(*) FRENZY ****
UK: Alfred Hitchcock, 1972
Format: SD DVD
Region: 2 (UK)
DVD Distributor: Universal Pictures
IMDB reference
Monday, January 22, 2007
(*) ANTZ ****
USA: Eric Darnell and Tim Johnson, 1998
Format: SD DVD
Region: 2 (UK)
DVD Distributor: DreamWorks
IMDB reference
Sunday, January 21, 2007
V FOR VENDETTA ***
USA/UK/GERMANY: John McTeigue, 2005
Format: SD DVD
Region: 2 (UK)
DVD Distributor: Warner Bros
In what is fast becoming our weekly ritual, the girlfriend (or The Countessa as she shall now forthwith be respectfully referred to) and I snuggled up last Sunday evening to watch V For Vendetta. I had succeeded in side stepping the buzz surrounding the film during the course of its theatrical release. However, I was intrigued by its rumoured play upon the Guy Fawkes legend and had been meaning to give the disc a spin at some point.
Now I know very little about the film's tortuous transition from highly respected graphic novel to big budget misfire at the UK box office. I therefore had very few preconceived expectations, aside from a feint hope the Wachowski's brothers involvement in the script but noticeable absence from direction, would serve up a better film than the last two instalments of The Matrix Trilogy. Upon reflection I would have to say that I did enjoy the film by some measure above those ill fated cash-ins. V For Vendetta is not without its flaws but within its comic book sensibilities and anti-hero tale of revolution it succeeds in raising some pertinent questions.
The film's milieu maybe that of a non too distant London in the grip of a fascist dictatorship, but the allusions to present America are unmistakable. Specifically, John Hurt's (in an ironic nod to his casting as the victim in the film adaptation of George Orwell's 1984) Chancellor Adam Sutler, the zealot who reigns supreme over this dystopian totalitarian state, can be read as a thinly veiled allegory for the current tyrannical U.S. administration of George W. Bush. For more on this theme I point you toward a full review by Michael Mackenzie. I take my hat off to Michael as his appraisal is fair and balanced rather than the "for or against" hyperbole which has been a feature of many other opinions on the film. It appears this division is in large part due to the filmmakers omitting or being fanciful with the hallowed original material. In any case I found Michael's review very informative and it offered me a greater understanding of the film.
V For Vendetta does approach the issues surrounding the West's response to the threat of terrorism. It also challenges us to consider the reality of genuine representation and recognition of the will of a country's populous in the political systems of power which operate in a democratic society. However, it must be said the film does all this in a rather silly and idealistically muddled manner. But nevertheless it still succeeds at being entertaining.
The Countessa was far less forgiving and felt this film was... "crap" to put it succinctly. I wouldn't quite go that far. It is true though, if you are not able to come to the film with an adequate suspension of disbelief, intriguing social commentary or otherwise, the film simply isn't going to hold an interest for you.
Now I know very little about the film's tortuous transition from highly respected graphic novel to big budget misfire at the UK box office. I therefore had very few preconceived expectations, aside from a feint hope the Wachowski's brothers involvement in the script but noticeable absence from direction, would serve up a better film than the last two instalments of The Matrix Trilogy. Upon reflection I would have to say that I did enjoy the film by some measure above those ill fated cash-ins. V For Vendetta is not without its flaws but within its comic book sensibilities and anti-hero tale of revolution it succeeds in raising some pertinent questions.
The film's milieu maybe that of a non too distant London in the grip of a fascist dictatorship, but the allusions to present America are unmistakable. Specifically, John Hurt's (in an ironic nod to his casting as the victim in the film adaptation of George Orwell's 1984) Chancellor Adam Sutler, the zealot who reigns supreme over this dystopian totalitarian state, can be read as a thinly veiled allegory for the current tyrannical U.S. administration of George W. Bush. For more on this theme I point you toward a full review by Michael Mackenzie. I take my hat off to Michael as his appraisal is fair and balanced rather than the "for or against" hyperbole which has been a feature of many other opinions on the film. It appears this division is in large part due to the filmmakers omitting or being fanciful with the hallowed original material. In any case I found Michael's review very informative and it offered me a greater understanding of the film.
V For Vendetta does approach the issues surrounding the West's response to the threat of terrorism. It also challenges us to consider the reality of genuine representation and recognition of the will of a country's populous in the political systems of power which operate in a democratic society. However, it must be said the film does all this in a rather silly and idealistically muddled manner. But nevertheless it still succeeds at being entertaining.
