Reviews

Having just watched the DVD release of this summer blockbuster, I have little to report in regards to Batman Begins, other than these few words: exceedingly disappointing. After an enthralling and intelligent 40 minute preamble, the story slides into a cookie-cutter WAL-MART stocking-stuffer. What a shame - great cast, interesting setup, beautiful sets, intelligent director - but lousy bloody script! What a shame Hollywood shows only an interest in producing lunch-pail products. The film ends in one's mind before you switch off your television; you know he gets the girl, saves the city and punishes the bad guys . . . and yet, this film is so obvious and predictable, I had to watch it to the end, just to ensure it WAS predictable. Ah well, I've lost all my faith in comic-book to film adaptations. At least Sin City pushed the limits (of good and bad taste). All Batman Begins pushes are a suggested sequel, a Mac Ronald's promo and some Chinese action figures.

This seminal film by Stuart Gordon reeks pure 80's. Following the success of the far superior Re-Animator, Gordon experiments with one of the works of his favourite literary sources: HP Lovecraft. The film tackles the popular sci-fiction theme of the sixth dimension -- and considering the small-budget limitations placed upon the director, it is a reasonable treatment of the multi-dimension theme. The resonator depicted in the film demonstrates strong Lovecraftian imagery . . . not easy to achieve. What strengthens the film are the grotesque F/X and Jeffery Combs/Barbara Crampton: both of these elements are excellent (for the genre and budget). Some of the F/X are really stomach churning -- try eating jello or fried liver and Chianti when watching the film . . . If your are a HPL, Gordon, Combs or Crampton fan, this film is an essential viewing for you.