Movie Review: Cloverfield

My Rating: 4/10

Don't insult the intelligence of your audience! Really,really crappy camera work would probably help to save production cost but it shouldn't be used as an excuse to fill in a story. Even the special affects can't save this bad excuse of a movie. Scenes aren't only badly lit, the colours aren't visibly corrected either.

As a professional videographer, we work very hard to avoid video camera shake. It's what we look out for when we view videos produced by our peers. Steady video camera work and good lighting separates the pros from the amateurs.

I am an avid PC and console gamer so I am quite used to the effects of fast paced gaming and too much happening on screen too fast is not a new concept to me. However, I was not prepared for the nauseating effects of this film. Even my wife suggested switching the DVD player off.

For the average Joe who likes a little 'home-video' feel, Cloverfield might excite them but professionals like us have seen this nonsense once too often. The amateur can probably relate to the unsteady hand-held motion so prevalent in this film, they probably can't tell a steady shot from a badly shot, badly lit film. We have a high standard to maintain, lots of research to do and watching a badly shot, badly lit film is not one of them.

If you are into home videos with either insufficient or overexposed lighting, this is the movie for you. If you're not then for the record, I was fooled by the trailer. Take heed.

Movie Review: Perfume

My Rating: 8/10

A thrill ride of a cliffhanger from the begining coupled with a surprising climax. An unconventional ending makes this film an entertaining if grisly, experience.

The life of Jean Baptiste is a hard one, tempting us to overlook his crimes when his passion overtakes morality in his gruesome quest. A melancholic and edgy soundtrack plays throughout the film spiced up by ominous classical tones.

My compliments go to the writer for a refreshing concept to the age-old suspense thriller. Whoever thought distilling young women for their essence could produce perfume? More intriguing still is that the collection of all 9 types of essences could make a potion so powerful so as to contemplate the enslaving the human race?

It is interesting to note that whoever helps our antagonist suffers a fateful end, from his mother to his master.

Movie Review: Atonement

My Rating: 8/10

This film is set during the early stages of World War 2. It's a must watch for those of us colonial types who want to see more of the english countryside and the gentlemen with their stuffy eccentric ways.

The summer frolic in the English countryside, around a huge english mansion rewards the heart and reminds one of the carefree days when we were children. The colours are fresh and soft, giving this part of the film a dreamy, romantic ambience.

James McAvoy redeems himself here after his performance in The Last King of Scotland. He fits perfectly into this role as the composed Robbie Turner. The film's antagonist, Briony develops a crush for Robbie. She watches a questionable scene from her bedroom window- an exchange between Robbie and her sister. She jumps to conclusions and her resulting actions haunt her till the very end of the movie as repercussions echo and effect their lives.

There is a brief jaunt into the beaches of Dunkirk. This legendary scene features an expanse of beach with soldiers milling about. Pay attention to the very long take at the beach as the camera sweeps across hundreds of extras.

Film editing is fluid and impeccable. The plot unfolds at its own pace- there's no rush in Atonement, but we are absorbed into each character's life, if simply to know their fate. Atonement is a well told love story and it's nice to watch Kiera Knightly without a scimitar for a change.

Movie Review: Rambo 4

My Rating: 5/10

Just when I thought they couldn't make it any worse, out pops another sequel to the infamous movie. Now we have to suffer through Rambo 4 just like when we were kids. Back then, it was innocence lost. Now that we're all grown up, we get a refresher course in the matter of violence is the solution to all problems.

It's loud, it's crude and it's loud. It's a good movie to test your home theater before awarding Rambo 4 its rightful place as a coaster. The producers made full use of existing technology to introduce a new level of violence and gore. What we missed in the news reels due to censorship, we get to experience in sharp detail in Rambo 4. This film has set a new standard in military movie violence. We get treated to a scene of machine guns mowing down people, if you're into that sort of thing.

There's no depth in the story, if the two dimensional script could pass as a story. The characters are forgettable. The firefights aren't spectacular. From my point of view, tactical planning and execution is bases on luck and brawn.

Hardly a movie for kids, but if it is, any toddler can understand the simple premise. If you're looking for witty dialog, visual effects or a spot of good acting, look elsewhere.

Movie Review: Bridge to Terabithia

My Rating: 9/10

At last, a movie that understands the magic of storytelling. This is a poignant film about friendship during the wonder years. It's misleading to expect fantasy storytelling to be the cornerstone of this film. Instead it highlights the evanescence of life. The two child actors deliver a heartwarming performance. The film is based on a premise we can all identify with when we were kids: School... its challenges and the diversions we create to blend in or fade out.

A movie about kids that's not for kids. Be warned, it's a tear-jerker. With compliments, a very well executed film that concerns itself with brilliant story and great directing. Don't expect too much of the visual effects, feature films like Narnia will run cirlces around it. Look out for the magical moments shared between two friends, immerse yourself in a child's world, a colourful world we've left behind a long time ago, a world we get to relive again in this movie.

