GemLil's Movies > Movie reviews by GemLil

Worse than SARS.

Posted : 7 months, 2 weeks ago on 11 April 2009 06:59 (A review of Mamma Mia!)

If I could give this film a negative rating, I would. It was worse than bad, it was so bad it made me redefine what I thought 'badness' to be. Mama Mia made me experience the following symptoms:

Nausea
Headache
Fever
Stomach cramps

These real and in no way fabricated symptoms were a result of constant squinting and desperately embarrassed looks away from the tele, my stomach muscles contracted every time a song was introduced into the plot, as seamlessly as Frankenstein's stitching. The fever was a result of my attempts not to scream at the television every time a desperately under-sexed, middle-aged, ropey-looking hippy woman cackled and fell back on a sofa...scenes of such make up 90% if this excuse for a film. I am not lying when I say this film bought about all the symptoms of SARS, except there was no chance of the kind release of death.

I am an ABBA fan, I came out as one a long time ago, I love their songs and I know they're cheesy and tongue in cheek. I approached this film with the same openminded, 'tongue-in-cheekery'...but it cannot be consumed this way. Were it a brit flick, maybe, but it floats somewhere between hollywood blockbuster and cheeky low budget British film, which I found unsettling and awkward to say the least. The whole film was shot disastrously, even the grain seemed to switch, lighting and cinematography were totally erratic, it looked liked it was knocked up by some woefully under qualified, 17 year old film student in his garage with his mate who took a break from writing Brokeback mountain fan fiction, to help with the project.

In some of the songs, the characters seem to go fairly easily from speech to music, but in others they seem to recognise how ridiculous the premise of this movie is, by acknowledging the awkwardness of the links. Moments such as the entry into 'Chica Tita' are acted with asides, almost like soliloquies, which are all very well in theatre but a redundant concept in film where there is no audience to respond. Another moment that left me biting my pillow in embarrassment.

The lead role played by Meryl Streep is supposed to be a single, ageing woman who seems to be recovering from a youth in which she slept with everything that moves. Her obvious slutty past has led her to bring up a reckless and unlikeable daughter who has decided to get married at 20 years old. Amanda Seyfried, who plays daughter Sophie, cannot act, as a result there is not an ounce of sincerity in what she says, she seems vapid and fake. The fundamental problem with this film is the fact that the main characters are so unlikeable, also add the shoddiness of the whole thing and the fact that half of them couldn't actually sing....its just diabolical.

I know I am against the whole world with this review, and my ovaries are begging for me to like Mamma Mia; but I cannot, just cannot fathom how such a premise ever got off the ground, a paper thin narrative around some ABBA songs. Its the same as watching a bunch of old women on a young relatives hen do, trying to prove they still have it by joining in the Karaoke. I barely got through the whole thing without resolving to self harm.



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Funny, but with a message!

Posted : 8 months, 2 weeks ago on 10 March 2009 03:31 (A review of The Mask)

"It's party time. P, A, R, T. Why? Because I gotta!"

Nobody seems to bend the human form more than Jim Carrey, an undeniably great actor who could be the love child of Lawrence Olivier and a pot of play-do. The Mask capitalises on Carrey's talents, giving him free rein to do anything he conceivably can with his spaghetti straw of a body..with hilarious results. Scene after scene is delivered through a vehicle of slapstick that lightens your heart, watching Carrey do what Carrey does best. My friend's cannot spend an evening together without reeling off pretty much the entire screen play, one liner after one liner of quotable gold.

However, the other day, I taught an English class, as we discussed Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', I was all of a sudden awakened to the subtle moral messages and wittily parodic nature of 'The Mask'. Like so many before me I was too concerned with the bright lights and smoke that is JC to pay any real attention to the narrative.




