Short Movie Reviews

"This Is England" - 2006

An excellent film with excellent acting, but terribly depressing - 10/10

"Mr. Brooks" - 2007

Undoubtedly the best film Mr. Costner has stared in - 8/10

"The Good Night" - Film

Spectacular and Un-fucking-believably awesome

Those are the words that come to my mind when describing my thoughts about this movie. Recently had a chance to watch this film, originally created for the Sundance Film Festival, and come away as a new person. Perhaps that a bit melodramatic, but honestly, this is one of those films that reflected not only my life, but also many of my thoughts about life. And that happens, well, hardly ever. The last film to make such an impact on me was "The Constant Gardener".

"The Good Night" is just a spectacular film; a real piece of artwork; a masterpiece if you will.

Writing a decent review for such a film is especially hard as I feel compelled to give the whole story away and tell you what each and every scene meant to me.

Nevertheless, below is my attempt at giving you at balanced (and un-revealing) review.

The story starts off with Gary (played by the fabulous Martin Freeman) who was once a member of an English rock-band - which broke up long ago - and is currently directing music for television adverts with his best friend (and band mate), Paul (played by "Shawn of the Dead's" Simon Pegg). Experiencing what he believes to be a mid-life crisis, a lifeless and dead-end job and a personal relationship - with Dora (played by Gweneth Paltrow) - slowly crumbling apart, Gary looks towards to his dreams as the perfect escape. In his spectacular dreams, he's one who has everything - happiness, health and a girlfriend (played by Penelope Cruz) who cares as much about him as he does about her. Wanting to further experience his dreams and detachment from reality, Gary soon goes to see Mel (played by Danny Devito) to learn how to control his dreams.

Frankly, I cannot tell you anymore with the fear of ruining the story. One thing that I can tell you is that it's no fairy tale, particularly the ending. It's not happy, quite shocking and ironic. There is one particular scene which is just amazing and that's the one where Devito's character states the man who can find --BLANK-- sleep will forever be the happiest man in the world. It's a quote which by the time the movie ends, is spine-chilling and ultimately, upsetting.

Also worth mentioning is that aside from the well crafted, well directed and well-written story thanks to Jake Paltrow (Gweneth's brother) - the acting in this movie is on another level. Firstly, this is the first movie where I actually liked Danny Devito and that's saying something considering the guy usually bothers me like a wasp, but in this movie they could not have chosen anyone better. Mrs. Paltrow continues to show her versatility and talent at playing any part she's hired for; Simon Pegg continues to portray his cynical and hot-shot attitude he's most famous for and Penelope Cruz plays her part as one would expect (fabulously).

The acting performance from all of these actors is just fantastic, but you know what? None of them can touch Martin Freeman, he's an absolute master and surely one of the best actors anywhere. I first saw Martin Freeman as "Tim" in the original version of "The Office" and thought he was just spectacular, and then I saw him in "Breaking and Entering" and thought he was even more impressive. And now, after watching his spectacular (I've used that world a whole lot, haven't I?) performance in this movie, I'm even more convinced he's one of the best actors to ever grace the silver screen. Come to think of it, I'd say that he's currently my favourite actor.

His acting abilities are uncanny; his presence undeniable. He's born natural.

To this end, should you enjoy off beat films, you oughta see this one!

Verdict: Excellent off-beat film, with superb acting and an important message
10/10

"V For Vendetta"

I just saw "V For Vendetta" last Friday and I have one word to describe my feelings for it: awesome (and brilliant and amazing).

My first watch of this film has already secured it a spot on my favourite movie list and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie - in fact I didn't have a clue what It was about. Not a clue. The only thing I knew was that Natalie Portman was in it.

Anyhow, I decided to watch it and it turned out be exactly my type of movie. I've got admit to having a soft spot for movie subjects which display narcissism and anarachy. The whole message of a goverment feeding the public lies to enpower a new regime and essentially "feeding them fear" is a topic which is very relevant. We all have our different views, but this is what I believe a current admistration is doing. Actually I think they've been doing it for years, but anyhow...I was throughly impressed on how this story was put together and it's symbolic meaning.

Unlike most of today's movies, this falls short of being one-sided, meaningless, money making trash.


But what is such a movie? Well the categories I saw it put under where "action and "drama". The fact that the "anarchist" wears a Shakesphere mask certainly adds to the drama effect, but it's more than that. The way in which the lines are spoken and written and the way the story plays out begs "threatre play".

The acting of this this movie is also very, very good (if not brilliant). I hadn't seen Natalie Portman in many other movies, but wow! Her acting was just superb (as with the rest of the cast). The fact that Ms. Portman is not of British decent, but displays a perfect accent is unbelievable.

Excellent script, scenes, acting, actors, story, music score, etc. It's a clear ten out of ten in my eyes.

"Mad Mad World" Review

It's not often that I end up reviewing an album which was released fifteen years ago, but I feel compelled to write a review expressing my affection for Tom Cochrane's 1991 album: "Mad Mad World".

