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Memoirs of a Geisha
2006-10-28 23:26:00
This movie really irritated me. I was quite intrigued for the first half of the film and then it went rapidly downhill in my estimation. Perhaps my expectations had been set too high. I was expecting a sweeping saga of a young girl, sold by her family and transformed into a geisha. Instead, the movie seemed to focus on all the usual suspects - bitching with the local rival and unrequited love and all the while the central character never seems to get over her constant naivety. The final third of the movie was utterly predictable and I was glad when it was finally finished!Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Memo , Memoir , Isha , Memoirs , Geisha

The Devil Wears Prada
2006-09-29 00:18:00
I started reading this book knowing that I was going to see the film but gave up halfway through and thought the time invested in finishing was probably not worth it. And I am so glad I did. The movie, and the book for that matter, are great examples of pure escapism which can be just what you need sometimes. It is an easy film to watch and an easy book to read which no doubts accounts for its popularity. The only trouble I had with the transition from book to film is that Meryl Streeps character in the film shows some even tiny signs of humanity under all those designer clothes. That aspect is lacking in the book and so I do think the film sold out a little to make the "Devil 's" character a little more palatable. All in all, worth seeing but not worth queuing in line for!Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: The Devil Wears Prada , Prada , Evil , Wear

Showgirls
2006-09-18 07:27:00
This truly is one of those films that is so dreadfully bad that it becomes utterly watchable. The acting is atrocious, the lines defy belief and the storyline is shallow at best. But despite that, this camp, trashy cult classic is well worth watching. So many movies have bad acting, bad lines and a bad storyline but do not achieve the status of this film. What sets it apart is hard to define but the completely gratuitous shots of naked women pole dancing and lap dancing have no doubt made it a favourite amongst young guys. And good luck to them. It is a movie that is certainly good for a laugh.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Girls , Show , Girl , Showgirls

Failure to Launch
2006-08-27 20:39:03
I started watching this film expecting it to be stupid and I was not disappointed. In fact I was actually a little surprised at how stupid it was. The plot was utterly ridiculous, the acting dreadful and the on-screen chemistry between McConaughey and Parker completely unconvincing. Despite all that, there were a couple of laughs to be had, but they were fairly spread thinly. I can not recommend this film in any way really and suggest you give it a wide berth. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Failure , Launch , Lure

United 93
2006-08-23 20:30:22
This is a remarkably good movie. Considering everyone going to see it knows the outcome, the film does a remarkable job in building a sense of dread throughout and particularly for allowing viewers the irrational hope that the final outcome may be different. I was also pleasantly surprised by the restraint shown by the director - there was none of the pro-American, anti-Muslim sentiment that I feared would occur. The film shows the passengers reacting to save their own lives, not as the result of any particular patriotic fervour. This is a far more realistic approach given the paucity of information the passengers had at hand as to what was occurring in the US on that fateful day. I thoroughly recommend this film but prepared to be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: United , United 93 , Unit

Head in the Clouds
2006-08-07 07:28:00
I had not heard of this movie before which is a little surprising given who is in it - Charlize Theron, her 'real life' boyfriend Stuart Townsend and Penelope Cruz. The movie itself is simply OK - an epic love story based in Europe between the wars - but it is by no means brilliant. It never quite takes off and the movies credibility wanes somewhat in the WW2 scenes. However, it is worth watching on DVD, if only to see Charlize and Penelope together.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Clouds , Head , Loud , Cloud , The Cloud

Series 1 - Vis-a-vis (Queensland Ballet)
2006-08-06 20:09:03
To be honest, I have never been a real fan of ballet. Something about the lack of talking or singing or any sound other than feet landing on the boards seemed to bother me - that is until I saw this studio series with the Queen sland Ballet . It was simply a wonderful introduction to the various forms of ballet - both modern and classical in theintimate atmosphere of the Patrick Dixon studio. The meanings behind moves were explained, the dancers were able to improvise and it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I never thought I could ever see myself looking forward to my next ballet outing!Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Series , Land , Queensland

Notes on a Scandal
2006-08-06 20:09:03
Zoe Heller (2004), Penguin Books, 256 pages This was a wonderful book - interesting, chilling and engaging BUT for some reason, it took me much, much longer to read than a good book would normally. I am not sure why I struggled with it because it had all the elements of books I really enjoy. I think perhaps it was because some of the anticipation for what would occur between Sheba and Connolly disappeared in the early pages. Regardless, I recommend this book as a great read.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Scandal , Note , Notes , Anda , Scan

