Paul J. Newell

. . . p a u l j . n e w e l l

movie reviews

10 June 2007	Ocean's 13 Enter another third-parter. Enter another failed attempt to live up to the original. This movie is just way too silly, based on entirely flimsey notion. It is entertaining of sorts, and funny in places, but without it’s awesome cast to carry it, it would be nothing. Enough said. 5/10


28 May 2007	Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End So we find ourselves with the second of the five trilogy finales to be released this summer, and just like Spidy before it, the third instalment of Pirates proves to be the weakest link. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is bad film, but it has some major flaws. Firstly, it was way too complicated. There were way too many people in too many boats making too many deals with each other. This is supposed to be light-hearted family fun, not Miss Marple. And talking of fun brings us neatly to the other major flaw. Where was the humour? I don’t know, maybe after three films Captain Sparrow just isn’t funny anymore, but I have a suspicion that if I revisited the first one I’d remember why these sequels were so eagerly awaited. 5/10

25 May 2007	Magicians There are some funny sequences in this film, particularly Robert Webb’s mind mongering near the start. I was certainly entertained and didn’t feel robbed of my Ł5.75. But overall the film did play like an extended sitcom episode which seemed a little lost on the big screen. I think Mitchell and Webb are a great comedy double act; but a pair that is still in search of some really good material to allow them to shine. 6/10

12 May 2007	28 Weeks Later I don’t very often watch certificate 18 movies, and this film validated my decision. If you like gore you will wet yourself with excitement as every slice of entrails hits the lens. Board members of Fake Blood Inc. must have wet themselves too when they read the script. But aside from the gore there wasn’t much else to this movie. The plot was not bad and it was certainly well made, but there was not nearly enough dialogue and character development, leaving me completely ambivalent to the possible untimely loss of any main character or body parts thereof. I sense though, that I am missing the point when using phrases like ‘character development’ in the review of a zombie movie. Goreophiles will love it. 5/10

5 May 2007	Spider-Man 3 For some reason Toby Maguire’s inane dimply smirkiness completely bugged my throughout the entire movie, and I think it totally bugged my because there was nothing else to hold my attention. With regard to the plot they tried to put too much in, which just left those audience members who were not comic nerds wondering where it was going. A case of more-is-less unfortunately. But much worse than that, where was the humour? Where was the snappy wit that made the first movie so good? The special effects were great of course, but that’s about it. 6/10

April 2007	Next This is the 5th Philip K. Dick adaptation in five years (now seven in total), and it’s probably the least good of the bunch. The film is saved in part by the expected mind-binding concept offered by Dick’s story, which is thought-provoking indeed, but which isn’t enough in itself. The film needed a good plot to explore the concept and in this respect it was found lacking. A couple of words also about the leading couple. First, Nick Cage. I’m sorry, but he comes across as a complete freakish, spaced-out, weirdo. And the idea that the pretty girl he picks up in a cafe falls for his axe-murdering stare stretches the imagination way more than any seeing-the-future triviality. And that pretty girl? She was played by Jessica Biel, whose woodenness in the Illusionist was equalled, if not surpassed, in this movie. Hollywood must start casting better! The film was well made though, with some very good action sequences, and a decent ending – but, a classic, it is not. 5/10

OK, I understand that they say 'write what you know', but I just want to say ENOUGH already. You see, if writers write what they know, then we end up with a lot of films about writing! How many? Well, five out of the last eight I've seen, as an example. In reverse order: Stranger Than Fiction, about a fiction writer whose novels manifest into reality. The Holiday, love story based around an old film writer, a film score writer, a film trailer writer, a couple of journalists, and a publisher. The Fountain, love story involving a woman trying to complete a book. Music and Lyrics, love story revolving around a music writer and a creative writer turned lyric writer, oh and her ex (a writer). And finally (to date), I Want Candy, centred on a wannabe screenwriter and his producer mate. Oh god help us writers - we are all totally one dimensional! I want to be a software engineer. (Btw, this is not really intended as any kind of citicism, it's just interesting. I shall continue to keep a tally)

26 March 2007	I Want Candy A British comedy – with, for some reason, an American pun in the title which will be lost on most. Anyway, you know something, us British can be really quite funny sometimes. This is a really silly movie with a very British intelligence to its humour. And it’s very very amusing. Considering its premise – two college students attempting to make a porno in a suburban semi – I was surprised and very pleased that it didn’t feel the need to employ a barrage of annoyingly cringe-worthy moments a la American Pie. The cast was very well chosen too. Good film all round. 7/10

