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Reviews
Before Sunset (2004)
An Amazing Film...
This is an amazing film, and I very much admire its simplistic design.
This is a movie about `the encounter' between a man and woman nine years after they first met and have fallen in love. The maturity and chemistry between the main characters are incredible. The conversations, a major component of the film, are real and spontaneous, thanks to Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan's wonderful script. The entire film focus on the two main characters (Jesse and Celine), and the camera switches between them. Most of the shots are long and close, which makes the audience feel that they are actually in the scene with them. This really tests the acting skills of the cast, who pulled off wonderfully.
Highly recommended.
Jeux d'enfants (2003)
Worth Seeing
I admire the concept of this film.
It is a story about two persons, Julien and Sophie, who have been friends sine their childhood. The two have been absorbed in their own private world, a world that centers on a game in which they dare each other to carry out pranks. As they grow up, they realize that they are meant for each other, and the dares become increasing dangerous and destructive. However, partly out of the game and partly out of the pride, they withhold their feeling for each other and cannot seem to open their heart at the same time. The game extends deeply into their adulthood, and in the end the film offers two parallel endings and a wonder that still haunts you long after walking out of the theater.
The cast for the two main characters are great; however, I think Marion Cotillard carries out as Sophie more beautifully than Guillaume Canet does as Julien.
It's a movie that is worth seeing.
Troy (2004)
An Epic, Almost...
This is an OK film.
It's shame that the director, Wolfgang Petersen, seemed to over concentrate on the big ticket items and ignored the details that could have made the film a true masterpiece. The dialogues are not period. It would probably be much better if Mr. Petersen had the actors speak in ancient Greek. The battle scenes lack the intensity of those in 'Braveheart' and 'Gladiator'. It is already an R-rated movie; I don't understand what was holding Mr. Petersen back.
In addition, although Mr. Pertersen mentioned to the press that he intended to put together a beautiful ensemble of cast, I believe that casting Orlando Bloom as Paris is a mistake. So is casting Diane Kruger as Helen. There is little chemistry between Orlando and Kruger. Bloom looks more like a valet in the movie. And, although Ms. Kruger is a very pretty person, she looks more like a fancy urban woman than the cause of the greatest war the world has ever seen. As for Brad Pitt, I found his performance lacking certain depth. In the scene where he, as Achilles, is standing outside of Troy calling Hector for a fight, he looks more like he is p***ed off than occupied with extreme anger. When he was wrapping up Hector's body for returning to Priam, king of Troy, he failed to convey a frustration stemmed from conflicting beliefs and to show that he is sadden and humbled by the ultimate devastation. I wish that his performance is as good as that in 'Legends of the Fall (1994).' However, I have to mention that the performance of Brian Cox and Peter O'Toole is generally good.
All in all, this is an OK film, but I believe it will probably soon be forgotten, despite its high budget and its cast.
Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)
A Surprisingly Good Romantic Comedy
This movie is going to do Ms. Kate Bosworth what Legally Blonde did to Reese Witherspoon. Besides Ms. Bosworth, Ms. Ginnifer Goodwin and Mr. Topher Grace's performance are also noteworthy.
Recommended for anyone who is looking for a light, feel-good yet not dizzy romantic comedy (7.8/10).
It Runs in the Family (2003)
A light-hearted family comedy (6.5/10)
It's a light-hearted family comedy. The chemistry between the casts is wunderful, especially that of Kirk and Diana Douglas. The husband-and-wife conversations in the film feel warm and real, thanks to Jesse Wigutow's good script. The Douglas family really pulled it off without making it a vanity.
Although I agree with other ratings on IMDB, I feel that this movie is underrated here.
(6.5/10)