Philippe-B
Joined Nov 2001
Welcome to the new profile
We're still working on updating some profile features. To see the badges, ratings breakdowns, and polls for this profile, please go to the previous version.
Reviews10
Philippe-B's rating
I read 30+ reviews before screening this one and I was ambivalent. I was expecting either very very good or very very bad. Turns out the AVERAGE of the reviews is the best indicator.
The movie is an action flick with sparse dialogue. The sets are excellent, CGI is superb, there are some logic holes: the plot is OK with a nice twist at the end.
What fails is basic Physics: If it's 700 degrees (on ANY scale, Farenheit, Celsius or Kelvin) you are going to cook, EVEN if you are in the shade. Second error (IMHO) flesh usually gives first NOT metal handcuffs. You'll know what I mean when the scene pops up.
Other than this type of problem, it's an interesting take on the Jihad theme. Camera work is so-so: much too jumpy during fight scenes or fast moving ones.
The actors are fine. So-called intellectuals (the ones who keep trying to tell you what's good for you while ignoring their own rules) moaning about poor acting are full of drak. No Oscars here, but hey, they do their roles.
Thandy Newton would look sexier without the Kohl look... She has nice oufits though.
Laughable anachronistic armor on the necromongers
Good SF adventure feature with 'sequel!' written in.
The movie is an action flick with sparse dialogue. The sets are excellent, CGI is superb, there are some logic holes: the plot is OK with a nice twist at the end.
What fails is basic Physics: If it's 700 degrees (on ANY scale, Farenheit, Celsius or Kelvin) you are going to cook, EVEN if you are in the shade. Second error (IMHO) flesh usually gives first NOT metal handcuffs. You'll know what I mean when the scene pops up.
Other than this type of problem, it's an interesting take on the Jihad theme. Camera work is so-so: much too jumpy during fight scenes or fast moving ones.
The actors are fine. So-called intellectuals (the ones who keep trying to tell you what's good for you while ignoring their own rules) moaning about poor acting are full of drak. No Oscars here, but hey, they do their roles.
Thandy Newton would look sexier without the Kohl look... She has nice oufits though.
Laughable anachronistic armor on the necromongers
Good SF adventure feature with 'sequel!' written in.
Could not decide what I liked best: a great cast, great editing or great writing. ALL the best english actors can be found here (excluding Kiera Knightly...British IT girl of the month - why?) including Thompson, Rickman, Firth. I was quite happy to see Laura Linney - she is wonderful in any role. 9 (or is it 10?) vignettes about love, including all the classic situations: betrayal, new love, second love, young love, you get the idea. Hugh Grant is actually ok as a PM and Billy Bob Thornton has a good cameo. A chick flick, but a good one!
Kevin Costner should stick to baseball and westerns. He shines in both. The last time I saw a western I REALLY enjoyed was Silverado in 1985 (sorry Clint) which coincidentally also starred a young Costner along with a string of unknowns like Kevin Kline,Danny Glover, Scott Glenn and the well-known,superb Brian Dennehy.
Open Range is a simple story discussing a basic tenet of American society: freedom to do what you please as long as it does not injure or harm your neighbour. Duvall is great, Annette Bening is also (and gorgeous!). The acting is understated and real. The townsfolk act like you or I would, especially when seeing heavily armed men walking into a tavern/kitchen - nervously.
The Old West seen in countless movies is mostly myth: the majority of settlers were veterans of the civil war of 1861-65 and were quite capable of handling would-be thieves/tyrants. Handguns were NO match for a good Winchester in the hands of a former soldier...
This movies reminds us of one of the few times when violence could and did occur: over access, property rights and freedom.
To be free requires vigilance AND the will do fight for it. Or as my father always said. "NEVER start a fight but if you're in one, finish it!"
Open Range is a simple story discussing a basic tenet of American society: freedom to do what you please as long as it does not injure or harm your neighbour. Duvall is great, Annette Bening is also (and gorgeous!). The acting is understated and real. The townsfolk act like you or I would, especially when seeing heavily armed men walking into a tavern/kitchen - nervously.
The Old West seen in countless movies is mostly myth: the majority of settlers were veterans of the civil war of 1861-65 and were quite capable of handling would-be thieves/tyrants. Handguns were NO match for a good Winchester in the hands of a former soldier...
This movies reminds us of one of the few times when violence could and did occur: over access, property rights and freedom.
To be free requires vigilance AND the will do fight for it. Or as my father always said. "NEVER start a fight but if you're in one, finish it!"