The fundamental ideal in this movie discuss that age old, Freudian concern with the clash between id and ego, the turmoil humans face between primal instinct and social constraint. The Mask, is not only a modern interpretation of a canon classic, but a post modern deconstruction of the anguish of modern man. I know this sounds like tripe, but stay with me. Stanley Ipkiss is the archetypal put upon man(Dr Jekyll), fighting every instinct to unleash wroth upon a world that spurns him. The Mask (Mr Hyde) is the instinct and fury personified, a human embodiment of humanity's most primal urges, unconstrained by humanity, because he isn't human. Maybe I'm getting a bit above myself here, I am not saying The Mask is a cultural icon, we wont be putting it in a time capsule for future generations, but I am saying it is to be enjoyed on more than just the level of JC's stunning performance.

It's all very clever, this movie addresses an issue that has never left the consciousness of modern man, however we fail to feel any sense of foreboding, because Jim Carrey dressed as a french man is hysterically funny.

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Fast women, slow pace.

Posted : 10 months, 2 weeks ago on 8 January 2009 03:34 (A review of The Unbearable Lightness of Being)

"In the time of the Russian invasion in Czechoslovakia, making love was a way of resisting, a way of being free."

These words of the screen-writer of Lightness sum up this film entirely, an intricate balance between a political film and a love story.

This is stirring and engaging story that thoroughly challenges your preconceptions of sexuality and the Czech people as a whole. Although the story can be slow paced, and at some points almost reach a halt, the subtle yet interesting yarn keeps you engaged throughout. Tomas (Daniel Day-Lewis) has a succession of trysts with some beautiful and slightly deviant women, each of whom possess a uniqueness that he finds enthralling.

This is a great alternative love story, and puts the romance experienced in you average rom-com to shame. You get a real sense of what passion can be in this film, despite the troubles from the rise of communist Russia, the characters in this film remain resolute in maintaining their humanity. While their belongings, passports and general rights are taken away, they merely further embrace the passions of life which cannot be taken away.

In the 80s, when this film was made, the Iron curtain prevented this movie from being shot in Czechoslovakia, where the book was still banned. You thus feel impetuous for engaging in this film. Controversial and in some countries, illegal, you really feel like you're involved in something revolutionary, merely by watching.

I don't have to tell you the acting was great, Daniel Day-Lewis, as usual shines throughout, but amazingly is not the star of the show. Juliette Binoche give such an amazing performance, he character is captivating, she manages to draw your eye like a thunderstorm. Binoche's performance made me heavily upgrade my rating of her, which before had been low.

If you don't mind slow paced movies, that you have to have your full attention, then give this a go. If you however need SFX or loud noises to keep your attention, you will not be able to swallow this movie. I lovely exploration into life, love and passion.

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Captain! It's a beige alert.

Posted : 11 months, 1 week ago on 19 December 2008 11:31 (A review of The Holiday)

Somehow the poster for this movie gives as much away as the movie itself. There's no real character exploration, the emotions of the actors arn't entirely convincing, and the plot it too obvious to poke fun at. Two lonely hearted women swap houses for the Christmas holiday, wherein they fall in love with the nearest man available.

If this film were a piece of clothing it would be an aron jumper. If it were a food it would be breadsticks, I hope this imagery is making it clear that 'The Holiday' is a bland and distinctly average film. It's not even a bad film, there arn't any particularly cringe worthy moment, nor are there any times where you are particularly moved. Jude Law isn't as irritating as he usually is, Jack Black somehow manages to go the whole film without using the words "Rock on", which I suppose it enough of a reason to give this film at least a 4/10.

The holiday is a mothers film, it is a gift to buy for your mother, that they will watch every Christmas. It is one of those films that you would never actively put on, but would probably watch if it was on already. Not all films are pop culture footnotes or bottom of the barrel disgraces, if you're in the mood for something comfortable, easy to watch and in no way confronting, pull out your aron jumper, open up some breadsticks and watch 'The Holiday'.

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What Happens when Ashton Kutcher is in your film.

