Vantage Point
Director Pete Travis creates an extremely good controversial political thriller. From its intriguing opening sequence, which shows the attempted assassination of an American President from numerous different ‘vantage points’, to its grand finale, a breathtaking car chase through the streets of the City of Salamanca in Spain, this movie will leave you riveted to the edge of your seat. Starring Dennis Quaid, Mathew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver and William Hurt, everything about this movie is absolutely terrific.
Shoot ‘Em Up
In the words of writer and director Michael Davis, this movie is nothing more than: “A Ballet of Bullets”. Very much in homage to legendary Hong Kong action director John Woo, the movie consists of one elaborately choreographed ‘shoot out’ after another, and not much plot. Well, what plot there is doesn’t make much sense, and it’s a bit hard to figure out anyway. Forget the silly story and just concentrate on the action. Which never lets up! Set to a driving ‘Heavy Metal’ soundtrack, the movie is superb Pop Cinema, representational for our current disturbing times. The movie is a ‘must see’!
Dan In Real Life
Most audiences will remember Steve Carell as the somewhat ‘stupid’ star of ‘The 40 Year Old Virgin’, and the ‘dumb’ movies ‘Bruce Almighty’ and ‘Evan Almighty’. As a rising new comedian, Steve Carell has been slowly but surely gaining a place in American movie comedies. In his latest role Steve offers himself, quite successfully, as a viable romantic leading man. Steve plays a widower, with three young daughters, who joins his large and boisterous extended family on Rhode Island, for the annual ‘Fall’ weekend. There, he falls in love with his brother’s new girlfriend. The movie is a soft romantic comedy, which makes for very good family entertainment. Juliette Binoche is delightful as Steve’s love interest, and the movie is fleshed out with an excellent supporting cast. ‘Family values’ are presented appealingly.
27 Dresses
I think I am in love with Katherine Heigl. I loved her on TV in ‘Roswell’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and now I love her on the big screen. She looks totally luscious. But, let’s face it, her choice of movies haven’t been that great. ‘Side Effects’ was a daft low budget thriller, and the less said about ‘Knocked Up’ the better. Katherine, or her minders, make another ridiculous choice with her latest romantic comedy ‘27 Dresses’. Honestly, who would believe that Katherine Heigl has been a bridesmaid twenty-seven times, and never the bride? And, therein, lays the fault of the movie. It is not feasible that no-one would want to marry Katherine Heigl. She is just too gorgeous.
Love In The Time Of Cholera
Based on the best-selling novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, director Mike Newell’s adaptation of the story, concerning an unrequited love affair that spans fifty years, is a lush and elaborate extravaganza. Set in the sensual city of Cartagena, in Colombia, at the turn of the 20th century, nevertheless, the movie fails to grab the imagination. Mike Newell makes a competent and majestic movie that just does not ignite. The best feature of the movie is Javier Bardem, who gives an excellent performance as the besotted lover.
The Mist
Whenever I come across a movie that has been based on a Stephen King novel, I will be sure to watch it. I am a big fan of Stephen King. Some movie adaptations of his works like ‘Carrie’ (1976), ‘The Shining’ (1980), and ‘Misery’ (1990) are genuine classics, while other films like ‘Pet Sematary’ (1989) and ‘The Lawnmower Man’ (1992) are best forgotten. Director Frank Darabont, who also made adaptations of King’s ‘The Green Mile’ (1999) and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994), creates a fantastic horror movie with his screen version of ‘The Mist’. A strange thick mist engulfs a small American country town. Deep within the mist are unspeakable horrors. That’s about all I’m going to tell you about the movie. Why spoil it for you? But, you can be certain that this movie will scare the living daylights out of just about anyone. It is a truly creepy and jolting movie. Another ‘must see’!
Ice Age 2, The Meltdown
All the original lovable characters, including Manny, Sid and Diego, plus many new friends, appear in this wonderful computer animated cartoon sequel. As the DVD cover says: “The Pack is Back”. The Ice Age is coming to an end, and as it melts the pack’s valley home is threatened by a flood. What to do? Watch and find out! Both children and adults will enjoy the animation, the music, and the jokes. However, I do tend to think that jokes about Global Warming are a bit in bad taste, no matter how well-intended! Why not do what I did, and watch ‘Ice Age 1’ again, to get you in the mood?
Jumper
Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson star in this unusual movie about teleportation. The movie starts off strongly, with an interesting plot and great special effects, then, about halfway through, something goes screwy. There are a lot of strange edits and the movie goes off track. Obviously, it didn’t go down well with a ‘test audience’, and a salvage operation went into effect. Diane Lane, billed as a ‘star’, is almost cut from the movie. Blink and you will miss her. A ‘Director’s Cut’ could make some sense of the whole thing!
Mr. Robet’s Best Buys
Vantage Point
An unusual political thriller, in which the action never lets up for a second.
Shoot ‘Em Up
A movie that is totally devoid of plot, but is absolutely fascinating to watch.
The Mist
This horror movie is guaranteed to scare the living daylights out of anybody.
Sweeny Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tim Burton and Johnny Depp create a creepy and marvelous horror musical.
There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis is terrific in this great movie about greed and vengeance.
Across The Universe
Revisit the Sixties through the songs of the ‘Beatles’, in this groovy musical.
Sleuth
Michael Caine and Jude Law have a great time in this adapted theatre piece.
The Darjeeling Limited
A wacky comedy about three brothers journeying through India on a train.
Dan In Real Life
A gentle family comedy, starring comedian Steve Carell as a romantic lead.
Awake
A particularly nasty horror movie concerning surgery and a faulty anesthetic.
Virgin Territory
A risqué and bawdy romp, based on a classic book, set in Renaissance Italy.
Ice Age 2, The Meltdown
The whole family will enjoy this terrific computer animated cartoon sequel.
Rendition
A rather disturbing look at America’s current ‘Anti-Terrorism’ legislation.
I’m Not There
Bob Dylan fans will love this movie. The less fanatical will be unimpressed.