This was and still is one of Tom Cochrane's most influential albums. It remains in the Canadian music history book not only for it's super song composition (both musically and lyrically) but because it was the album in which Cochrane broke away from "Red Rider".

By the time the late 80's arrived "Tom Cochrane and Red Rider" were already known as a staple among Canadian rock music. The group originally formed in Toronto had already been given numerous Juno awards and had even garnished a few successful radio hits (hits such as "Lunatic Fringe" and "Boy Inside The Man"). Actually, the self titled album (which arrived in '86), "Tom Cochrane & Red Rider" (thier 6th album I believe) proved as they're most popular and well known album to date.

However, in '88 the group had readily released yet another album and this time they surprised themselves once again. The album titled "Victory Day", was easily their biggest album to date and even managed to make it onto the Billboard Top 100 (although at a peaky 64th). This powerful and exciting album had such hits as "Victory Day", "Big League" and the politically charged "Calling America". All in all "Victory Day" was an amazing album - which makes it all even more surprising when you find out '88 is the year which Tom Cochrane & Red Rider disbanded.

Although when the band seperated it wasn't under extreme rocky circumstances (unlike some), but apparently more at a casual disagreement at where the band's muscial direction should go. For "Mad Mad World", Cochrane had the concept of creating a more gritty, more realistic feeling album dealing with the journey of life.

As a result, "Tom Cochrane and Red Rider" split up and thank God they did. Don't get me wrong, I love "Red Rider", but this solo album is something which could not have been done with them.

Now having seperated from "Red Rider", Tom was faced with the tough task of assembling a new band. Thankfully "Red Riders" bass guitar player (Spider Sinneave) stayed to offer his talents to Tom. Other than that, he leaned upon many new names, but still managed to garnish the help familar faces. Such as his wife, Kathy Cochrane (for backing vocals) and lastly fellow Canadian rocker Kim Mitchell (lead guitar on "Brave & Crazy").

The stage was set, but the end result was uncertain. For starters, Cochrane had to have a song which would serve it's purpose as radio friendly (IE. A single). What was born was one of Canada's most well known rock hits, "Life is A Highway".

Tidbit - It was originally written with the lyrics "Love is a highway".

This fantastic song proved to be Tom's biggest hit he had ever written and composed. This song hit unknown success for Cochrane when it it hit 6th place on the Billboard Singles Top 100 chart.

"Life Is A Highway"




The video by the way, was shot in Drumheller Alberta =)

Mind you, as fantastic and catchy "Life is A Highway" was, it was far from the best song on the album. Meanwhile Cochrane's other "single" release, "No Regrets" was received highly well earning 28th place on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart. "Sinking Like A Sunset" also quickly became a radio friendly hit and a fan favourite.

"No Regrets"



Mind you, the further you dug into "Mad Mad World" the more delicious and addictive it became. While with "Red Rider" Cochrane had long given up the use of synthesizers and whatnot, MMW sported an aggression and tension which no previous album he had worked on featured. Previous "Red Rider" albums could had been labeled "rock", but MMW intelligently combined "rock", "folk" and "light rock" all into one amazing package. Tracks such as "Washed Away" and "Bigger Man" had both been crafted with the idea of an addictive chorus and aimed on the goal of being labeled with a "contemporary/Alternative rock" badge.

On other hand, songs such as the title song ("Mad Mad World"), "Get Back Up" and "Brave & Crazy" were far from contemporary rock - more hard rock, but without being "head banging". I imagine the influence for these three particular songs came from the "grunge" scene which as we know arrived in the '90's. Especially "Get Back Up" which focused on a person overdosing from drug use. With it's intelligent use of acoustic and electric guitars as well as powerful drums it's easily my favourite on this album. I'm surprised it hadn't occurred to me earlier, but MMW reminds me of Rush's "Snakes & Arrows" in more than a few ways.

"Brave & Crazy" as well as "Mad Mad World" focused on the world's problems. Topics including hypocrites, the faltering job market among many other such relevant topics.

Less heavy songs such as "The Secret is To Know When To Stop" and "Everything Comes Around" followed the tradition of contemporary/alternative rock and gave us the Tom Cochrane we all knew and loved.

All in all this album featured songs which were not only more accessible than previous works, but with better song composition. I'd go as far as saying it's not only the best album of 1991, but which Tom Cochrane has ever produced. It's encompasses all which I expect in this great Canadian musician and song writer.

On a side note of '90's Canadian rock albums: Rush also released an album in 1991 ("Roll The Bones"). God knows I'm a huge Rush fan, but you know what? "Mad Mad World" kicks "Roll The Bones" in the ass (in all ways). And even when compared to Rush's '93 release ("Counterparts") "Mad Mad World" stills remains strong.

It's as good as "it" gets - 10/10

Tidbit: Alex Lifeson (Rush guitarist) played the role of an guest guitarist on Cochrane's 1995 album, "Ragged Ass Road"