Posted : 1 year, 1 month ago on 22 October 2008 01:44 (A review of What Happens in Vegas)

I would have loved to be at the board meeting for the pitching of this movie, an up-tight, control freak and a lazy flake are forced together, with hilarious consequences. And get this! they both end up learning that, although they are so different, their differences complete each other. I know what you're thinking, what an original concept!, I for one can't think of any examples of this formula. Except of course for; The Odd Couple, As Good as it gets, Knocked Up, Along Came Polly, Music & Lyrics, Something's got to give, The Break-Up, Sweet Home Alabama and a plethora of TV shows.

This is definitely not a tired and dated formula that has less appeal than scrofula. It's not a rabid dog that has to be put down for it's own good.

And of course, to add to this original and thought provoking script, 5 time Oscar winner and much loved performer Ashton Kutcher graces us with his touching and professional impersonation of a monkey. As a testament to his dedication and professionalism; in practising for this role, Mr Kutcher spent 6 weeks in Macaque enclosure at London Zoo. One particular scene in which he throws his own faeces at love interest Diaz, was however cut; deemed as a little too high-brow and conceptual for their target audience.

In conclusion I urge you all to see this film, it does not insult every sense, even, somehow, smell. Don't avoid this film at all costs.

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Forrest Gump review

Posted : 1 year, 2 months ago on 31 August 2008 05:43 (A review of Forrest Gump)

Every once in a while a film comes around that is so incredibly amazing that it leaves everyone stunned into silence. Forrest Gump is amazing but nobody can pin point exactly why, a silent understanding lies between one another that this movie is just great, there in lies why this movies will forever be a firm favourite.

Like an age old tradition or the unwritten etiquette of the underground, Forrest Gump bemuses me. Forrest Gump is completely unprecedented, he isn't an all out hero, he doesn't particularly earn his rags to riches position, he isn't cool, he isn't witty or funny and he isn't the typical 'disabled' figure that insights a wealth of pity. Gump instinctively does the right thing without any cogitation, he has no motives, no aims, no sense of money or concept of ownership, no greed, no malice, no wroth. What is he then?...I can't tell you. His innocence and honesty likens him to the robotic character, similar to that of Bicentennial man, yet his humanity is underpinned by his constant and unerring love for Jenny.



I have started many a review for this film, but never finished one, so concerned with definition and explanation, that I've not been able to put it into words. I recently saw a documentary that said "We don't know how the big bang started, but we do know what happened a millisecond after it did"...I'm going to take this approach in this review, I don't now why Forrest Gump is so good, or what the character is, but can tell you what effect the film has.

This film is unbelievably multifaceted, it evokes the deepest feelings of sympathy at the same time as the evoking awe. It will make you cry and laugh at the same time, stun you into silence then draw you into yells.

The film never loses it poignancy as it follows through most of modern history's most important events, the civil rights movements, presidential assassinations, Watergate and the Vietnam War, to name but a few. All the while the inherent human tendency toward evil is highlighted in its opposition to Forrest's unwavering goodness and innocence. This most certainly evokes that guilty and remorseful feeling for some of the shameful actions of the human race. In all this shame and remorse however, Forrest's humanity remains a glimmer of hope that the human condition isn't entirely doomed and may be inclined to good, if guided in the right direction.

This is so much more than a good film, it is a modern parable. A reminder that modern man can be driven to terrible things, but has the potential to be entirely innocent and at peace with the world. Forrest, unconcerned by material gain and sinful ventures, remains eternally peaceful despite his bleak surroundings. Even Jenny, who experiments with every kind of sin and vice, finds redemption in the end.



On a cinematic level, Forrest Gump is pristine, beautiful shots and some clever camera trickery place Gump in many an iconic media moment. The film has a substantial war scene which incorporates many of the awesome, sweeping camera shots and orchestral themes that are convention within epic war movies. The sound track is beautifully composed and stirring to say the least. Tom Hanks also plays his character to such a high standard that he forever sealed his 10/10 status, playing Gump with light-hearted whimsy as well as solemn dignity.

