pflynt

New Suit (2002) – Dir: François Velle (The Narrows, Kings for a Day)

I recognise three things, that I personally enjoy this film. And the second is that it’s pure rubbish. Third, I appreciate the topic. With a very cool concept and the topic of a creative struggle through filmmaking politics. The soundtrack is gorgeous, supporting a vast array of silly characters. The story is kind of sweet,Continue reading “New Suit (2002) – Dir: François Velle (The Narrows, Kings for a Day)”

The Core (2003) – Dir: Jon Amiel (Copycat, Entrapment)

I love this movie, but I have a fetish for disaster/end of the world movies. It’s actually a pretty terrible film. The film has a cool first half and it’s a movie about the end of the world which is a fear that I fixate on – the reason I like this type of movie.Continue reading “The Core (2003) – Dir: Jon Amiel (Copycat, Entrapment)”

Oldboy (2013: USA, remake) – Dir: Spike Lee (Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing)

It’s pretty much a case of either/or, having watched this version – I see it now. And if you can’t handle subtitles then you might watch this version. I think Spike Lee has respected the source material. I agree with every one of his translation choices except for the ending. I’ll try not to spoilContinue reading “Oldboy (2013: USA, remake) – Dir: Spike Lee (Jungle Fever, Do the Right Thing)”

Oldboy (2003: South Korea) – Dir: Chan-wook Park (Thirst, Stoker)

Oldboy is one of my favourite films of all time. This is a beautiful film, not simply violent, although it is. This is the far superior film to Spike Lee’s remake – however, if you can’t handle subtitles, the remake is quite watchable. The original seems to have everything. It is intellectually interesting. Poetic cinematography,Continue reading “Oldboy (2003: South Korea) – Dir: Chan-wook Park (Thirst, Stoker)”

Redbelt (2008) – Dir: David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Untouchables)

A wonderfully original con movie about traditional martial arts. Not Mamet’s best script, but still quite excellent. The viewer is a naïve child, totally unexpecting the hit from tragic event after event, to build the spiral downward. Totally unaware that this negative thrust is designed. A warrior, purist sensei, Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor – 12Continue reading “Redbelt (2008) – Dir: David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Untouchables)”

Summer of Sam (1999) – Dir: Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever)

This is a story of innocence and betrayal, a lovely little story by Spike Lee. Very nearly Shakespearean. It’s the Summer of a famous American serial killer, Son of Sam. The real Adrian Brody – a fresh, engaging character. Before they turned him into a pretentious, arrogant, passionless leading man. Disco is disgusting, however asContinue reading “Summer of Sam (1999) – Dir: Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever)”

Crumb (1994) – Dir: Terry Zwigoff (Ghost World, Art School Confidential)

Robert Crumb is a fascinating genius. A weird, dorky and lanky man. This story develops gradually with tension and atmosphere – the topic of comic books, cartoons. Crumb is funny and engaging, his work is amazing. If this film is your introduction to Robert Crumb, you could do worse. Crumb is a hero to sexualContinue reading “Crumb (1994) – Dir: Terry Zwigoff (Ghost World, Art School Confidential)”

Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999) – Dir: Martyn Burke (Animal Farm)

Bill Gates, played by Anthony Michael Hall (the nerd from The Breakfast Club,) is an inspired choice and a near perfect performance. Steve Jobs is also beautifully cast. Jobs is intense and totally unaware and uncaring of his over the top energy. Steve Wozniak (Joey Slotnick) is likeable and a voice of reason in aContinue reading “Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999) – Dir: Martyn Burke (Animal Farm)”

Twilight (2008) – Dir: Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown, Thirteen)

For ranking these movies so highly, a few people may hate me, lose respect for me, or call me an idiot. I don’t care. In the interest of fairness and consistency, I will rank as I see fit. These movies are trash, I accept that, but something I knew when I first saw Twilight, it’sContinue reading “Twilight (2008) – Dir: Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown, Thirteen)”

American Splendor (2003) – Dir: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (The Nanny Diaries)

Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti) is a loser, the downtrodden, but there is nothing lovable about him. He’s interested in a different kind of comic book – more realistic, more neurotic, autobiographical, miserable. His work is unique and he is unique, but most people can’t see on the surface what is so special about him. It’sContinue reading “American Splendor (2003) – Dir: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (The Nanny Diaries)”