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Reviews
Goal! (2005)
It's football, not soccer!
"Goal!" is in it's essence the story of a talented football player from a simple background who overcomes the odds to rise like a shooting star at a big-time football club. In reality, thousands of football players have done this, with the difference being that they had to overcome worse things than a disapproving father and asthma.
All in all, the plot and story is.. well, likable but that's about it. Kuno Becker does have skills, and his acting is not that bad. But the parts I enjoyed the most those with the character of "Devin Harris". But overall, it felt like a 1 1/2 hour long commercial for the brands involved.
But to be fair, "Goal!" has a decent cast, a endearing story and some great football skills to match. Sadly, it doesn't live up to the hype, which football movies seldom have in advance.
The major problem with this movie is perhaps not even self-induced. Football, unlike Basketball and American Football, cannot be portrayed on screen. The magic of football cannot be captured, it has to be experienced.
Casino Royale (2006)
The name's Bond... James Bond.
"Casino Royale" is hands down the best movie I've seen this year. It might even be the best Bond film to date.
From the opening sequence to the last line, everything works. Best of all, unlike other Bond movies, it makes you want to see more. I liked Bond movies mainly because of entertainment purposes, but "Casino Royale" gives you more, it attaches you emotionally to it's characters.
I admit, when I first heard Daniel Craig was going to play James Bond, I was surprised and utterly disappointed. Although, I never liked any other Bond than Sean Connery. Well, first impressions definitely don't last.
After seeing "Casino Royale", Daniel Craig is arguably the best Bond ever. His fierceness and rugged looks only add to James Bond's coolness. The transition Bond goes through in this movie is pitch perfectly captured by Craig's performance.
The torture scene was incredible. I went from cringing with agony, to tears of pain, fists of rage and even outbursts of laughter, and that in less than 10 minutes.
And the there's Eva Green's Vesper Lynd. Not stunningly beautiful, but still endearing. Green and Craig had amazing chemistry. Their relationship was absolutely authentic and romantic. Their lines together made you want to believe it's real.
For once, Bond seems believable, brutal and yet still suave. If they maintain this tone in the upcoming Bond movies, the franchise will live a lot longer.
Raising Helen (2004)
Good mix between romance and family values
Kate Hudson is just adorable. This movie enhances her status as an enjoyable and funny leading lady. Let's hope she doesn't dwell on this type of movie though.
The kids are cute as well, except for the boy. He just really annoys the hell out of me. They should cast him as a little psychopath in his next movie, then he'd be cool again.
Joan Cusack delivered yet another great performance. The character just really suits her, bitter and sad, but ultimately right and still caring.
What I really liked about the movie though was not the portrayal of the priest by John Corbett, but the incorporation of this type character into a romantic comedy. Nowadays, religion is such a big deal. But in the movie, the "holy" angle of being a priest is neither explored nor exploited, giving way for the viewer to just enjoy the romance unfolding.
"Raising Helen" is an ideal movie for a "date", family evening and even Sunday school movie afternoon.
Hellboy (2004)
Hellboy? Hell yeah!
First off, Ron Perlman is Hellboy. It's like he was born for this role. Heck, if Hellboy were real, he'd look like Ron! Notable performances by John Hurt, and the characters of Abe Sapien and Rasputin, also contribute to the pleasure of watching this flick. Biggest disappointment? Selma Blair. I thought this would be her chance to show that she can play a character with depth, but she blew it. Whenever she's in a scene, it gets boring. Especially her scenes with Myers.
The action sequences are great, and the script is superb. I mean, there was never a feel of cheese in the lines, which usually happens in comic books movies. Another cool factor is Rasputin's assassin, the Nazi freak. I just wish they would have explored his character more, given him a little more background in form of flashbacks. But it wouldn't have been too significant anyway.
"Hellboy" makes you wanna see more. Luckily for us fans, the sequel will be out by next year. I give "Hellboy" a hell yeah!
Cliffhanger (1993)
An action-flick to pass time
I'm not a fan of Sylvester Stallone's movies, but "Cliffhanger" is definitely one of his better works. Yes, his acting never has been impressive and he has no chemistry with the other actors whatsoever, especially the leading lady. The villain's plot is, if you really look at it, just too ambitious.
Speaking of the villains, the group is plainly filled with cliché characters. There's the black dude, the corrupt cop, the mastermind and his woman, and for some reason, a Brit. Doesn't exactly scream harmony, does it? And personally, John Glithgow as villain is laughable, especially if you've seen Orange County lately.
Nonetheless, "Cliffhanger" is quite enjoyable, particularly the scenery and the climbing sequences. You'll get acrophobia from the get-go. Anyway, if you don't mind Stallone's acting and cheesy lines, watch "Cliffhanger" if you have nothing better to do.