Transamerica
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I was really disappointed with this movie. I had been expecting really good things given the positive reviews it had received when it was first released. However, I found that it was simply a road movie held together by the members of a dysfunctional family. Felicty Huffman does do an incredible job as a woman playing a man playing a woman - however she is a standout and other than some mildly humourous moments, the movie is dull and predictable. Such a shame. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: America , Trans , Same , Tran , Ansa

An Inspector Calls
2006-08-06 20:09:03
JB Priestley (1946), Directed by Stephen Daldry I was expecting big things from this play because it has won countless theatrical awards around the world. That may have been the problem - my expectations were very high. I was quite disappointed by the end but also thankful it was only a one act play. It did have relatively amazing sets and special effects (the constant mist was very good), but in terms of the actors involved, it was nothing too special. Even taking into account the predictability of the ending, the actors seemed to just be going through the motions - hysteria, shock, tantrums etc. It all became a little tedious as each of the central characters had their turn.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Calls , Call , Inspector , Inspect

The Other Side of You
2006-08-06 20:09:03
Salley Vickers (2006), Fourth Estate, 304 pages At the heart of Salley Vickers new novel, The Other Side of You, are central questions for all of us ? issues of love, salvation, forgiveness and redemption. Vickers? fourth novel is a beautifully written tale which unfolds through the eyes of David, a psychiatrist who spends his time helping the ?suicidally disposed?. David is a proponent for talking rather than medication and throughout the book we travel with David between London and Rome as he uses art, philosophy and poetry to understand the lives of his patients, and also to understand himself. David is nursing deep feelings of loss and guilt from a childhood tragedy that he has never managed to overcome, despite his tireless work to help others do so. Through his patient Elizabeth Cruikshank, David comes to understand both the depths of his own bereavement and unhappiness, whilst also helping Elizabeth to understand the value for her to continue with her own life. The nove...
More About: The Other , The O , The Other Side

Match Point
2006-08-06 20:09:03
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Chris) I thought Jonathan was wonderful in this role. He managed to nail the slide into obsession perfectly, while always maintaining a facade of respectability and pretence. He truly comes into his own in the final quarter of the film and while at times I felt the storyline surrounding the murders was bordering on melodrama, the character still managed to convince the audience (along with himself) that it was the only option he had. I thought he gave a very thought provoking and convincing performance. Scarlett Johansson (Nola) This was the best acting I have seen Scarlett do. She too descends into obsession and desperation, and she does so with sympathy from the audience for her predicament. She is beautiful and tragic and she manages to keep the tension in her performance throughout the film. Matthew Goode (Tom) and Emily Mortimer (Chloe) I have listed these two actors together because for me their performances were almost identical in the film. It is...
More About: Match , Point , Match Point

Casanova
2006-08-06 20:09:03
Heath Ledger (Casa nova) Oh, Heath. Last week I saw you in Brokeback Mountain at which time you completely moved me from being a former critic to your most ardent supporter. By why did you do this film? It seems such a waste considering what we all know you can do. It is beyond me how agents can recommend this sort of film for an actor wanting to establish themselves in serious films. Nevertheless, there were moments of beauty in your performance, but generally you were let down by a lame script and an equally lacklustre plot. Despite all that, you did grow on me as the film went on and I ended up feeling sorry for you having to act alongside Sienna Miller for reasons listed below. Sienna Miller (Francesca) Simply dreadful. I am sorry to be so harsh, but quite honestly, she no sooner inhabited the feminist Francesca role than my grandmother trying to pretend she is Santa Claus. It was pure farce and in no way was I convinced that she was either in love with Casanova at any poi...
More About: Nova

Fun with Dick & Jane
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I was forced to watch this film on a flight with no other movie options. It was so bad that I put it right up there with Bewitched (see review below) in the total crap stakes. But then with Jim Carrey looking like a goose in the movie poster, what can you expect? The plot is wafer thin, the acting pathetic and the stereotypes predictable. I do not recommend even watching this film when it is on free-to-air television, let alone outlaying any money to see it.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Fun , With , Dick , Jane