The Countessa was far less forgiving and felt this film was... "crap" to put it succinctly. I wouldn't quite go that far. It is true though, if you are not able to come to the film with an adequate suspension of disbelief, intriguing social commentary or otherwise, the film simply isn't going to hold an interest for you.
Memorable line:
"... artists use lies to tell the truth while politicians use them to cover the truth up"
IMDB reference
RUNAWAY JURY **½
USA: Gary Fleder, 2003
Format: Sky Digital Television Broadcast
Region: N/A
DVD Distributor: N/A
Last Friday the girlfriend and I had a night in with a takeaway and a movie. Like many I suspect, we are trying to make a concerted effort to save some money this month after an extravagant Christmas. Anyway, it was the ladies choice on this occasion (there are limits to how many gialli and the like I can talk her into watching lol!). Flicking through the channels a few nights previously it came to my attention Runaway Jury was scheduled to be shown on BBC One. I recalled the girlfriend citing this as a film she particularly enjoyed, being into the courtroom drama/John Grisham adapted Hollywood thriller type of genre. So pushing the record button on the always reliable Sky Plus Box we arrived at Friday night with our film all ready to watch.
I mention the build up and the setting (quiet night in, Sky TV and takeaway) as it wasn't dissimilar to the film. Runaway Jury is not a particularly original film nor is its execution in anyway innovative or new. It is, however, competently made with its requisite cast of attractive lead boy/girl couple (John Cusack and Rachel Weisz) and established supporting heavyweights (Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman). Much like the Domino's pizza we soon devoured, Runaway Jury is a fast, convenient fix which leaves one full but not entirely satisfied.
I mention the build up and the setting (quiet night in, Sky TV and takeaway) as it wasn't dissimilar to the film. Runaway Jury is not a particularly original film nor is its execution in anyway innovative or new. It is, however, competently made with its requisite cast of attractive lead boy/girl couple (John Cusack and Rachel Weisz) and established supporting heavyweights (Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman). Much like the Domino's pizza we soon devoured, Runaway Jury is a fast, convenient fix which leaves one full but not entirely satisfied.
IMDB reference
WELCOME TO WARCRAFT
I have officially taken the plunge into "Warfcraft" mania!
Earlier in the month I managed to snag Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and the game's expansion pack The Frozen Throne off eBay. My knowledge of Blizzard Entertainment's hugely popular series is limited to say the least. That said, a few years ago my work colleagues and I put together a list of our favourite ever PC games with Blizzard's earlier real-time strategy title Warcraft II: Tides Of Darkness getting notable mention. As a result I have had a "Warcraft" game in my 'To Buy List' for what seems like forever.
Anyway, I've been keeping eyes open for an opportunity to sample this distinct gaming franchise for myself. Although the idea of World Of Warcraft, Blizzard's massively multi-player online role-playing title was not really to my palette. Don't get me wrong, I have heard very impressive comments made about the art design and gameplay of this alternative universe game. However, my own limited concentration span and the current demands on my free time have seen me give this option a wide a berth. For a start if the legend of the game's addictive nature holds some truth, a future consisting of marriage break ups, failing to hold down a job and withdrawing from society to such a degree as spending upwards of 48hrs at a time 'living' as my online persona, it is one I can do without.
Following on from some rather horrendous PC problems of late (I'll spare you the details), I have managed to correctly install both games and have taken a very quick peek. First off, the graphics are very impressive and fully realised in eye-popping 3D. As a casual game player and a nostalgic one at that, 3D RTS games still hold an exciting new promise for me. The games high visual standard is reflected in the Menu screens and the introductory cinematics are crisp with lush colours and strong audio support. Although I must say whilst playing through the tutorial mode I found the cartoonish talking heads of the in-game advisor rather laughable. More distracting than actually pulling me into the world of the game.
However, this is a minor criticism and as I am just starting out in my forays into playing Warcraft III, I'll reserve my judgement for a later date. It will suffice for now to say Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and it's expansion The Frozen Throne have the potential to be a thrilling and original RTS gaming experience.
By the way, my interest in these titles was rekindled in large part thanks to a couple of excellent reviews by Michael Mackenzie. You can check them out here: Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and The Frozen Throne.
Earlier in the month I managed to snag Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and the game's expansion pack The Frozen Throne off eBay. My knowledge of Blizzard Entertainment's hugely popular series is limited to say the least. That said, a few years ago my work colleagues and I put together a list of our favourite ever PC games with Blizzard's earlier real-time strategy title Warcraft II: Tides Of Darkness getting notable mention. As a result I have had a "Warcraft" game in my 'To Buy List' for what seems like forever.
