Hello again!
I was so pleased to finally put up all the films I had previously intended to put up, that I got plumb tuckered out yesterday, forgetting there were a few more to talk about. These are a few I have recently seen, and are worth a mention.
Hell Boy - Ron Pearlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor – directed by Guillermo del Toro
I approached this film with trepidation as I had mistakenly assumed it was a horror film (not my cup of tea at all) but was persuaded by fellow clubmoofier Andy to see it, prior to the recent release of Hellboy II: The Golden Army. How wrong was I! This is a great romp into a fictional world of underdog heroes with horns, gills and pyromaniac tendencies. Visually splendid, funny and mightily entertaining, a lighter offering from Del Toro, but with the same stunning creative vision as Pan’s Labyrinth. Highly recommended! 4 stars
Note: Jeffrey Tambor has a small but great role in this, if you don’t know him, see Arrested Development, in which he is brilliant. Actually, see it anyway as it is surreal, funny and wonderful!
Hellboy II: The Golden Army – cast as above
Following on from Hellboy, this is another great installment of what undoubtedly will become a series of cult classics. Even more impressive in its design and creativity than the first film, this film is, unlike most sequels, not a rehash of the first film, but one that can stand alone in it’s own right. Thoroughly entertaining. Did I mention the fabulous visuals?? 4.5 stars
Wall-E -voiced by Ben Burt, and more
Ok, time for me to rave again! This is just a delight from start to finish. Stunningly animated, and utilising to full capacity the voice talents of the legendary Ben Burt, this charming and romantic film will surely entertain. Wall-e is the last working robot on earth, which has become a waste planet. In his solitude he has evolved to develop a quirky little personality that enjoys collecting random objects, watching sunsets and Hello Dolly. Wall-e’s world is turned upside down by the arrival of EVE, and his heart spins in Woody Allen-like delight and clumsiness in his quest to be with his sweetheart. 4.5 stars
In Bruges – Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes
This is a great new (first?) film from Martin McDonagh, probably better know for his work in theatre as a playwright of original, entertaining, dark and unusual work. Actually, that’s a pretty good description of what this is, come to think of it. Two hitmen are sent to Bruges after a balls-up on a job. Life, reflection and the possibilities of redemption are explored. Great dialogue, great acting, and a beautiful setting -Bruges, Belgium- which is very much an integral part to the narrative and a strong character in the film. Very violent in parts, but well worth a look despite that. I find covering my eyes during cranial explosions helps!!! Ralph Fiennes does a satisfying job of chewing the scenery when he arrives into the picture 3.5 stars
See you all soon!
SB
4.10.08
