ph: Norbert Zsolyomi
Saturday, June 20, 2015
First Lines: Edmund Crispin - The Moving Toyshop
Richard Cadogan raised his revolver, took careful aim and pulled the trigger.
Sorority Row (2009)
A group of sorority sisters try to cover up the death of their house-sister after a prank gone wrong, only to be stalked by a serial killer.
Unimiaginative and unexciting slasher with a cast of thoroughly disagreeable characters.
Maltin*1/2: "Complete with beautiful half-naked girls, sex, and blood, this typical "scary movie" doesn't make any attempt to be original."
Friday, June 19, 2015
First Lines: Eric Ambler - The Mask of Dimitrios
A Frenchman named Chamfort, who should have known better, once said that chance was a nickname for Providence.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
A military officer is brought into an alien war against an extraterrestrial enemy who can reset the day and know the future.
The story is not new, there are hardly any surprises otherwise, and the militaristic stance is unappealing; but the result is a professionally made, exciting and entertaining action movie.
Maltin***: "Intriguing premise is punched across in this kinetically entertaining science fiction yarn, sharply directed by Liman."
New Stuff: King Lear
Ever since I heard about Godard signing a contact with Globus and Golan to make the film on a napkin at the Cannes Film Festival including the director's unbelievable casting requests I've wanted to see the movie, but haven't so far.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Julie & Julia (2009)
Julia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book.
Likable lightweight and mildy humorous account of the two protagonists' stories; Meryl Streep is, like ever, marvelous.
Maltin***: "Streep is a marvel to behold as the fabled chef (with Tucci a perfect partner as her loving husband), and Adams is well cast as her modern-day disciple. What might have been a great film goes on too long and doesn't provide a satisfying finale."
New Stuff: The Allman Brothers Band
Finally: I now possess the essential first five albums of one of my favourite bands.
First Lines: Dorothy L. Sayers - Murder Must Advertise
'And by the way,' said Mr Hankin, arresting Miss Rossiter as she rose to go, 'there is a new copy-writer coming in today.'
Birdy (1984)
After two friends return home from the Vietnam War one becomes mentally unstable and obsesses with becoming a bird.
At heart a moving drama about a close friendship, this movie scores with two excellent lead performances and some memorable visual moments thanks to Alan Parker's imaginative direction.
Halliwell (no star): "A case history that somewhat lacks plot advancement. Too self-indulgent even to earn marks for trying."
Maltin***1/2: ""...a surprisingly workable movie despite a weak "gag" ending. Terrific performances, with Modine a standout in a tricky, physically demanding role."