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At The Cinema: 2004WimbledonEntertaining romantic comedy starring Paul Bettany as hasbeen Brit tennis player who flukes his way through to the Wimbledon finals after falling in love with rising women's star Kirsten Dunst. Unoriginal of course, but charming performances from both leads make this a lot of fun. 3/5 Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow Another visually wondrous film also let down by lack of strong characters. Throwback to the those old 1930s black and white Flash Gordon serials (starring Larry 'Buster' Crabbe!) looks a million dollars, with all the backgrounds entirely computer generated, inspired by the futuristic visions from that era. Sadly Jude Law does not convince in the role of square-jawed hero; more rugged, Harrison Ford type was needed. 3/5 Hero Visually astonishing historical epic from China starring Jet Li dazzles the eyes with fight scenes, costumes and sets that radiate colour and beauty with every frame. Unfortunately the characters are just as one-dimensional as the screen. Story about the origins of modern-day China is some compensation. 3/5 Collateral Dark (and darkly amusing) piece from 'Heat' director Michael Mann about a hitman (Tom Cruise, unusually playing the bad guy) who forces a cabbie (Jamie Foxx) to drive him around night-time Los Angeles as he fulfills his contract. Strong acting from both leads, good script and fabulous photography makes this one worth seeking out. 4/5 Hellboy Adaptation of cult comic book is an entertaining affair, if too unoriginal to leave a strong impression. Ron Perlman as titular reluctant hero is particularly good, but the story is occasionally weak and too reminiscent of Men in Black. Good production values on a reasonably modest budget. 3/5 The Terminal Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks reunite for a comedy drama about an Eastern European man (Hanks) whose passport becomes invalid while entering the US, leaving him unable to either go home or enter America. So he makes the airport his home. Film has plenty of potential, and Speilberg and Hanks both produce strong work here. Not either's greatest film, but still highly enjoyable. 4/5 The Chronicles of Riddick Enjoyable sci-fi actioner with Vin Diesel reprising his Riddick character from low-budget 2000 hit Pitch Black. Upgraded to epic status, with a lot of exposition to fit in, new film lacks the exciting edge that marked the original, but at least has ambition and scope instead of familiarity breeding contempt. Vin was made for this role, but script could have done with some polishing. 3/5 DodgeBall Raucous comedy starring Vince Vaughn and a back-on-form Ben Stiller as the owner of a failing rundown gym and the head of gym franchise respectively, who go head to head in a dodgeball competition. Frequently hilarious, with a merciful lack of gross-out humour, this one is a winner - and you don't need to know anything about dodgeball! 4/5 The Village M Night Shyamalan's latest thriller (after 2002's Signs) about an isolated nineteenth century community surrounded by mythical creatures is another mindbender, with a twist that is arguably much less surprising this time around, but that doesn't make his film any less enjoyable. Much more than his past works, this one is about mood and atmosphere. Newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard leads a quality cast. 4/5 The Bourne Supremacy Another quality summer blockbuster! Spy thriller sequel to 2002's The Bourne Identity is definitely 'old school' (see The French Connection), but brought bang up to date by Brit director Paul Greengrass. Matt Damon makes this his signature role with another strong performance. Best car chase since 1998's Ronin, too. Plot becomes a tad confusing, but the ride is worth it. 4/5 I, Robot Sleek, exciting, entertaining sci-fi thriller starring Will Smith as Hitchcockian man-on-the-run after he sniffs out a robot conspiracy in 2035. Less to do with Asimov's classic stories than modern films like Speilberg's A.I. and Minority Report, but no less enjoyable for it. Smith's trademark wisecracks are seriously reigned in to good effect. Quality summer blockbuster. 4/5 The Stepford Wives Comedic remake of the 1975 thrilller about seemingly perfect community is a solid, amusing film thanks to game performances from the cast, including Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick and Glenn Close. The happy ending is perhaps a tad too much for what begins as a much darker comedy. 3/5 King Arthur Gritty reinterpretation of the legendary warrior is an enjoyable trip back in time thanks to the reasonable (though strangely bloodless) action scenes and atmospheric direction, but severely hamstrung by a miscast Clive Owen as the king - he sounds permanently bored instead of noble and stoic. 3/5 Garfield Tolerable big-screen adaptation of the comic strip lasagne-loving fat orange cat. Short on plot or imagination, but Bill Murray's excellent voice work as Garfield goes a long way to making this amusing. Good FX work as well, and at least it doesn't overstay it's welcome. 3/5 Spider-Man 2 Sequel to the 2002 comic book adaptation is first class cinema all the way. Superb script, acting and production values outclass the original (which was hardly mediocre itself) to deliver virtually flawless, rousing entertainment. Kudos to all involved, especially director Sam Raimi and leads Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. 5/5 Around the World in 80 Days Lively but thoroughly unmemorable version of the Jules Verne classic novel. By no means a serious adaptation, this action-comedy is aimed mostly at 8 year-olds. Jackie Chan stars as Passpartout, here promoted to lead character by helping Phileas Fogg (Alan Partridge himself, Steve Coogan) get out of trouble on his travels. Too many jokes fall flat, the special effects are unremarkable (to say the least) and even the action is second rate. 2/5 Shrek 2 Very enjoyable second outing for the big green ogre. Although it falls a little short of the high standards the first film set, it is nevertheless superior entertainment. Voiced to perfection by a high calibre cast (joining encorers Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy are John Cleese, Julie Andrews and Antonio Banderas), with computer animation even better than the original, this is one film anyone can enjoy. 