Movie Review: Hitman

My Rating: 9/10

I was sceptical about this film. Movie tie-ins and licenses have a rare chance of success. Should I ruin my memories of an excellent game by watching a substandard film that aspires to be faithful to the game and even dared to be entertaining in the process?

After the disaster that was Rambo 4, I was getting hard to impress. It was with this cynical mood that I watched Hitman, hardly a week had passed since I allowed my eyes to be exposed to a distasteful movie like Rambo 4.

The Hitman DVD slid into the player...

Number 47 was raised an orphan by a secret organisation, he was taught unarmed combat, was subjected to strict disciplinary action.

What was that? 47 wasn't 'raised' by nobody. Agent 47 was genetically manufactured. Anybody who played the game knows that. Even the last installment, Hitman: Blood Money, gave us a flashback level into the lab where 46 was made. Scratch one for Hitman the movie.

47 sneaks into Interpol inspector Mike Whittier's home for a confrontation and the movie begins in earnest, through a series of flashback sequences. When he ends up in a hotel and Russia's FSB sets up an ambush, my memory is jogged back to the last level of Hitman: Blood Money- 47 is trapped in a hotel room in France as gendarmes swarm the building.

Number 47 makes use of pistols he stored in an icebox precluding the attack, he makes use of a bungee rope he lashed onto the balcony much earlier. I get my own set of flashbacks, to the time when I was playing the game.

47 cases a restaurant with Nika, on the pretense that he wants to take her out to dinner and I think to myself, 'Hey, that's what I would've done'. 47 makes his move to intercept arms dealer Price in the gents and I get more flashbacks. Avid gamers of Hitman know too well what takes place in the gents: Sooner or later, they all have to go.

Right about this time I was really starting to dig the movie. The scene in Udre Bellikov's mansion totally had me. As faithful as a movie can get to a game, this one has my vote. My wife even commented that Oliver Olyphant walked like Agent 47 (she single-handedly completed Hitman 2.

If you loved the wallpapers taken from the game, you'll love how the director tried to emulate them. When 47 had Nika meet with his CIA contact in a cafe, the beautiful portrait of 47 perched high up on a roof looking down on the proceedings through a WA-2000 sniper rifle is a poignant scene and truly nostalgic.

There are plenty of firefights if that's what you're looking for. Honestly, I wasn't really following the story. I was distracted by how parallel the movie and the game was and if they were somehow interconnected like the Matrix series. You'll be impressed by the knife-fight in the train station, by the method 47 used to get at an African terrorist leader, by the host of other agents after his behind, by his black suit and red tie... by the barcode on the back of his neck.

You won't be disappointed by this movie. It's blessed with of visual effects that doesn't stand out glaringly- they serve to make the film look good. Directing is incredibly fluid and professional. This from a director, Xavier Gens, who doesn't have much to his credit. Timothy Olyphant has played Agent 47 to the T. Film editing is beautiful giving 47 and the film in general a stylish and sophisticated feel. Fall in love with the haunting melancholic melody of the 'Ave Maria' soundtrack. Enjoy the hit!

Movie Review: The Last King of Scotland

My Rating: 7/10

Journalist: I heard you're calling yourself 'The Last King of Scotland'
President Amin: Yes, they heard what I did to the British here and they want me to go over there and help them!

Idi Amin... I mean, Forrest Whitaker deserved every praise awarded him for portraying Uganda's Idi Amin so convincingly. He worked hard at it too- I heard Forrest stayed in character even between takes. His giant frame and pompous gait followed by his baritone, powerful voice and sinister, steely eyes just took my breath away.

It's a shame we couldn't see more of his performances. Instead, we watch the story unfold through Nicholas Gerrigan, a free-spirited, naive and impulsive doctor appointed by the president to be his personal physician.

The jovial and amicable president is at once full of charm and charisma. After a foiled assassination attempt, we are treated to a glimpse of the dictator's wrath. Ultimately his lapse into paranoia and evil is a joy to watch.

Dr. Gerrigan's lack of foresight and his careless attitude towards repercussions are the cause to at least two ruined lives. I found myself cheering when he finally had to face the music. Between the two, I was rooting for the antagonist.

The reddish, brown and orange hues of Africa is prevalent in this film. Sweat and dust, the cinematographer never cease to remind you of it. The camera is mostly dynamic, darting here and there, sometimes very subtly, to highlight a hand gesture or a facial expression. Camera angles are at once wide, cutting to medium and finally close-up, only to repeat the cycle again. The director tries to put us into the action and yet wanting us to become spectators as well.

I found myself drawn into Gen. Idi Amin's first public appearance. It was lightning. I felt the cameras framed him just right at the last possible moment as he gestured into the crowd, hands uplifted into the heavens.

Beautiful directing, the hues and lighting sets the right mood and ambiance, brilliant performance by Forrest are the film's saving graces. I fear the story was a let down. This wasn't about Idi amin, Uganda's notorious dictator who murdered 300,000 of his people. This was a story about Dr. Gerrigan and his good friend President Idi Amin!

