Fahrenheit 9/11 (Review)

Fahrenheit 9/11

Cast: Michael Moore
Director: Michael Moore
Writer: Michael Moore
Genre: Documentary
Rated: M graphic war footage, adult themes, medium level coarse language
Running Time: 116 Minutes

**Winner 'Palme D'or' Best Picture 2004 Cannes Film Festival**

The Temperature Where Freedom Burns!

Synopsis:
One of the most controversial and provocative films of the year, Fahrenheit 9/11 is Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore's searing examination of the Bush administration's actions in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11. With his characteristic humour and dogged commitment to uncovering the facts, Moore considers the presidency of George W. Bush and where it has led us. He looks at how - and why - Bush and his inner circle avoided pursuing the Saudi connection to 9/11, despite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and Saudi money had funded Al Qaeda.

Fahrenheit 9/11 shows us a nation kept in constant fear by FBI alerts and lulled into accepting a piece of legislation, the USA Patriot Act, that infringes on basic civil rights. It is in this atmosphere of confusion, suspicion and dread that the Bush Administration makes its headlong rush towards war in Iraq - and Fahrenheit 9/11 takes us inside that war to tell the stories we haven't heard, illustrating the awful human cost to U.S. soldiers and their families.

My Verdict:
'Fahrenheit 9/11' will and is already becoming one of 2004's must-see movies. Regardless of your previous opinion of the USA and it's involvement with questionable characters, this movie will offer some insights that may make you change your mind, or convince you that you've been right all along. Whatever the case, it is a captivating, moving, entertaining, and ultimately intriguing documentary on the George W. Bush administration, and some of the events that have taken place since September 11th, 2001, including the war on Iraq.

The movie is typical Michael Moore. It moves along so that it is never boring, containing a mix of the graphically shocking and the funny. Moore narrates the movie, including some very witty lines, but also adding some very biting dialogue that is intended to be provocative and outrageous. Tongue in cheek, Moore goes about his business, where no-one is spared: he shows George W. Bush's reaction on being told of the September 11th attack, he shows Britney Spears thoughts on the President, he shows the unemployment in his hometown of Flint, Michigan and these are but a few of the multitude and variety of images he uses to spread his message. A highlight is his attempt to lure Congressmen into signing their children up for the armed forces: "There's not that many congressmen that've got kids over there… In fact, only one… Maybe you guys should send your kids there first. What do you think about that idea?"

If you have never seen a Michael Moore movie, television program, or read one of his books, 'Fahrenheit 9/11' is the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with his work. Some have called his work blatant propaganda, and others a revelation; it's really your choice to decide. Michael has a way with words that can be described as witty, sarcastic and even cynical, yet always very entertaining, and his work in this film is powerful and thought provoking, and for that alone it makes this documentary well worth seeing.

Rating : A-

Christina Bruce

Finding Nemo (Review)

Finding Nemo (Review)

Released: August 28 2003
Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen de Generes, Geoffrey Rush, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Erica Beck
Director: Andrew Stanton
Genre: Family/Adventure/Comedy
Rated: G
Running Time: 100 Minutes

There are 3.7 trillion fish in the ocean*, they're looking for one.

Synopsis:
Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould) is a colourful clown fish and the only surviving offspring of his overprotective dad, Marlin (Albert Brooks). Marlin's fears for his son's safety in the danger-filled deep are realised when Nemo goes missing. Curiosity about a boat he spots from below has him being scooped out of the water and ending up in the aquarium of a Sydney dentist (Bill Hunter) where he meets a friendly group of fellow internees, including Moorish Idol, Gill (Willem Dafoe), the battle-scarred leader.

Meanwhile, panic-stricken Marlin sets out to find his son and is joined by Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a talkative, cheery blue tang who has the best intentions but, unfortunately, also has a short-term memory problem. It's not all smooth swimming for Marlin and Dory whose encounters include a trio of sharks with distinctly Aussie accents. But these are not your everyday man-eaters; Bruce (Barry Humphries) is a great white, Anchor (Eric Bana) is a hammerhead and Chum (Bruce Spence) is a mako and they are all members of Fish Eaters Anonymous who are trying their darndest not to eat the other underwater residents! Sometimes, unfortunately, they fall off the wagon. In one Pinocchio-like setback, the two would-be rescuers also end up inside a blue whale. Back in the dentist's office, escape plans are in progress for Nemo who has to get out before he is collected by the dentist's nasty niece whose evil reputation for murdering marine life precedes her. Outside help comes from a pelican named Nigel (Geoffrey Rush) - hey, if sharks can be veggies, a pelican can avoid temptation, too!