4/5 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Excellent new entry in the Potter franchise, in all honesty the best yet. Director Alfonso Cuarón brings some very welcome fresh ideas and a new perspective to the ongoing saga of Harry's adventures at Hogwarts, resulting in a film that looks richer and feels leaner and meaner. The book was also one of the best so far, which probably helps. A great family adventure film in it's own right. 4/5 The Day After Tomorrow Spectacular disaster movie depicting the onset of a new global ice age, brought about by global warming. Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal star as a father and son trying to survive it all, but it's the special effects that make or break a show like this - and they deliver in spades. The second half takes place after all the big destructive stuff happens, and is inevitably a comedown. But the film still doesn't outstay its welcome, and it's message is timely. 3/5 Troy Entertaining, if somewhat flat historical epic depicting the famous siege of Troy, fabled wooden horse and all. Brad Pitt and Eric Bana star as Achilles and Hector, arch-rivals on the battlefield, and their showdown is the highlight. The battle scenes and cinematography are also good, but other characters rarely come alive and emotionally the film lacks the skill and heart of 'Gladiator'. 3/5 Van Helsing Loud, nonsensical action adventure starring the doctor from the 'Dracula' novel, re-imagined as a nineteenth century Indiana Jones-type who tracks down famous literary monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein. Hugh Jackman has the misfortune to star; he's fine, but performances are simply drowned out by the unrelenting noise and violence. 2/5 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind From the writer of 'Adaptation' and 'Being John Malkovich' comes this oddball romance, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet (both excellent) as ex-lovers who have had the painful memories of their relationship removed by a new hi-tech company. Quirky, but actually quite romantic and a refreshingly different take on an old theme. 4/5 Kill Bill Vol. 2 Hugely enjoyable second part of Quentin Tarantino's homage to the Hong Kong/exploitation flicks of his youth goes down a treat, with more memorable characters and dialogue, and a satisfying conclusion. Great action too of course, and Uma Thurman is once again excellent in what is surely now her signature role. 4/5 50 First Dates Sweet romantic comedy reuniting 'Wedding Singer' alumni Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore as a womaniser and an amnesiac respectively. Sandler has to woo Barrymore each morning owing to a medical condition that causes her to forget overnight the memories of the previous day. Could have used a better director, but well played by the two leads. 3/5 Shaun of the Dead Very funny (and very British) 'zombie romantic comedy' starring Simon Pegg as Shaun, who must deal with his lazy flatmate, upset girlfriend and the recently deceased returning to life. Respects the rules of the zombie genre, whilst sneaking in laughs in good measure. Best British comedy for ages. 4/5 Dawn of the Dead Remake of the 70s zombie classic is a decent action horror film in its own right. Good performances and direction, plus an unexpected dose of humour, lift this above the ordinary; certainly the scariest film of its type since 28 Days Later. 3/5 The Passion of the Christ Mel Gibson's much ballyhooed adaptation of the last 12 hours of Christ's life is actually a decent film, leaving aside the religious nitpicking. Taken as a personal view of events, this is an involving drama with a few gruelling moments, to be sure, but never actually disturbing. No classic either, mind. 3/5 Starsky & Hutch Enjoyable, if uninspired, comedy based on the classic 70s TV series, starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as the two titular cops. Works both as a gentle spoof (of the 70s in general as well as the show) and a homage. 3/5 Open Range Quality western directed by and starring Kevin Costner, who knows how to do this stuff. Nothing particularly new here, but it's done with class. Great shootout at the end; good acting too, especially from Robert Duvall. 4/5 21 Grams Powerful drama about how a car accident brings together a dying mathematician (Sean Penn), a grieving mother (Naomi Watts) and a born-again ex-con (Benicio del Toro). Very well directed and superbly acted. 5/5 School of Rock Fabulous comedy starring Jack Black as a dropout (what else?) who wants to become a rock star, but desperately needs cash. So he blags his way into a school as a substitute teacher - and turns his class into a rock band! Great music, quality feel-good stuff. 4/5 Something's Gotta Give Enjoyable romantic comedy starring old hands Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton as a lifelong bachelor and bitter divorcee respectively, who start to feel something for each other. Just Jack and Diane doing what they do best, but that's no bad thing. 3/5 Lost in Translation Marvellous observational comedy from director Sofia Coppola about two lost souls befriending each other. Bill Murray stars as an actor filming a commercial in Tokyo who meets a young unhappy newlywed (Scarlett Johansson). 5/5 Girl with a Pearl Earring Engrossing drama that suggests the story behind the titular Dutch painting. Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson star as the artist and subject respectively, the latter becoming obssessed with Johansson's maid. Gorgeous cinematography. 4/5 Big Fish Tim Burton's fantastical drama about a dying father (Albert Finney)'s tall tales he used to tell his son (Billy Crudup) before they became estranged. Ewan McGregor co-stars as the younger version of Finney in the stories onscreen. Typically odd Burton fare, but with real heart anchoring the tale to reality. 4/5 Cold Mountain Epic civil war drama from Anthony Minghella (The English Patient) starring Jude Law as a confederate deserter trying to make his way home to the girl (Nicole Kidman) he barely had time to kiss before being enlisted. Well acted, well crafted, but not quite a classic. 4/5 |
| © Roper Road Four Publishing Ltd - Last updated 8 October 2004 |