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CINEMATRIX - by LuckyWill

 
Cinematrix is movie goer central bringing everything from the Big Screen to your screen.

"You, Me and Dupree" Review

August 30th 2006 00:13
A romantic comedy, comedic romance or vehicle for Owen Wilson fans?
You Me and Dupree
"Cheeee-ese!"

Whilst all are partially true; this comedy film has got the right intention, is moderately entertaining but ultimately forgettable. The film surrounds newly weds Kate Hudson playing the easy-going wife to her hubby Matt Dillon in awkward form, cautiously mitigating whether to play the lead, to play a serious role or to support the other cast. And Owen Wilson of course plays the titles namesake and probably the reasons for the film – Dupree. Michael Douglas also turns in a performance as the discerning father to Hudson and the coldly aloof father-in-law to Dillon. Apart from Wilson he’s the only energetic cast member showing some of his charisma and looking to be enjoying the role.


This film feels like a series of intertextual nods to other parts of films that have worked. We have Dillon playing a young Walter Mathau of “Grumpy Old Men” and “Dennis the Menace” fame, Wilson playing invariably the roles he always stars in – the goof – and Douglas as the looser version of Robert De Niro as the distrusting father in “Meet the Parents/Fockers”. Invariably, when it works, it works, while the rest plods along without any reference to expect other than Wilson’s intermittent antics.

You, Me and Dupree
"Dupree.."
There are some funny moments however. Similar to “The Break Up” there’s moments of impending anxiety watching Wilson’s influence on Dillon to invite the guys over for a “boys night” before Hudson returns home. Or Hudson’s chagrin at the smell of Wilson’s use of the bedroom toilet which Dillon and her both sleep next to. And Douglas’ embarrassing requests of Dillon to slowly but surely whittle him down in the hope the marriage won’t work out.


But overall, the film does try. It utilizes previous winning formula’s but unfortunately doesn’t come up with any of it’s own to truly give it identifiable elements or constitute reasons to see it. Aside, Owen Wilson is a stand-out in “You, Me and Dupree”. If you like him, you’ll like this film. He’s just like your unfortunate best friend with the positive attitude you can’t help but love.

Rating: 2 starz
3/1/2 starz if you are an Owen Wilson fan.
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"The New World" DVD Review

August 23rd 2006 00:32

Wow - this film is captivating.

Centred around the human experience in an unfamiliar climate the visuals are achingly beautiful, the musical score stirring and the story drifts a quiet poignancy. Set in the founding years of the English arrival to America - loosely based on historical fact – we watch the interaction of the natives and the colonizers in a land that’s lost to the imagination of how most see America nowadays.
Previously not expecting too much I was really surprised by this (as you can probably tell from the above praise) This, I believe, is due to a handful of reasons in particular. Their names include Terrence Malick, James Horner and Q'Orianka Kilcher.

Terrence Malick is the man behind 1998’s “The Thin Red Line”, the restrained twin to “Saving Private Ryan” of the same year. While the latter was more widely acclaimed probably due to it’s claustrophobic violent war scenes, The Thin Red Line was a more personal, introspective look at the individual soldier. Traditionally, Malick sets a very similar tone to “The New World”, complete with narrative speaking the thoughts of the characters. Still looks at the vibrant lushness of the countryside and silent, indiscriminate viewings of a culture in their habitat add to the feeling of authenticity and wonder of post-colonial America. Being a sucker for representations of native Americans in film, I was instantly fascinated and the directing and screenplay just add dimensions of depth shown throughout.

Supporting this tranquility was the score by James Horner, renowned composer to epics like Braveheart, Troy and Titanic. His music is becoming so influential and popular you can almost distinguish it from others these days. Supposedly the film was made around the music and at precise intervals it will drift in and out like the tide at moments during the film to give an extra level of atmosphere both tender and bittersweet.


Newcomer Q’Orianka steals the camera’s attention at every opportunity with her portrayal of “Pocahontas”, favoured girl of her tribe and object of attraction to lead Colin Farrell playing John Smith. Her innocence, beauty and fragility are something I can only think clichés of, but is stunning nevertheless. It’s here between these two actors that the film reaches it highest point and you’re wondering next when they will encounter again. Christian Bale also turns in a performance towards the second half and Australian Ben Mendelsohn gets some lines too.

Overall, I found the story, script and score all overwhelmed the acting save Q’Orianka’s, which is no objection in itself but odd when resources like Bale and Farrell aren’t used to full potential. Other objections are the pace which may bore viewers at points. Patience is required. Otherwise, this is highly recommended that will evoke strong emotions if you give it the time, because it is definitely worth it.

(1st image from www.amazon.com)
(2nd image from www.wikipedia.org)

Rating: 4 starz


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Miami Vice Review

August 18th 2006 08:52
If you have a detachable seatbelt, maybe you should bring it with you to strap-on when seeing this movie. But, in retrospect, it will just restrain you from having all fun you know you could be lapping up. Based on the television series of the same name in the 80’s it followed the lives of two guys (actors Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas) in the police force fighting crime while sporting pink shirts and either silver or light grey suits. Perhaps laughable and possibly new-wave trendy now, but back then it was the shit.

Fast-forward to the mid-noughties under the writing and directing of Michael Mann who originally wrote an episode for the show, as well as blockbusters like “Heat” and the “The Insider”, and wrote the screenplay for “Last of the Mohicans” and “Ali”, the crew gets another shot in the arm thanks to the lead cast consisting of Irish bad boy Colin Farrell of “Phone Booth” and “Alexander” fame, as well as Jamie Foxx riding high on the notoriety of his autobiographical masterpiece “Ray”. With this entourage, you know it’s going to be explosive. And explosive it is


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