2 March 2007	The Illusionist The release of this film suffered from very unfortunate timing. In setting, theme and tone this film is identical to The Prestige which hit the big screen a few months earlier. I say unfortunate because The Prestige was a splendid film and this one was never going to escape being compared to it, either in the minds of the audience or the column-inches of the reviewers. And simply put, it doesn’t really come close. The plot is palatable, and indeed redeems itself toward the end. As for the acting, I have never witnessed a leading couple so devoid of emotion. Some may argue this was the nature of Ed Norton’s compassionless character, which is a fair point, but I’d like to have seen just a little spark between him and the love of his life. The two were undeniably outshone by their supporting actors Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell. Like I say though, the timing is unfortunate. This is not a bad film. It’s a well made, solid effort, which many will enjoy. Worth a rent. 6/10

19 Feb 2007	Hot Fuzz I’ll be honest. I’ve found it tough penning this review … and I’ve finally realised why. It’s because I really wanted to rave about this film, and I can’t. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very funny film. The observational humour and the parodies are great, as you’d expect from this team. The directing, of course, is spot on, and there is a smattering of popcorn-spraying one-liners. But, I have two issues. Firstly, it is a little drawn out, reducing the density of laughs. Secondly, Simon Pegg’s character does not allow his priceless comedy acting to shine through – at the end of the day, it’s a tall order to make a flawless character comedic. I know I’m being harsh, because I’m comparing it to Shaun of the Dead and indeed Spaced, but this is an inevitable occupational hazard. And being demoted from cult classic to merely very good, isn’t so bad. I have every faith that Messrs Wright and Pegg will be back with a great follow-up, and judging by everyone else’s comments, they need not lose sleep over mine. 7/10

9 Feb 2007	Music and Lyrics At the risk of sound like a soppy old fool, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. But in my defence, it seemed like the rest of the theatre did to. It's been a long time since I was so conscious of so many people laughing in unison. It's funny from the word go too. Trust me, opening credits will rarely be so entertaining. Oh, same goes for the closing credits - not Pixar maybe but well worth hanging around and trapping the rest of the aisle in for (they'll thank you for it - or stand on you, depending on your neighbourhood). Drew Barrymore is delightful and not nearly as girl-next-door as I'd like her to be. Hugh Grant is very Hugh Grant - but he does it so well. Sure, you could level at this movie the same criticism as you might for any other of its ilk, but I think it would be trite and unnecessary to do so. At the end of the day it does what it says on the tin: it's a funny, romantic, feel-good film, with nothing to tax your mind after a tough day at the office. 7/10

27 Jan 2007	The Fountain Bonkers. Either the writers were on drugs or I was. It certainly smacked of absinthe-induced trippiness. To give you an idea, a significant portion of the film involves a bald Jackman, accompanied by a hairy tree, meditating his way to a distant nebula in a flying snow dome. It's a metaphor of course. There's a lot of metaphor in this film, and it isn't entirely clear (to me at least) how they are all supposed to hang together. There's also a lot of repeated sequences, which leaves you feeling like you've only seen about 17mins of footage in the whole film. Having said all that, I have a solid respect for this film. It tore up the Hollywood formula and tried something completely new. It was very deep and philosophical and intense. It was, it has to be said, very well made and Jackman gave a great performance as always. Indeed I would not be at all put out if this film picked up a few gongs. For me, I don't feel it quite worked, but it left me thinking, good effort Aronofsky, try me again and I'll give you another chance. 6/10

12 Jan 2007	Smokin' Aces This film starts out promising to be a 'Lock, Stock' but without a cleverly entwined plot, slick dialogue or snappy directing it falls a long way short. What it does have in common is a lot of blood and loss of limbs, well deserving of its 18 rating. It's not totally bland; it does have some amusing scenes and did keep me mildly entertained - but smokin' it certainly ain't. 5/10

9 Dec 2006	The Holiday Exactly what you'd expect: twee, linear and predictable, but ever so ever so 'nice' and amusing in places. Oh and with a very fine cast. Think of it toppling off the end of the Richard Curtis production line and you're there. If you need a warm feeling this Christmas I wouldn't mock you for checking this one out. I actually quite liked it on reflection. 6/10