I'm not saying that Forrest Gump is the new bible, nor am I saying everyone who watches it will ditch sin for a cleaner life; but I think anyone who watches this film will be hard pressed to deny it does a bit to realign the moral compass within all of us.





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My Left Foot Review

Posted : 1 year, 2 months ago on 28 August 2008 04:25 (A review of My Left Foot)

Christy Brown was an Irish painter and writer who was one of 14 surviving children of Irish catholic, Bridget Brown. Christy was born with severe cerebral palsy. Unable to move himself or speak, he was also presumed mentally disabled, despite this, his mother continued to speak and nurture him. He finally gained control over the movement of his left foot, upon discovering this, Bridget painstakingly taught Christy how to write and draw, using only his left foot. At the age of 19, he was given ground breaking muscle therapy, which earned him the power of speech.

So why am I telling you all this? Well, mainly to highlight the poignancy of a remarkable and harrowing true story. This isn't a yarn dreamt up by 50 writers in a board room. It is an autobiographical story, relaying the experiences of a man who has pushed the limit of human endeavour. Taking on this story for adaptation is a brave move in itself, it has to be dealt with sensitively and done well, lest they insult one of history's true geniuses. Luckily Jim Sheridan knew exactly who could play his lead role, without turning it into a farce.

I have always been a fan of Daniel Day-Lewis, renowned for his Oscar winning performances, but if you consider the level of discipline he adopted in portraying Christy Brown, you see why his shelves need reinforcing.

* DDL refused to leave the wheel chair in between takes.
* DDL often refused to break character for lunch, and had to be fed by his friends.
* He broke 2 ribs in his performance, due to his thrashing movements and slumped position in the wheelchair.

As a result you cannot fail to read a sense of frustration in every movement of his performance, from his futile suicide attempts to his heartbroken outbursts on platonic love. This film is by no means a one man show however, there are a number of remarkable performances, most notably that of Brenda Fricker as the long suffering Mrs Brown and the child actor Hugh O'Connor as young Christy, who out acts many adult professionals.




This is a beautiful film, which is only enhanced by the charming conventions of British cinema, which I so adore. Understated, subtle and social realist, yet by no means depressing. The occasional hi-jinks of the Brown boys, place intermittent moments of comic relief, which stop the film taking itself too seriously. I could not recommend this film more. Brilliant yarn, superbly acted, emotional roller coaster, reassuring and reaffirming.

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How to doom a film with 3 actors.

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 8 August 2008 02:25 (A review of Fool's Gold)

This was another film that only got my attention because it was on and I was trapped in a metal bucket in the sky.

"A great adventure and a laugh riot", boasted the in-flight magazine. With a cynical eye I gazed at the cast;

Matthew McConaughey - The wet blanket, famous for his cheesy roles in such classic turkeys as 'How to lose a guy in 10 days' and 'The Wedding Planner'

Donald Sutherland - Scourge of the acting world, notorious for his poor accents and being one of those people who you aren’t quite sure whether or not they are dead.

Kate Hudson - *Flatline*

So, as you can imagine I started viewing this film with the lowest of expectations. In fact they couldn't have been any lower if I'd dug to the centre of the earth and buried them in The Earth's core. YET Fool's Gold still found a way to disappoint me!!

Recently divorced, mop head McConaughey convinces his ex to embark on one last push to find a treasure hidden at the bottom of the sea. Typical treasure hunt films, such as Raider's, rely on two major factors, a desire that the character succeed, and a cryptology/myth surrounding the treasure, which makes it more than mere possession. Fool's fails on both these points. Whiney and irritating, I wanted McConaughey to fail and live in misery forever. Secondly, the treasure was not mystical or even beautiful, the film boiled down to a basic search for easy money, which might as well have followed him joining a pyramid scheme.