Anyway, I've been keeping eyes open for an opportunity to sample this distinct gaming franchise for myself. Although the idea of World Of Warcraft, Blizzard's massively multi-player online role-playing title was not really to my palette. Don't get me wrong, I have heard very impressive comments made about the art design and gameplay of this alternative universe game. However, my own limited concentration span and the current demands on my free time have seen me give this option a wide a berth. For a start if the legend of the game's addictive nature holds some truth, a future consisting of marriage break ups, failing to hold down a job and withdrawing from society to such a degree as spending upwards of 48hrs at a time 'living' as my online persona, it is one I can do without.
Following on from some rather horrendous PC problems of late (I'll spare you the details), I have managed to correctly install both games and have taken a very quick peek. First off, the graphics are very impressive and fully realised in eye-popping 3D. As a casual game player and a nostalgic one at that, 3D RTS games still hold an exciting new promise for me. The games high visual standard is reflected in the Menu screens and the introductory cinematics are crisp with lush colours and strong audio support. Although I must say whilst playing through the tutorial mode I found the cartoonish talking heads of the in-game advisor rather laughable. More distracting than actually pulling me into the world of the game.
However, this is a minor criticism and as I am just starting out in my forays into playing Warcraft III, I'll reserve my judgement for a later date. It will suffice for now to say Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and it's expansion The Frozen Throne have the potential to be a thrilling and original RTS gaming experience.
By the way, my interest in these titles was rekindled in large part thanks to a couple of excellent reviews by Michael Mackenzie. You can check them out here: Warcraft III: Reign Of Chaos and The Frozen Throne.
DIAL M FOR MURDER ****½
USA: Alfred Hitchcock, 1954
Format: SD DVD
Region:1 (USA)
DVD Distributor: Warner Bros
A couple of Sunday's ago the girlfriend and I sat down and watched Dial M For Murder. I had bought the disc some time last year and promptly added it to the growing "to watch" pile in my room. To be honest based upon what I had read from the odd review and occasional Hitch biography, I assumed the M stood for mediocre rather than masterpiece. However, far from only being notable for Hitchcock's interest in 3D at the time, Dial M For Murder is a bona-fide classic.
The film is something of a departure from Hitchcock's "man on the run" suspense pictures and is faithfully adapted from a successful stage play. To say adapted for the screen is in some ways an overstatement. To paraphrase Peter Bogdanovich, interviewed as an extra on the disc, Hitch's motto when it came to putting plays on the cinema screen was simply to shoot the page as written. This is not to say the film doesn't have some memorable shots. However, Dial M for Murder sees Hitchcock rein in his technical flair to employ his uncanny sense of economically putting the camera in just the right place to aid the development of the plot. This pushes the story to the foreground ably assisted by a quite wonderful script and superb acting.
Ray Millard is a delight as the would be mastermind behind the 'perfect crime' to off his rich wife (Grace Kelly) and his performance goes a long way to making this film the success it is. Anthony Dawson is the hapless crook coerced into Millard's plan, however, typically things do not unfold as foreseen. Any mystery surrounding the crimes is dispensed with almost immediately, but the audience is skillfully gripped from start to finish. The fact we are made aware of every machination of the lead protagonist only heightens our fascination with his eventual downfall. Highly recommended.
The film is something of a departure from Hitchcock's "man on the run" suspense pictures and is faithfully adapted from a successful stage play. To say adapted for the screen is in some ways an overstatement. To paraphrase Peter Bogdanovich, interviewed as an extra on the disc, Hitch's motto when it came to putting plays on the cinema screen was simply to shoot the page as written. This is not to say the film doesn't have some memorable shots. However, Dial M for Murder sees Hitchcock rein in his technical flair to employ his uncanny sense of economically putting the camera in just the right place to aid the development of the plot. This pushes the story to the foreground ably assisted by a quite wonderful script and superb acting.
Ray Millard is a delight as the would be mastermind behind the 'perfect crime' to off his rich wife (Grace Kelly) and his performance goes a long way to making this film the success it is. Anthony Dawson is the hapless crook coerced into Millard's plan, however, typically things do not unfold as foreseen. Any mystery surrounding the crimes is dispensed with almost immediately, but the audience is skillfully gripped from start to finish. The fact we are made aware of every machination of the lead protagonist only heightens our fascination with his eventual downfall. Highly recommended.
