be a PG 13 are obvious. Here in Australia it is MA (meaning no admission below 15) and deals with some very dark themes, so it is disappointing that the MPAA had to be humoured to get a PG, when really, it is an MA film (or R17 in the US).
Overall, an enjoyable film, particularly for most fanboys. Having said that, fanboys will probably agree there is not enough 'action' for an 'action' film, whilst film critics will no doubt criticise the shallow character development.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Perfection
I recently caught this wonderful film on television, and was delighted to re-visit this almost perfect example of film making. Everything about the film, including Minghella's flawless direction, the breathtaking cinematography and a razor sharp script, combine to form an unforgettable movie experience.
Minghella expertly tells a tale that is an equal mix of drama and suspense. It focuses on one chapter in the life of Tom Ripley - A man who, at this stage in the Highsmith novels anyway, is a nobody who yearns for a life better than his own. Opportunity knocks when a case of mistaken identity results in Tom being sent to Italy to bring back Dickie Greenleaf, a rich and spoilt playboy living in the lap of luxury. However, while in Italy, Tom realises that the lifestyle Dickie leads is something that he has long desired. When Dickie tires of Tom's presence, and throws him aside like many other people in the past, disaster strikes, and Tom assumes Dickie's identity...with tragic consequences for all involved.
The acting in particular warrants particular attention; Matt Damon gives an incredibly intuitive and multi-layered performance as the conflicted yet driven character of Tom Ripley. Gwyneth Paltrow gives what has to be the most under-rated performance of her career - watching the character of Marge evolve from a care free young lady into a suspicious and eventually terrified victim is breathtaking. Jude Law and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are also perfectly cast and do not disappoint in vital roles.
If you have not seen this film already, get it out as a weekly rental at the video store. I can guarantee it will not disappoint. Even film goers that are not fans of this type of genre will still be impressed by the caliber of film-making up there on the television screen.
5 out of 5 stars.