[Closed] Recent Viewing Part III

Sherlock Holmes

It's got nothing to do with the Sherlock Holmes we know from the books or the movies (Downey Jr's slightly feeble protests that Sherlock was rather the pugilist -which he was, by the way- notwithstanding), and everything with Guy Ritchie's trademark visual style.

There's a lot of good things about the film. Downey Jr.'s performance is top notch (although it does seem he is retreading his Tony "Iron Man" Stark portrayal here), and the chemistry with Jude Law's restrained doctor Watson is a source of continued amusement. Much of the supporting cast are below par, though, which almost stops the film dead in its tracks once none of the two leads is involved.

Ritchie's very visual direction is extremely present, so it really depends on whether or not you liked it in Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch if you will appreciate it here.

London's CGI Victorian age looks nice, but no more than that.
There's no notable improvement to, say, Coruscant: I still get the idea I'm watching video game visuals. I've been thinking on why that is, and I think the reason may be that the screen is just too busy: there's too many ships, and too many carriages and too many people all at the same time. And they're all CGI('d). It's too big and too busy and too hectic...and it just shows.

The plot is linear, nonsensical, with loopholes big enough to drive a stage coach through, depending too often on "inspired deductions" from Sherlock rather than actual logic or sense. But obviously -and in many ways sadly- a true detective plot was never the idea behind this film. If you're willing to live with that, there's plenty of amusement to be had.

Slightly to my disappointment, the plot hinges too heavily on a supernatural angle (something modern day Sherlock Holmes variations too often rely upon) which really doesn't come off, but does offer Zimmer an amusing excuse to present a somewhat Eastern European soundscape in his fun score (playing heavily against the villain's rather undead looks and apparent capacities).

All in all not a brilliant film by any means. But quite amusing.

Film: 3.5 out of 5
Score: 3.5 out of 5

I thought Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch were brilliant. I've watched Snatch in particular, 4 times. I'm sold.

Well, judging from Martijn's comments above and yours, i think i will, yes. If it's fun, Guy Ritchie-like fun, then i'm sold!

Hmmm..I on the other hand found the visual style very recognizable (the quick "resolution" cuts rather than dialogue or exposure; the flash zooms)... but then all these elements have now been hijacked by mainstream film making, so maybe it just comes off a little more tired than ten years ago?
(Ritchie does seem to have a lot of trouble reinventing himeself).

Just saw: CUBE (1997) ****
A first rate lesson in how to create suspense and an original story from the smallest of sets (just a single room that's being lit in different ways). The film relies heavily on a building sense of claustrophobia and tense atmosphere, adding to that some scenes of great suspense. All this makes up for some clunky acting and big leaps of logic near the end of the film, but the instances where the plot goes against cliché are great.

The biggest plus, however, is how the why's, how's and when's are never explained, knowing this would kill a lot of the effect. Besides, the quasi philosophical dialogue that stem from these questions make for a welcome distraction from the puzzles and suspense.

It all ain't perfect by a long shot, but it's a very effective and intelligent little horrorfilm nonetheless. I'm also determined now NEVER to watch any of the other Cube films.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Very long, but very handsome film. I was gripped by the opening and the ending but the point of some of the stuff in the middle rather passed me by. Now, I must get the soundtrack - why did nobody ever tell me how good it is?

Shutter Island

Very intense and gripping film. I don't think there was a single dull or uninteresting scene in the entire film? It certainly kept my gaze fixed during the whole 2 hours. DiCaprio again proves he's a star worthy of his status - it's not surprising why Scorsese keeps working with him. (In fact, this might be my favourite DiCaprio-Scorsese film.)

Loved the twist. It started becoming more and more clear as the story went on, I sort of guessed it before he entered the lighthouse, but I wasn't sure (though I'm sure there are those who will say "I guessed it from the very beginning. It was so obvious! You're all stupid and I'm smart." )

I thought the Nazi flashbacks were so well done, very harrowing.

Every time I've been told a film or show has a twist ending I almost always suss it within the opening minutes

That movie is almost flawless. In fact i can't think of anything i'd change...If only more films in our days relied on actual FILM-MAKING, characters and story-telling like SHUTTER ISLAND did, Hollywood would be a much better industry.

In future please clearly mark recommendations which I'll be interested in - perhaps Bregt could introduce a new "Notify Southall of recommendation" feature? I haven't heard any of their other film work. I definitely want this on CD.

Well - Scorsese is one of the greatest directors who works in Hollywood, no question. Not all his films are great, but they are at least interesting. I look forward to Shutter Island.

I MUST SEE IT!

I'm sure I will. I agree with James about Scorsese.

Not really, i thought it set the mood perfectly and it was very clever and fresh, at least to me. Instead of the random underscore that it's initially boring and it's just a couple of strings here and there, teasing you "hm, i don't know what this movie is about or what it's going to happen, but let's watch together and find outttttttzzzz" style of opening titles music we normally get, Scorcese here added character from frame 1.