Movie Review: The Hunting Party

My Rating: 7/10

When defamed journalist Simon Hunt (Richard Gere) goes traipsing all over Bosnia-Herzegovina searching for a war criminal nicknamed 'The Fox', we assume he's out looking for that big scoop that will restore him to his former glory.

War torn Bosnia is now a tranquil paradise vivid in autumn, through the lens of the cinematographer. Gone are the desaturated, sometimes monochromatic look used to depict a country ravaged by war.

Duckie (Terence Howard), cameraman to Simon's war journalist, narrates part of the story. Despite being a great team, wining awards and recognition, we aren't told clearly why exactly Simon suffered a breakdown during a live broadcast. His career takes a downward spiral from thereon.

Simon resurfaces eventually to recruit Duckie in his quest to 'get an interview' with The Fox. Together with the network vice-president's son, we follow them through the Bosnian countryside, encounter red tape from the peace-keeping corps and encounter close calls after close shaves.

In the end, finding the Fox wasn't such a big deal you wonder why governments couldn't get at him after all the years. Great, what we need is another conspiracy theory movie. Just remember they're not a CIA hit squad pretending not to be a CIA hit squad! OR are they... not?

Witty dialogue provide homour and thought provoking questions. This isn't really an action flick if that's what you're after. Each actor carry their own weight, which is only a little above average at best. My advice is to enjoy the Bosnian countryside and the conspiracy theory.

Movie Review: 3:10 to Yuma

My rating: 8/10

Another western. After watching Seraphim Falls, I was half expecting this 3:10 to Yuma to be a little depressing but I was pleasantly surprised.

The colours in 3:10 are much more vibrant than Seraphim and the characters are more filled out. Although the story follows the protagonist, I had hoped the screenwriters would give the bad guys (Ben Wade's gang) more screen time. That mexican sniper and especially lightning fast Charlie Prince in particular would give this movie more action oriented entertainment value.

Whereas the concept of Seraphim Falls lie in the hunter and hunted plot, 3:10 to Yuma concerns us with the hunter being caught and being brought to justice. Although lacking a good music score, I took note of the ominous soundtrack that drove the movie.

Russell Crowe as the notorious Ben Wade is charismatic as is expected of him. Christian Bale's Evans as the struggling, down on his luck rancher makes me feel for him but throughout the movie I get the feeling there's more to this man than meets the eye. Perhaps the director intended to reel me into with my preoccupation with Evans.

Although I didn't really get the ending I though it was a unique although very unconventional way to end a story. In the end images of Charlie Prince, that stone-cold sleigh of hand gunfighter kept flashing through my mind.

Movie Review: The Matador

My rating: 8/10 points

How do you handle an assassin who's experiencing mid-life crisis? Pierce Brosnan plays a vulnerable antagonist. A departure from the usually imperturbable characters that he plays.

Watch as the assassin Julian suffers a burnout and the only help he could find is a reluctant and gullible Danny, a down on his luck businessman played by Greg Kinnear. Commendable acting, both of them.

Julian and Danny share a plausible camaraderie. Keep an eye out for the step-by-step instruction on how to 'take out' a t...(read more)arget.

Good cinematography and directing. Actors deliver their dialog well. Entertaining and tongue in cheek funny.

Movie Review: Lady In The Water

My rating: 9/10 points

All great movies take its time to unfold and this is no exception. A beautiful blend of fairy-tale and fantasy in a contemporary setting.

Look out for the living room pow-wow where the residents work together, all the misfits and the outcasts team up to face a menacing danger lurking just beyond their residence.

The director took considerable effort to develop his characters and plot.
A brilliant story with mystery and suspense that manages to inspire.

Make sure the kids come along for the ride like the director intended.

Movie Review: Seraphim Falls

My rating: 7/10 points

The landscape shifts from snow covered forests to vast arid desolate plains framed by gorgeous skies.

The hues can be drab, almost monotone, then change suddenly to scenes fiercely alive with colours.

Watch how Brosnan's character, Gideon, deals with...(read more) a 'flesh wound' and never look at a superficial gunshot wound the same way again.

This theme of rage and vengeance is nothing new but the costumes, the props, the actor's performance and the majestic if bleak wild west at least does this film justice.

Movie Review: The Inside Man

My rating: 7/10 points

If you don't watch it for the actors, go for the tightrope suspense. The director has you on a wild goose chase trying to decipher what's really going on while the characters belt out their lines expertly in cool composure that belie true tension.

Watch it for the beautiful camera moves, the graceful steadicam and dolly motions that take you right up to where the action is.
Be rewarded at the end by the true nature of the bank heist.

Movie Review: The Kingdom

My rating: 8/10 points

Sergeant Haytam: Sun is shining, wind is blowing. How bad can I be doing?

With lines like that in a movie that sports actors like Jamie Foxx and Chris Cooper, I expected this movie to rock and it did.

Very realistic firefights, the director has the innate ability to put you right in the middle of the action.

The team's efforts to create Inter-government co-operation is a charm to watch.

Just don't expect the forensic scenes to look like scenes from CSI, it's clearly too far fetched.