4 Dec 2006	Stranger Than Fiction Sometimes a review can be short purely because of how good a film is. Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of those cases. I loved this film. Perfectly paced, captivating movie. See it. 9/10

24 Nov 2006	Casino Royale A good film by James Bond standards. I commend the brave decision to keep away from ridiculous gadgets. And yes Craig makes a fine Bond. But the film rambled in places and as such wasn't a great film for me. 6/10

24 Nov 2006	The Prestige A Dickensian-feeling tale of two crossed conjurers, with a magically dark and sinister atmosphere. Bale puts in a splendid performance as one of the twisted pair and the rest of the cast held their own too. Lots of diary reading flashback to contend with making a grippingly interweaving plot. My one gripe is that a rather surreal element is introduced at the end which was rather at odds with the realism of the rest of the film. I didn't think it was really needed but it does lead to a shuddering ending that could never be described as cliche. A very well made, original movie. 8/10

28 Oct 2006	The Guardian This had all the potential to be a really bad movie, but ... it wasn't. I know, I was as shocked as you, but it was actually great. And it was so nearly perfect, until a really bad Hollywood moment towards the end, which was totally against the grain of the film. Some hot-shot producer clearly got his way over the writers, with the suggestion that something really stupid should happen instead of something realistic which would have served the same purpose. That aside, the suspense scenes were handled well, the humour was good (and unexpected), and Costner and Kutcher both did a fine job. Some may say it was a little drawn out, suffering slightly from MES (Multiple Ending Syndrome), but I certainly wasn't looking at my watch. 8/10

4 Oct 2006	Children of Men I really thought I was going to like this film. I didn't. It was just that it had no plot, no twists, no revelations, and no character development. Plus only Michael Cain managed to offer a brief respite from the generally lackluster performances by all. That's not to say that it doesn't have some good qualities. The concept and the background was obviously well thought-out - it just wasn't built on in the movie. And the cinematography was very good in places, with some excellent sets. I do think some people will like this film but, for me, I like more to happen. (Oh, dumb title too) 4/10

1 Oct 2006	Little Miss Sunshine This is a good movie. There's no doubt about it. A strong cast play a set of well thought-out characters with some slick dialogue. And it's funny too. From a purely personal viewpoint I found the regular bickering a little wearing which took the sunshine off for me. But I don't think that would trouble most. If you like quality black comedy this is for you. 6/10

26 Sept 2006	Clerks 2 This is classic Kevin Smith. If you're a fan you will not be disappointed. I actually think this is one of his funniest ever. But even a Kevin Smith virgin will find this funny - and I have proof in my very own virgin that I took along. Watch this film! I just don't need to say any more. 9/10

20 Sept 2007	Right At Your Door At least once a year you can expect an American city to be flattened by some disaster or other - be it aliens, meteors or lizards. This time it's the turn of L.A. via a dirty bomb. But don't expect the usual rampant SFX-romp, this one is more subtle - it's intelligent and it's moving. It focuses on the plight of a single family throughout the entire movie. The horror and chaos at the centre of the attack is only ever inferred in snippets, and this helps you to appreciate the frustration of the characters. The cast did a good job too. All-in-all the level of realism that is created is well worthy of plaudits. Importantly, the plot is unexpected too. If you think you know where this one is going ... you don't! Watch it. 8/10

8 Sept 2006	A Scanner Darkly So, whilst many films are striving to perfect animation that looks real (Polar Express, et al), it seems others are attempting to make real film look like animation (A Scanner Darkly)! Oddly enough this latter one works really well. It doesn't distract from the plot, and indeed enhances the atmosphere. The basis of the animation includes an unusually palatable performance from Keanu Reaves and a very good one from Robert Downy Jnr. The script from Linklater is a good one - although maybe a little wordy for some sci-fi fans - adapted from yet another Philip K. Dick story. Ultimately not as clever as some of his other plots, more driven to offer a moral message. But overall it all works and delivers a very good movie with lots to think about afterwards. 7/10

17 Aug 2006	Lady in the Water Slightly biased maybe as M. Night is my favourite writer/director, but he's done it again with an original tale, with a perfect blend of humour and suspense. A thoroughly enchanting fairytale. 8/10

9 Aug 2006	Cars Worth watching for the awesome animation, being the first to exploit full ray-tracing throughout. A really 'nice' story, but don't expect the witty one-liners of other animations. 6/10

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