The Proposition
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I had heard really good things about this film and thought it was about time I saw it. The acting is superb, the plot is engaging and the scenery is foreboding. But I found the film difficult to watch, and did not end up finishing the movie, due to the sense of dread that is built up throughout. You know that something hideous is going to happen and I found the tension throughout very difficult to enjoy. That said, I do recognise that it is a very good movie and one that I would recommend for anyone with a tougher stomach than me.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Posi , Prop , Position

Pride & Prejudice
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I am a complete fan of the book, and know it inside out, so I was nervous about seeing this portayal of the classic. I am also a real fan of the BBC version and felt that a 2 hour movie could not possibly do the story justice. However, I was nicely surprised. This is a much more gritty version and no doubt shows life in a much more realistic light. Keira Knightly does a great job as Elizabeth, but she is the only really standout. Poor Mathew MacFadyen never stood a chance as Darcy - it will be difficult for any actor to let us forget Colin Firth in the BBC version. As a romantic, I was disappointed that the film did not end with their wedding - or at least a kiss. But the funniest moment of all was watching the US alternate ending - I will not ruin the moment here but it is just so crass, tacky and not to mention a complete fabrication. Jane Austen would certainly have been horrified but it is hilarious to see. I can understand why the ending was cut for British and Australia...
More About: Ride , Pride , Dice , Prejudice

Derailed
2006-08-06 20:09:03
What a stupid film - so utterly predictable from the opening scene although it tried to maintain suspense and surprise throughout. Almost every decision the Clive Owen character made seemed unlikely which really undermined all aspects of the movie. Jennifer Aniston was nothing near her best and all in all, it was very disappointing. I kept thinking throughout that my review would end up being similiar to what I thought of Flightplan (see review below) - what were these terrific actors thinking?!? Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Rail

Cars
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I am not particularly a fan of animated childrens films but I really enjoyed this movie. It has a great story and enough jokes thrown in for the adults to get you through. I am also constantly amazed at the amazing graphics of animated films - the 4 year old I watched this with asked me if it was a true story! This is a totally suitable movie for kids of all sizes which I can totally recommend during the school holidays. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Cars

Lord of War
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I was not too sure what to expect when I started watching this film. I only vaguely knew that it had something to do with guns and Africa. I love Nicolas Cage though and in this film he does not disappoint. Lord of War is a really brilliant film. It is fairly harrowing in detailing the small arms trade around the world yet you find yourself somehow, unbelievably even, sympathising with the main character even though he is completely amoral and responsible for the murder of so many innocent victims. It is a very, very clever film and I thoroughly recommend it. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews

All the Presidents Men
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I had wanted to see this film for some time and I was not disappointed. This 1970s classic has stood the test of time and is a fantastic film. I am not old enough to remember the Watergate scandal and did not really know much about what happened prior to seeing this. This movie is really helpful in understanding how the two journalists, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, ended up bringing down President Nixon. It is also good to see Robert Redford looking his best! I thoroughly recommend this classic. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Men , Presidents , Side , The President

The Aristocrats
2006-08-06 20:09:03
All I knew about this film was that it was the re-telling of a classic comedians injoke - The A ristocrats. I knew vaguely what the joke was about and that was it. I definetly expected something different than what was shown in this film. I was not really shocked by the vulgarity of the various jokes but the repetition of the same joke - even with different versions - got very boring. Unfortunately I only made it half way through the movie before turning it off. It was interesting enough to see how the world of comedians seems to operate but it was too much to hope for that hearing the same joke 100 times could be interesting. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Aristocrat , Rats

Good night, and good luck
2006-08-06 20:09:03
This is an incredibly good movie. It is one of the few films you watch that actually makes you think and work hard - not just lounge on the sofa and switch off. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and recommend it to everyone. My only complaint was that sometimes I found it a little hard to keep up with who everyone was - but then it did not really matter because the message was clear. I watched the Daily Show with Jon Stewart straight after seeing this and while Stewart does not have McCarthy type individuals to deal with, his lambasting of the Bush government and the fear they are instilling in the US regarding terrorist activities certainly had some similiar themes. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Night , Good , Good Night , Luck , Good Luck