Added to the excitement, humour and the wonderfully conceived characters are some of the most beautiful backdrops you'll see in an animated feature, which truly comes into its own in the artists' dazzling depiction of the Great Barrier Reef. As entertainment for all members of the family, Finding Nemo is a real catch.


My Verdict:
Finding Nemo is a delightful movie about letting go and believing in yourself. Nemo is the dearest little fish who is fearless and ready to take on challenges. His father, Marlin, is very protective, almost to a point of excess, which frustrates Nemo. However, Nemo did not count on becoming an exhibit in a dentist's aquarium and the film centres around his desire to be with his father again, and of his father's search for him.

The animation is superb with lavish displays of colour so wonderfully used, particularly to depict the Great Barrier Reef. It is another triumph for the Pixar studios which have also given us the two Toy Story movies, A Bug's Life and Monsters, Inc. Finding Nemo is yet another feather in their caps as it doesn't fail to deliver at any level. There are a few moments which could be frightening to some very young viewers, but these are certainly dealt with quickly.

Finding Nemo is one of the must-see movies for 2003, and has the added bonus of being a family movie, making it accessible to all. It is a joy from start to finish and well worth parting cash for.

Superman Returning?

Superman Returning?

Sequel speculation surfaces.

By : Stax

August 14, 2006 - Warner Bros. is reportedly trying to seal a deal with Bryan Singer to direct a sequel to Superman Returns, but don't get too excited just yet over that news or by Singer's previous claim that the sequel could be ready by 2009.

At just under $200 million domestically, Superman Returns is considered an underperformer, although the film has yet to open in several international markets (although it hasn't done phenomenally abroad where it has opened). Bottom line: Superman's returns aren't strong enough to make a sequel a sure thing.

Nevertheless, industry speculation suggests that Warners has simply sunk too much money into the Man of Steel to ditch the franchise now, according to Variety.

If home entertainment and TV revenues are profitable then, Variety claims, "Warners and co-financing partner Legendary Pictures have a shot at breaking even on Superman once all the revenue streams are accounted for, but it's going to be a long, tough haul."

Although Warners denies it, the studio and Legendary are said to want any Superman sequel to come in at $200 million and below (Returns cost $225+ million).

"Negotiations between Singer and the studio would get delicate if Warners wants to include over-budget penalties," Variety reports. "Warners certainly can't wrest control away from a director like Singer, but it can try to make sure the budget stays under a certain level."

Given the development, production and marketing costs of Superman Returns, Warners and Legendary reportedly stand to lose over $20 million apiece.

But Superman's so-so performance aside, Warner Bros. still has had a crummy summer thanks to flops such as Poseidon and Lady in the Water.

HARRY POTTER and the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (Review)

HARRY POTTER and the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE and the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Ian Hart, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith and Julie Walters.
Director: Chris Columbus
Genre: Family/Adventure

Synopsis:
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) has learned to live with his bullying Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), his callous Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and the constant whining of his greedy, spoiled cousin Dudley. He has even learned to live with sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs.

Harry's relatives have just reluctantly learned to live with the unwelcome presence of their orphaned relation, a constant reminder of Petunia's "wayward" sister and brother-in-law and their mysterious and untimely demise.

Even the impending arrival of his 11th birthday offers no excitement for Harry because as usual, there is little chance of receiving cards, presents or any kind of birthday treat. This year, however, is different.

Based on the first of J.K. Rowling's popular children's novels about Harry Potter, the live action family adventure film "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" tells us the story of a boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own.

Invited to attend "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry", Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. At Hogwarts, he finds the home and family he has never had.

Derailed Movie Review

Derailed Movie Review

Cast: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George, RZA, Addison Timlin, Tom Conti, Xzibit, Giancarlo Esposito, David Morrissey, Rachel Blake, Georgina Chapman
Director: Mikael Håfström
Screenplay: Stuart Beattie (based on the novel by James Siegel)
Genre: Thriller
Rated: MA coarse language, strong violence
Running Time: 107 Minutes

They Never Saw It Coming

Synopsis:
Meeting on a commuter train one morning in Chicago, ad executive Charles (Owen) and financial analyst Lucinda (Aniston) have an immediate connection. Worn down by his job, strained marriage, and a sick child, Charles finds himself drawn to the escape Lucinda can offer. A lunch meeting, followed by dinner and drinks, leads the way to a rendezvous in a sleazy motel, where no sooner have the adulterous lovebirds ripped each other's clothes off than a sadistic thief (Vincent Cassel) breaks into the room and puts them through hours of nightmarish horror.