IMDB reference
(*) STRANGERS ON A TRAIN *****
USA: Alfred Hitchcock, 1951
Format: SD DVD
Region: 2 (UK)
DVD Distributor: Warner Bros
IMDB reference
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
SEPTEMBER ***½
USA: Woody Allen, 1987
Format: SD DVD
Region: 1 (
DVD Distributor: MGM
Having worked my way through about two thirds of Woody Allen's prodigious body of work I finally sat down this evening to watch September.Manhattan
Very much a theatrical play put on celluloid September charts the yearnings, reflections and conflicts of a small group of family and friends as they see out the summer at a cottage in
If you only enjoy Woody Allen the comedian then September isn't going to be for you. Allen's often-bold use of cinematic structure and his masterful repertoire of humorous quips are dispensed in favour of a much smaller canvas upon which a static but far deeper glare into the realism of our frailty is positioned.
Basically, if like me you found Allen's often criticised "serious" dramas such as Interiors and Another Woman intelligent and compelling you will find much to savour in this rich and brooding exploration of human emotions.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
BIRTHDAY BOOK BONANZA
As part of my many birthday treats my girlfriend had the foresight to buy me ‘Scorsese On Scorsese’ from the Faber and Faber directors series. Having been a fan of Scorsese since first seeing GOODFELLAS/CASINO and RAGING BULL for part of my 'Moving Images' module at college, I am thrilled at the prospect of getting to hear what this intelligent filmmaker has to say about his bold and often brutal work.
Sticking to this theme I have ordered ‘Lynch On Lynch’ from www.play.com
David Lynch has long been a director I admired for his grasp of how to capture the brooding power of the oneiric in his films. To date I have only seen a handful of titles from his oeuvre, most of which have left me baffled but enthralled. Indeed, I look forward to picking up suggestions for further viewing from within the pages of this, my latest bought film tome.
If anyone out there has read these books or has recommendations from the Faber and Faber series please feel free to leave comments.
ROMERO RENAISSANCE
Having celebrated my birthday earlier in the month, I find myself in the welcome position of having some extra cash to spend on my beloved DVD collection.
So taking advantage of being able to spend some cash without feeling too guilty I have ordered copies of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968) (R0 USA - Elite Entertainment/Millennium Edition), DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) (R1 USA - Anchor Bay/The Ultimate Edition) and DAY OF THE DEAD (1985) (R1 USA - Anchor Bay Divimax special edition).
All three come courtesy of my preferred US DVD importer DVD Pacific.
So taking advantage of being able to spend some cash without feeling too guilty I have ordered copies of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968) (R0 USA - Elite Entertainment/Millennium Edition), DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) (R1 USA - Anchor Bay/The Ultimate Edition) and DAY OF THE DEAD (1985) (R1 USA - Anchor Bay Divimax special edition).
All three come courtesy of my preferred US DVD importer DVD Pacific.
My upgrade of George A. Romero’s definitive zombie trilogy from VHS to DVD has been a long time coming. Perturbed at the abundance of releases – all ranging from substandard to awful – that flooded the market early on I only ventured to pick up a budget version of the classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.
Thinking about it, I even had to buy a cheap release of this groundbreaking horror twice as a mate proceeded to lose my first copy. Needless to say both these failed to do justice to Romero’s masterpiece suffering from terrible transfers and clumsy sound design on bare bones discs.
At last this situation has been largely rectified with both NIGHT and DAWN getting something to approaching definitive DVD releases from the United States based Elite Entertainment and Anchor Bay respectively. I am especially keen to get my hands on the 4-disc DAWN release as it includes the European version of the film re-titled ZOMBI and edited by no other than Italian horror legend Dario Argento.
The jury is still somewhat out on the best release of DAY. Looking through DVD comparison sites and various forums on the Internet it would appear that the recent Region 1 and Region 2 special editions of the film suffer from some rather baffling soundtrack tampering.
To round out my ‘Romero Renaissance’ I also picked up LAND OF THE DEAD (R2 UK – Universal/Director’s Cut) at the HMV sale.
I’ll be posting my thoughts on revisiting these great films and passing judgement on their treatment on DVD in these releases in the near future.
HITCHCOCK HAT-TRICK
Today, I took delivery of the these three discs from an online DVD rental company. Being a massive Alfred Hitchcock fan I thought it was high time I re-visited his signature collection released by Universal in 2003. I already own a number of the films included in this set but had never gotten round to watching THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY (1955), TORN CURTAIN (1966) and TOPAZ (1969).
