Friday 8 August 2008

How to avoid the olympics and stupid people

Well hello again everyone and here are the film recommendations and reviews of the week. My aim this week I am giving you alternatives to watching the sport and having a normal life instead. My health kick policy of 'get fit or die trying' moves on apace and I am doing a 2.25 mile walk, badminton twice a week and the bike is about to be dusted off. Yes fitness beckons, it is a dim light at the end of a long tunnel at the moment.

The stupid people of which I speak are the woman who in her seventies without a child parked in a mother and baby spot when there was a disabled spot nearer the shop and general parking nearer as well. But even this was topped by the four lads who were in 2 cars parked up at a petrol pump who were smoking. They were in line for a Darwin award.

Now on to the reviews. Last Saturday night I went to see the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight. To say it was dark was an understatement. It certainly should have had a 15 certificate rather than the 12a it was given. Heath Ledger (below) was outstanding and assuming there are no other sick, simple or mad performances of equal stature this year he may be in line for awards.
It is worth seeing as it is excellent entertainment.
Saturday is an excellent day for avoiding exposure to sport if you so choose. There are three excellent films which are all excellent entertainment. The first recommendation of the day is The Mummy. This was the first film in the franchise and I actually watched it on DVD earlier this week. For pure entertainment and action this is an ideal film. The 12-certificate will probably have the kids getting annoyed but there is violence and death in it the certificate is probably about right. Rachel Weisz is stunning and Brendan Fraser is outstanding. With the third film in the series out shortly watch this first to get you in the mood. Later on there is The Sixth Sense. This film was famously ruined for millions in this country when a Radio 5 travel reporter blurted out the plot twist live on national radio. Fortunately I didn't hear this and was able to enjoy the film when I eventually got to see it. The twist is obvious from quite a way off but the film is entertaining and Willis and Hayley Joel Osment are exceptional not your run of the mill horror this one - you actually have to think a bit. Lastly there is Throw Momma From the Train. This is exceptional because it is supposed to be a comedy. Danny De Vito and Billy Crystal are outstanding but they are outdone by the deliciously grotesque performance of Anne Ramsey as Momma. This will have you howling with laughter and at the same time marvelling at the remake of Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train.

On Sunday there are two contrasting yet equally great films. The first is The Princess Bride. It is a wonderful family film. The children will love the fantasy and the adults will love the performances, comedy and one liners. If ever you meet anybody who does not love this film do not trust them they are dangerous people who have no soul and seek to take over the universe. By contrast there is Crimson Tide. This a post Cold War submarine thriller done in exuberant style by Jerry Bruckheimer. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington put in outstanding performances and are ably supported by the likes of Viggo Mortensen. This is an exceptional thriller and will keep you gripped right the way through.
On Monday night we have I, Robot. Whilst it can never claim to be the greatest film in the world it is good entertainment. I have never actually read the book on which it is based so cannot comment on whether it is a good adaptation. On Tuesday we have yet more Bruckheimer fare with Armageddon in which Bruce Willis and his band save the world. Again if you are looking for thoughtprovoking entertainment this is not what you seek. It is a thrill ride.
Wednesday night we have an Elmore Leonard double bill - well sort of. We have Get Shorty and the sequel Be Cool. The first is one of Travolta's best performances. The cast that is put together is great. Danny De Vito, Gene Hackman and Rene Russo are all excellent. The story is fantastic and really does the original book justice. It is as with many of the films discussed tonight great entertainment. It is disappointing that the same cannot be said of the sequel Be Cool. Yes Travolta is good and is supported by Uma Thurman. Unfortunately we are also faced with Vince Vaughan and The Rock. It is good fun but not a patch on the first film.
Thursday night we have the history ignoring Scotland fest that is Braveheart. As with most Hollywood films it bears only a passing resemblance to real fact but is nevertheless a good diversion for an evening. Lastly on Friday night there is Lorenzo's Oil this is also based on true events but unlike Braveheart does at least tend to stick to them. This is one of those films which makes you feel good at the end but you may not want to watch it a second time.
More next week.

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