The plot is stagnant from the offset, with no real development; the movie manages to drag out nothing for nearly 2 hours, which honesty feels like five. In fact, you get the impression that the director thought of the concept of Hudsons trotting about in a bikini, then loosely strung a narrative to it. The entire cast of this film should be locked in a trunk and sunk to the bottom of the sea, for the good of mankind. Donald Sutherland was so colossally bad, that I felt literally embarrassed on several occasions at what passed for acting in this fetid, swamp of failed actors and B-Movites.



If terrorists had stood up and taken over my plane, I still would have been angrier at the producers of this movie. If I only ever do one good deed in my life, let it be this, a warning to everyone with senses; STAY AWAY FROM THIS "MOVIE".




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Reassuringly Different

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 11 June 2008 05:58 (A review of The Darjeeling Limited)

I watched this with my Dad, he was in the back of the line when God handed out brains. I wasn't at the front, but I kicked a few people in the shins and managed to push in half way. Therein lies the key to why I loved this film and my father didn't.

My dad asked some questions throughout the movie, I'm going to address them now and defend the film from the poor reviews, it has received thus far (on Listal).

Who are these guys?

They are three brothers who have recently lost their father. They reunite on the 'Darjeeling Limited', a train travelling through central India. Similar to the characters in 'The Royal Tennabaums', Darjeeling focuses on the lives of the nuevo-rich, a post modern, middle class. Contrary to traditional cinema, Wes Anderson focuses on the down side of being financially comfortable, highlighting the futile search for well-being that occurs after finance and survival are guaranteed.

What's going on?

No flashbacks or over-simplified back stories are used. You have to just pick up from where you are put. I personally love this, it makes it more realistic, also as the dialogue progresses, you gain a better understanding of what is happening and what HAS happened at the same time. Twice the plot development for your money. So smartly written, Darjeeling takes the length of the film to get you up to date on where you were at the beginning. The sense of closure is therefore doubled at the end of the film, *SPOILER ALERT*, despite it having no cut and dry resolution.



Do they even like each other?, are we supposed to like them or what?

In real life people don't rush down dark hallways with ominous music, or swing into places with epic, orchestral tones. In real life we change, adapt and adjust our opinion of individuals, all the time. Another reason why I love this film. Unlike traditional 'hollywood' no binary oppositions are made, and no symbols are used by the director to tell you how to feel. Much like a tabloid newspaper, Hollywood uses big images and emotive words to tell you, 'you must like this character!'. The broadsheet doesn't adopt such methods, it supplies the facts, you make up your mind. It may seem less exciting, and insulting to some, to compare a movie to a broadsheet. I feel however that it gives the viewer some independence, it's strange not to be spoon fed, it may be scary, but ultimately it is emancipating and satisfying.

I don't get it.

Don't try to get it, just sit back and enjoy it. It isn't an overacted piece of cliché drama, it won't be apparent immediately. We've had it drilled into us that films must be hyper-real, hyper fast and formulaic. Even if you have to watch it twice, once to de-programme and again to enjoy, do so!

In conclusion, I cant quite find the words to explain how much I love this film, and what it makes me feel....other than 'happy'. It is typical Wes Anderson stuff. If you liked Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic, you will definitely love this movie. It is slow paced, it is subtle, it is unique and complex yet simple. I could not recommend this enough, but (I cant say this without sounding pretentious), my high recommendation is exclusively to folk of a higher brow.



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A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven) review

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 25 May 2008 02:20 (A review of A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven))

A really clever plot, and a beautiful film in general. I don't want to give a synopsis; its so clever, I think it would be too much of a spoiler. This romance/war film is timeless and should be viewed by everyone, no exceptions.

For the time the cinematography and set designs were epic, despite being an 'old' film it is in no way dated or cheesy. A classic, and an underrated one at that note! Better than many of the cinema canon that people chirp on about. Over looked and brilliant.9/10

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