I hope you have a nice Groundhog Day. As usual, I’m watching the movie again. Did you see your shadow today?
I’ve just watched Akira again, just after having reread the manga after a long time. And as I’ve wanted to do for a long time, I’m going to write a small review of how well each version stands to the other. (more…)
Dune
Science-Fiction. USA, 1984
Director: David Lynch
Writers: Frank Herbert (original novel), David Lynch
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Francesca Annis, Kenneth McMillan
Dune is based in the inmense novel by Frank Herbert, although it should be considered a free version due to the amount of changes from the original storyline. Nevertheless, Dune is a cult film, with impressive visuals and compelling drama. (more…)
Cleopatra
Drama. USA, 1963
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Writers: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison
The estereotype of superproductions, Cleopatra is an historical drama telling the story of the almost mythical egyptian queen, and her relationships with the rulers of Rome, Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. (more…)
Banlieu 13
Action. France, 2004
Director: Pierre Morel
Writers: Luc Besson, Bibi Naceri
Cast: Cyril Rafaelli, David Belle, Dany Verissimo
An action movie with great and realistic action scenes and fights, without stunts or wires. (more…)
Seconds
Science Fiction, Drama, Thriller. USA, 1966
Director: John Frankenheimer
Writers: David Ely (novel), Lewis John Carlino (screenplay)
Cast: Rock Hudson, Salome Jens, John Randolph
Magnificient tale of an old man reborn as a successful young man, and of the traps of second opportunities. (more…)
Crank
Action. UK / USA, 2006
Directors: Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor
Writers: Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor
Cast: Jason Statham, Amy Smart, Jose Pablo Cantillo
A frantic action movie with a very good dose of humour and comic situations. (more…)
Barbarian Queen
Action. USA / Argentina, 1985
Director: Héctor Olivera
Writers: Howard R. Cohen
Cast: Lana Clarkson, Katt Shea, Frank Zagarino
This is an awful movie. Ugh. (more…)
A Scanner Darkly
Animation, Science-Fiction, Drama, Thriller. USA, 2006
Director: Richard Linklater
Writers: Philip K. Dick (original novel), Richard Linklater (screenplay)
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson
A very interesting mixture of drama and thriller, based in Dick’s own experience with drugs, but situated in a near future. An undercover cop deals with the addiction provoked by the drug he fights against. It features an awesome and unique visual style because the movie has been rotoscoped entirely. (more…)
Just a quick note about Eight Below, a movie produced by Disney in 2006. While I don’t think the movie is that great or relevant to warrant a full review, I thought I should mention it. It has wonderful snow scenery, and a beautiful animal story with eight dogs. I think the movie could have been better with less human scenes and more dog action. If you like huskies and malamuts in Antartica, then this movie is for you.