I am particularly looking forward to watching THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY, as the ‘Master of Suspense’ was known to have a particularly wicked sense of humour. By all accounts this film, whilst a minor work, is said to be a rather atypical but not unwelcome venture for the great British director.
I’ll be posting my thoughts as soon as I get the time to give the discs a spin.
I am particularly looking forward to watching THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY, as the ‘Master of Suspense’ was known to have a particularly wicked sense of humour. By all accounts this film, whilst a minor work, is said to be a rather atypical but not unwelcome venture for the great British director.
I’ll be posting my thoughts as soon as I get the time to give the discs a spin.
NEW SECTION: NEWS
… And on that bombshell!
Finishing up my updates on the new sections added to my blog today I ought to mention the originally titled “News”.
This section unsurprisingly shall be the label I post everyday bits and pieces to. Topics discussed here will range from additions made to my blog, interesting gossip and reflections on whatever is going on in the world to items such as my recent DVD purchases or whatever else I’ve generally been up to.
Needless, to say this is the first section you should be heading to when you visit my blog and then please proceed onto the other specific sections that interest you.
Ciao for now,
The Count
Finishing up my updates on the new sections added to my blog today I ought to mention the originally titled “News”.
This section unsurprisingly shall be the label I post everyday bits and pieces to. Topics discussed here will range from additions made to my blog, interesting gossip and reflections on whatever is going on in the world to items such as my recent DVD purchases or whatever else I’ve generally been up to.
Needless, to say this is the first section you should be heading to when you visit my blog and then please proceed onto the other specific sections that interest you.
Ciao for now,
The Count
NEW SECTION: ESSAYS
Back To School!
In order to accommodate some of my academic writing that doesn’t fit elsewhere on this blog I have set-up a section called “Essays”. Under this label I will be posting a range of assessed work I completed in accordance with my BA (Hons) English and M.A Film & Television Studies degrees.
In order to accommodate some of my academic writing that doesn’t fit elsewhere on this blog I have set-up a section called “Essays”. Under this label I will be posting a range of assessed work I completed in accordance with my BA (Hons) English and M.A Film & Television Studies degrees.
As someone who is passionate and committed to the worlds of literature and film, I will also be using this blog to publish my own original critical pieces of work as I complete them.
NEW SECTION: STARS
Lights, Camera, Action!
‘Movie Icons’, ‘Scream Queens’, ‘Character Actors’, ‘Femme Fatales’ and ‘Bit Part Players’ …whatever the label, all are present in my look at some of my favourite screen thespians.
In this section I will be posting image galleries, biographies, filmographies and taking a look at some career defining performances to celebrate the stars that make cinema the enchanting fantasy and compelling art form it is.
NEW SECTION: BOOKS
“I have never found any distress that an hour’s reading did not
relieve”
Baron de Montesquieu
I whole-heartedly agree with the Baron’s estimation and have therefore added a new section aptly named “Books” in his honour. In this section I’ll be keeping you abreast of my reading habits by adding book reviews on recently read novels or highlighting interesting non-fiction books I may have come across. It is my intention to also post here articles on my favourite authors and other literary related subjects.
So why not join me in celebrating the wonderful world of literature by curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of warm tea. Pure Bliss.
NEW SECTION: SCREENING LOG
My Movie Checklist
Taking inspiration from my good pal Capt. Whiggles I have decided to set-up another new section called the “Screening Log”. See Michael's screening log at(http://whiggles.landofwhimsy.com/movies/)
Taking inspiration from my good pal Capt. Whiggles I have decided to set-up another new section called the “Screening Log”. See Michael's screening log at(http://whiggles.landofwhimsy.com/movies/)
Essentially, these entries will act as an archive for every film I have watched since yesterday Tuesday 26/09/2006. So it is hoped in time a record will be built up, acting as a quick reference guide to the films I have seen and my thoughts on them.
I shall give each film a rating out of five and include basic reference details - such as the film’s director, the country of its origin and its date of release – to assist those interested in seeking out the film. Time constraints permitting I will also include a few lines on each film by way offering a very quick evaluation of the film in question. If an entry is for a film I have watched before the title will be preceded with (*).
Where applicable I shall include links to reviews, features, essays etc that I have written on particular films and this aspect of the Screening Log will be continually updated.
Please note: I intend to maintain this section as much as time and inclination allow. Therefore, for the purpose of clarity it is worth acknowledging that the date upon which I screened any given film may sometimes differ from the corresponding post’s publish date.
