Sleepers
Sleepers is a 1996 legal drama film that stars Kevin Bacon, Brad Pitt, Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. The film was written, produced and directed by Barry Levinson. The film is based on the novel Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra.
The Plot
The film tells the story of four boys being sent to a detention camp after a prank goes wrong. While in the detention camp they are abused and violated. Years after their release there comes a chance for the boys to gain revenge.
The story is fantastic, it has to be said. It may be argued that the plot is fairly far fetched in a sense, but this does not make it any less enjoyable as a story.
The Performances
The performances are all fantastic in my opinion. Robert De Niro is as flawless as ever, but all the child actors are great as well. Brad Pitt and Kevin Bacon show great range and the support is equally as impressive. However, the best performance in this film comes from Dustin Hoffman, who plays Danny Snyder. Snyder is an alcholic lawyer set to defend two of the boys in court. The performance is flawless from Hoffman, truely great.
The Drama
The film is very touching and heart wrenching at times, and quite heavy and sickening at others. The film deals with issues such as child abuse, rape and revenge, but it also questions a Priest's decision of what is right and wrong. There are a lot of major issues dealt with here, all of which are handled with care.The film carries a lot of suspense throughout.
Overall
The film is packed with drama, but also has a lot of heart in it. The plot is great and is backed up by some truly great performances. This film seems to have slipped under the radar slightly and this is a real shame. I highly recommend this film to everyone, but particularly fans of legal dramas.
Rating: 9/10
Monday 20 February 2012
Saturday 18 February 2012
The Simpsons 500th Episode
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I have been a fan of The Simpsons for years, for as long as I can remember! While many fans agree that the quality has declined since the first 9 or 10 years, it cannot really be argued that the show is one of the finest ever created. I am certainly one who prefers the earlier seasons (1-3 being my personal favourites) but I cannot say the show is still one of the top programmes being made. The fact that The Simpsons has been going for over 20 years only adds to how special a show it truly is, and although the quality is not quite as high, there are still some truly great moments being created.
So I would like to congradulate everyone behind The Simpsons on achieving the 500th episode (which airs in the US on the 19th of February) on a great job and long may it continue!
I have been a fan of The Simpsons for years, for as long as I can remember! While many fans agree that the quality has declined since the first 9 or 10 years, it cannot really be argued that the show is one of the finest ever created. I am certainly one who prefers the earlier seasons (1-3 being my personal favourites) but I cannot say the show is still one of the top programmes being made. The fact that The Simpsons has been going for over 20 years only adds to how special a show it truly is, and although the quality is not quite as high, there are still some truly great moments being created.
So I would like to congradulate everyone behind The Simpsons on achieving the 500th episode (which airs in the US on the 19th of February) on a great job and long may it continue!
Friday 17 February 2012
Scarface (Remake)
Scarface (1983)
Scarface is a 1983 film that stars Al Pacino, Steven Bauer and Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie was directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone and is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name.
The Plot
Scarface tells the story of a Cuban refugee, Tony Montana (Pacino) who arrives in Miami and becomes a drug cartel kingping. The movie explores his rise to the top of the cocaine empire in Miami.
The Performances
I truly believe that all the performances in this film are really good. Al Pacino is obviously great in his role and the support is all just as strong. There are no poor performances here, in a very strong cast.
The Length
For me, the major problem with this film is the length. The film is definitely an hour too long in my eyes and many scenes can probably be left out.
The Climax
The climax scene is an historic one, and probably rightly so. It is really entertaining with the movie's most famous line! The is an iconic scene and one of the best I've seen.
Overall
Overall the film is not, in my eyes, as good as it is often made out to be. Scarface definitely goes on too long, and there is just something missing from it. The performances are all good, and the plot is strong. The climax scene certainly pulls the movie's score up as it really is a great scene, but the film just drags on in many places.
Rating 6/10
Scarface is a 1983 film that stars Al Pacino, Steven Bauer and Michelle Pfeiffer. The movie was directed by Brian De Palma, written by Oliver Stone and is a remake of the 1932 film of the same name.
The Plot
Scarface tells the story of a Cuban refugee, Tony Montana (Pacino) who arrives in Miami and becomes a drug cartel kingping. The movie explores his rise to the top of the cocaine empire in Miami.
The Performances
I truly believe that all the performances in this film are really good. Al Pacino is obviously great in his role and the support is all just as strong. There are no poor performances here, in a very strong cast.
The Length
For me, the major problem with this film is the length. The film is definitely an hour too long in my eyes and many scenes can probably be left out.
The Climax
The climax scene is an historic one, and probably rightly so. It is really entertaining with the movie's most famous line! The is an iconic scene and one of the best I've seen.
Overall
Overall the film is not, in my eyes, as good as it is often made out to be. Scarface definitely goes on too long, and there is just something missing from it. The performances are all good, and the plot is strong. The climax scene certainly pulls the movie's score up as it really is a great scene, but the film just drags on in many places.
Rating 6/10
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a 2012 science fiction adventure film that stars Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine. The film is the sequel to the 2008 film Journey to the Center of the Earth. The story was written by Richard Outten, Brian Gunn and Mark Gunn, and the screenplay by Brian and Mark Gunn.
Dwayne Johnson stars as Hank, the ex-marine stepfather to Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson), who team up to search for Sean's grandfather who is thought to be on 'The Mysterious Island'.
The Plot
Ok, so this is clearly aimed at a younger generation so it could be argued that the plot doesn't need to be that strong. Well.... it isn't. And if you see the film knowing this then you will be ok! The plot follows a journey to the Mysterious Island, and subsequently the journey from it. Expect tiny elephants, giant lizards and peck popping along the way.
Pacing
The movie does fly by at a decent pace. There are very few dull or boring moments in this film, it is almost completely action. Even when the movie does slow down, it is still entertaining enough.
The Performances
This movie does showcase some decent talent to be fair. Dwayne Johnson delivers a strong performance and we get to hear him sing too. Johnson is the stand out performer here. Michael Caine is also decent as the wacky explorer. Vanessa Hudgens stars as Khailan, Sean's love interest and delivers a solid performance. We also get a lot of laughs from Khailan's father, Gabato, played by Luiz Guzman. Overall a strong cast.
Overall
Overall, this movie will please younger audiences but there is just enough in there to keep the adults happy as well. There is action, comedy and a lot of heart. A decent film.
Rating: 7/10
Dwayne Johnson stars as Hank, the ex-marine stepfather to Sean Anderson (played by Josh Hutcherson), who team up to search for Sean's grandfather who is thought to be on 'The Mysterious Island'.
The Plot
Ok, so this is clearly aimed at a younger generation so it could be argued that the plot doesn't need to be that strong. Well.... it isn't. And if you see the film knowing this then you will be ok! The plot follows a journey to the Mysterious Island, and subsequently the journey from it. Expect tiny elephants, giant lizards and peck popping along the way.
Pacing
The movie does fly by at a decent pace. There are very few dull or boring moments in this film, it is almost completely action. Even when the movie does slow down, it is still entertaining enough.
The Performances
This movie does showcase some decent talent to be fair. Dwayne Johnson delivers a strong performance and we get to hear him sing too. Johnson is the stand out performer here. Michael Caine is also decent as the wacky explorer. Vanessa Hudgens stars as Khailan, Sean's love interest and delivers a solid performance. We also get a lot of laughs from Khailan's father, Gabato, played by Luiz Guzman. Overall a strong cast.
Overall
Overall, this movie will please younger audiences but there is just enough in there to keep the adults happy as well. There is action, comedy and a lot of heart. A decent film.
Rating: 7/10
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