Rebellious Celluloid

This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2005)

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This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)

You've heard the saying "It could only happen in America?"

I'd heard people bitching about the MPAA before but I had never read up on the organisation and had no idea just how dumb an idea the whole set up is. The KKK are a knitting circle compared to this bunch of numb-nuts. Interesting documentary though.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 10:38 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments

The Lookout (2007)

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The Lookout (2007)

"whoever has the money has the power" the tagline states. I'll tell you something Isla Fisher, Matthew Goode nor the walking cliche named 'Bones' had the money. If they had there's no evidence they ever spent any of it on acting lessons. Their performances, for me spoiled an otherwise solid film. Can't fault Scott Franks script or directing, and the two leads nail their roles.Sadly, not enough to make me recommend a viewing.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 10:31 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments

There's something about Erin!

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Freedom Writers (2007)

My initial thoughts during the first act of this film were 'holy hell... how many times are they going to remake Dangerous Minds??

Although I did at this stage recognise Freedom Writers was displaying a lot more depth as the afore-mentioned Michelle Pfieffer vehicle, It was only when we got to the holocaust and journal stories that the film started to grip me.

I didn't know much about Erin Grewell before going into this film; apart from the basics. And I left feeling like there were still a few pieces missing from the puzzle.

Freedom Writers is a good tribute to a remarkable woman (is there something about the name Erin?) and a gutsy group of kids, but all said and done the story behind the story is what continues to hold my interest -- this film just planted the seed.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 10:23 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments

Breaking and Entering (2006)

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Breaking and Entering (2006)

Note: This review was written before the death of its writer/director 'Anthony Minghella'.

Anthony Minghella's first original screenplay since 1991's Truly Madly Deeply is a garbled and somewhat lumbering affair between two sets of people from opposite sides of the social divide. His plot feels as forced as a smile on Anne Robinson's face, which in turn makes the performances labored and leaves the whole thing lacking plausibility.

I expected much more from this cast.

London comes out the only winner here -- un-cliched, oozing with grime and always an interesting subject to view. Still, not a good enough reason to watch this film.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 9:03 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments

Harsh Times (2006)

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Harsh Times (2006)

An unconvincing urban road movie that would have little to no lasting effect if it wasn't for the brilliant Christian Bale and Freddy Rodriguez. This script is nowhere near as good as it promises to be, in fact the dialogue feels grossly outdated and almost childlike in comparison to the actors speaking it.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 8:57 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments

The Good Shepherd

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The Good Shepherd (2006)

If De Niro had concentrated half as much on continuity and pacing than he did bringing together this stellar cast this film may have grabbed me. It's an hour too long and for a film that spans decades the cast age remarkably well. The plot and subject matter did interest me, but by the time it got to the point I didn't care any longer.

Posted Sunday, October 12, 2008 8:52 AM by Kowalski76 | with 0 comments