If you would like any further information on any of these films please leave a comment detailing your query. Likewise please feel free to share your own thoughts and ideas on this section or the entries therein.
Regards
The Count
NEW SECTION: REVIEWS
Hello visitors,
I have been exploring my new beta blog recently and have set-up a new section called simply "Reviews". By adding posts under this label I hope to build up a body of reviews for a variety of films. Essentially, these film reviews will be divided between 'bitesize reviews' of typically 250-500 words and longer pieces titled 'full reviews' of upwards of 1, 000 words. The former will act as a brief account of my immediate response to a particular film and be spoiler free, whilst alternatively the latter will more often than not contain spoilers and act as a more in depth consideration of the film in question.
You will see I have started to add posts to this thread using existing reviews I wrote for the Kent Newspaper Group. As a result these films are 3 or 4 years old but this was simply to get the REVIEWS section up an running. In the future I will be adding both 'bitesize reviews' and the more substantial 'full reviews' for contemporary films released theatrically and existing releases on DVD.
Your opinions are welcome, so please feel free to leave comments about the new REVIEWS section or a particular review.
Best wishes
The Count
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
SUZY ANDERSON - Ladies Of Horror Showcase # 2
Suzy Anderson
Sticking with Mario Bava's BLACK SABBATH for this second instalment in my LOH Showcase, I bring you the enchanting Suzy Anderson.
THE RING - Bitesize Review # 9
The Ring ***USA/Japan: Gore Verbinski, 2002.
Format: Original Theatrical Release
Note: My bitesize review was originally published by the Kent Messenger Newspaper Group and refers to the theatrical run of the film.
It is the ultimate video nasty. A mysterious tape that once watched causes the telephone to ring and a voice announces you only have seven days to live.
Dismissed as an urban myth until four teenagers die at the same time, on the same day in different locations. All are reported to have watched the videotape and all are found with their faces contorted in terror.
Disturbed at these circumstances journalist Rachel (Naomi Watts) decides to investigate. Unable to fight her curiosity she watches the short piece of film footage. It depicts a nightmarish but seemingly meaningless array of images. However, just as foretold the telephone rings and the week deferred death sentence is pronounced.
It is as though the footage has encoded in its celluloid, the prolific curse of an otherworldly force of evil. Rachel is plagued by hallucinations of a little girl. Soon both her son Aidan (David Dorfman) and ex-boyfriend Noah (Martin Henderson) become exposed to the videotape’s insidious power.
The Ring is essentially a Hollywood remake of Hideo Nakata’s critically acclaimed original. Arguably the most frightening horror film in recent memory ‘Ringu’ became a phenomenal success on its 1998 release in Japan.
This film with its bigger budget polish and computer effects is invariably going to suffer comparison with the original. Surprisingly, The Ring is a far more accomplished remake than you would expect. And does try to capture the mood and ambience of its source.
There are a few plot differences in this version, making the film feel longer and less intense than the lean ‘Ringu’. However, the premise is so chilling that it remains deeply unsettling.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - Bitesize Review # 8
Catch Me If You Can ****USA: Steven Spielberg, 2002.
Format: Original Theatrical Release
Note: My bitesize review was originally published by the Kent Messenger Newspaper Group and refers to the theatrical run of the film.
Inspired by the real life antics of Frank Abagnale Jr., this Steven Spielberg film tells of how a teenager went onto become America’s most famous conman.
Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) has been brought up in a privileged family but his world begins to unravel, when the IRS investigate his father Frank Abagnale Sr., played by Christopher Walken. Unable to secure a bank loan his father can do nothing as his business, house and car are taken from him. A devastated Frank runs away when he learns his parents are getting divorced.
Desperate to bring the family back together Frank sets out to re-claim the wealth and prosperity they once enjoyed. Posing first as a pilot, then a doctor and a lawyer, the audacious trickster skilfully forges cheques around the world enabling him to raise millions of dollars.
Not surprisingly his exploits attract the attention of the FBI’s fraud department, with Special Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) determined to catch Frank and bring him to justice.
Released amidst an already impressive list of high profile films Catch Me If You Can would have to be something pretty special just to claim some attention. Thankfully it is, as Spielberg gets straight to the heart of the material, celebrating its unabashed humour without excluding the darker father/son tensions.
The acting throughout this impressive cast is of the highest standard. Significantly, DiCaprio captures the ‘best of his generation’ form of his earlier career going some way to answer those critics who felt he was less than convincing in Gangs of New York.
A thoroughly entertaining film, Excellent!
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