Because of their relationship's illicit nature, the two are unable to go to the cops, and are thus virtually powerless to their attacker's every whim, leaving themselves open to blackmail as he threatens their families and lives. Choosing momentary gratification and the excitement of the unknown over the values he generally holds dear, Charles more than pays the price for his indiscretion.

My Verdict:
Advertising executive Charles Schine (Clive Owen) is married and has a diabetic daughter whose health makes his life financially challenging. Seemingly bored with his lot, he befriends a woman, financial analyst Lucinda (Jennifer Aniston) on the commuter train and before long they are engaged in a romantic tryst at a dodgy motel. Just as Charles and Lucinda are about to consummate their relationship an intruder, Philippe LaRouche (Vincent Cassel) barges his way into their room, physically attacks Charles, rapes Lucinda and steals their wallets. Lucinda refuses to allow Charles to contact the police for fear of recriminations from her husband.

Pretending he was mugged to his colleagues and family, Charles is now at a crossroad in his life, and tries to make sense of what has happened. Pretty soon LaRouche is blackmailing Charles and he even has the audacity to enter Charles' home on the pretext of being a business associate. It is now up to Charles to put a stop to the relentless blackmailing and get back his life.

Clive Owen has an impressive portfolio of roles ('Closer' 2005, 'Sin City' 2005) and yet in 'Derailed' he has somehow taken on something that doesn't offer him the opportunity to really fire. He struggles valiantly to stop this train from running out of steam, let down by too many unbelievable coincidences that fall short of credibility. For a man whose only child is ill with life-threatening diabetes, his decision to hand over the family life-savings is seriously up for question. This is just one example of the many decisions Owen's character makes that just doesn't ring true and therefore disappoints.

Jennifer Aniston is barely passable as Lucinda with her character not being truly seductive enough or ruthless enough so she just tends to hover somewhere on safe ground, never being convincing. Vincent Cassel on the other hand is a master at playing the evil, conniving and wicked character and so fits in nicely. Hip-hop artist RZA plays Winston the postal deliveryman in Charles' office. He has a relationship with Charles that extends beyond a passing glance in the corridor but the problem here is to understand anything RZA says; the language, although it is English, sometimes sounds so foreign that it is distracting and even annoying.

With plenty of plot twists that were often obvious long before they occurred, 'Derailed' is a bit messy and sometimes even runs off the rails, which is a shame as there was the potential for this to be so much more. Supposedly a thriller is meant to be suspenseful and gripping, with a well-thought out plot and surprises around corners, but here the elusive bombshells are too far and few between leaving the viewer frustrated, much like the lead character Charles.



Christina Bruce

Blood and Chocolate Review

Blood and Chocolate

Starring: Agnes Bruckner, Hugh Dancy, Olivier Martinez, Bryan Dick, Katja Riemann.
Director: Kalja von Garnier.

'Blood and Chocolate' stars Agnes Bruckner ('24'), Hugh Dancy ('Basic Instinct 2,') and Olivier Martinez ('Taking Lives') and is directed by German independent film

In Cinemas 26th January.
director Katja von Garnier ('Bandits'). The story takes place in modern day Bucharest and tells the tale of nineteen year old Vivian Gandillon (Bruckner), who has spent her life on the run from the truth.... that she is a werewolf. When her affections for a visiting American artist threaten to expose her family's secret society, she must choose between her love for an outsider and betraying the secret vows of her family.

Casino Royale

Casino Royale (2006)

Also known as: Bond 21

Based on Ian Fleming’s first novel to feature the ultimate secret agent, which was published in 1953. The film traces the early career of James Bond. His first “007” mission leads him to Le Chiffre, banker to the world’s terrorists. In order to stop him and bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond is initially annoyed when a beautiful Treasury official, Vesper Lynd, is assigned to deliver his stake for the game and watch over the government's money. But as Bond and Vesper survive a series of lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual attraction develops, leading them both into further danger and events that will shape Bond’s life forever.