The Dukes of Hazzard
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I can not emphasize enough how bad this movie is. In fact, I am writing this blog with the movie still running in the background since I can not finish it. Bad acting, bad script, bad storyline. Jessica Simpson is awful, followed closely behind by Johnny Knoxville and Willie Nelson. I suspected that the movie was going to be lame but I had no idea it would be as bad as this. I am impressed by anyone who is able to sit through this entire film. This movie is not worth any stars. Dreadful.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Haz , Duke , The D , Dukes of Hazzard

The Break Up
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I really enjoyed this film. It is a classic chick flick, but if you go to it knowing that is going to be the case, it is hard not to like it. Jennifer Aniston is terrific and Judy Davis is also wonderful. The first half of the movie is laugh out loud stuff but it does slow down a little as it takes a serious turn. Nevertheless, the film is really enjoyable - that is until the final scene. Very disappointing. If you go to a chick flick you expect (and want) to see the classic chick flick ending but that is not what you get. Despite that criticism, I still thinkthe movie is great, lots of laughs and fun to watch. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Break Up , Break , Brea

To be and to have (Etre Et Avoir)
2006-08-06 20:09:03
This is a really beautiful documentary about a group of young schoolchildren in a small village in France. Their teacher is every parents dream (and every childs). The kids range in age from about 4 up to 12 or so yet they are all taught in the same school classroom. I thoroughly recommend this film and the little boy featured on the movie poster certainly steals the show. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Have

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I decided to watch this film with an open mind given I love the original and wondered why anyone could think it needed to be updated. My children and I know the original pretty well so we all sat down and watched this one together. Needless to say, by the end of the movie each of us preferred the earlier version for different reasons. Yet we were all disappointed at the modernisation of the Oompa Loompas - the classic song was gone and replaced with some kind of strange hip hop chorus line. Despite expectations being dampened, it is still an interesting perspective on the classic tale and you do get to find out a lot more about how it is Willy Wonka came to make the best chocolate in the world. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Factory , Fact , Chocolate , Cola , Charlie

Separate Lies
2006-08-06 20:09:03
This is a really good film that certainly makes you think how you would handle certain ethical dilemmas. Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson are superb as always. I thought Rupert Everett was OK, but not really a stand out. My only problem with the film was that so much of its strength lay in the various decisions each of the characters make throughout the film. And I did not find some of those decisions very convincing based on what you are told of each of the various characters. However, that is no doubt the key to the succes of the movie generally since there is lots for a viewer to consider long after the film has finished. Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Para , Lies , Rate

Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room
2006-08-06 20:09:03
I did not really know much about what Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling had really got up to at Enron before watching this documentary. Having watched this, I now understand why shareholders, the US government and police were out for blood. It is an incredible tale of greed, corruption and arrogance which is wonderful viewing. The stories about shutting down the Californian power grid is almost impossible to believe.This is one documentary I thoroughly recommend.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Smart , Arte , Mart , Guys , Test

Girls Like You
2006-07-31 04:48:00
Paul Sheehan (2006), Pan Macmillan, 388 pagesThis book is engrossing from start to finish - I think it took me only about 4 hours to read. It tells the story surrounding a group of Muslim brothers in Sydney and their various court trials, convictions and brushes with the police over a 2-3 year period. All six brothers would be considered by even the most generous members of the community as serious criminals. Add to the mix their claims that a cultural timebomb caused them to rape and you have a fascinating story set within multicultural Sydney. Four of the brothers are now serving lengthy prison sentences for a number of gang rapes of young girls. The other two were involved in a road rage incident during their brothers' trial which left one of the younger brothers dead after the road rage victim fought back. I did not think it was a particularly well written book but it is an excellent expose of the legal system at work and how it often serves to further humiliate, punish and eve...
More About: Girls , Girl , Like , Like You

Stage Beauty
2006-07-30 11:04:00
This is a very unusual but yet strangely enjoyable film. Essentially this is another 'Shakespeare in Love' - but without the wonderful dialogue, storyline or acting. Despite having the cream of the British acting profession in the cast, this film suffers from stilted scenes, convulted plotlines and Billy Crudup. However, all that criticism aside, it is nevertheless enjoyable and the final scene of Othello when we finally get to see the two main characters onstage is spellbinding. I recommend this film for a quiet night in but be prepared to hang on through so very slow moments in an otherwise great movie.Movie reviews, book reviews, theatre reviews
More About: Beauty , Beau , Stage