An odd dog which can't decide to be either dramatic or comedic at certain points, especially the cannabis scenes that felt phoned in. Obviously to cash into the Superbad angle the trailers an executive had in mind. The bookmarking chapter-headings damaged some flow, but heavily reminds the viewer of its Rolling Stone origins. The only female role is disgustingly bland but other supporting roles - Bradley Cooper, Kevin Pollak and Gabriel Spahiu - made up for that shortcoming. Jonah Hill proves he can play sociopaths as much as dorks, displaying his Moneyball dramatic ability. Miles Teller is so-so, but his character is so written blandly as an audience surrogate that he can be forgiven. It also glosses over details of the 'Arms & the Dudes' source material, probably because a Hollywood executive didn't want to accidentally create a How-To guide (nothing new - Fight Club's Hollywood adaptation omitted elements of its home-made Napalm recipe). Honestly this is not Lord of War, but this is no amateur hour. The film-making itself is solid enough to keep interest in a by-the- numbers script, making it better than it really should've been.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Exodus: Gods and Kings
(2014)
Keeping It Simple
14 May 2015
This film is good. There, I've said it. It's not the best biblical film, but it's certainly not the worst. It tries to give a 'realistic' take on the bible story of Exodus and at times it really really works. The cinematography is great, the acting - while at times only passable - is sound and the narrative is good. The idea of the Parting of the Red Sea as a tsunami is my personal favourite idea, as the idea that Ramses is simply evil or only envious of Moses.
Some find it controversial that Moses uses sabotage tactics akin to modern guerrilla groups, and that the plagues affected everyone both Egyptian and Jewish. They don't bother me as a Christian, but I can understand why some might. The overuse of white actors does bother me a little, but it's simply Hollywood politics. Charlton Heston was as white as they came, but nobody complained about him or the fact he visually clashed with the 'ethnic' Yul Brynner.
Overall, a decent bible movie that tries something fresh. Not everyone will like it, but it's certainly different. It's no Prince of Egypt, but it's absolutely not the Innocence of Muslims. It is a good Ridley Scott movie, akin to his Robin Hood interpretation.
Some find it controversial that Moses uses sabotage tactics akin to modern guerrilla groups, and that the plagues affected everyone both Egyptian and Jewish. They don't bother me as a Christian, but I can understand why some might. The overuse of white actors does bother me a little, but it's simply Hollywood politics. Charlton Heston was as white as they came, but nobody complained about him or the fact he visually clashed with the 'ethnic' Yul Brynner.
Overall, a decent bible movie that tries something fresh. Not everyone will like it, but it's certainly different. It's no Prince of Egypt, but it's absolutely not the Innocence of Muslims. It is a good Ridley Scott movie, akin to his Robin Hood interpretation.
MI-5
(2015)
Something Old, Something New
14 May 2015
For the uninitiated, 'Spooks' (or MI5 as the Yanks say) was a British television show centered around MI5 spies (nicknamed Spooks and essentially the British NSA). Be under no illusions: this doesn't have blind patriotism, missing super-weapons or a suave chiseled hero. And while Kit Harington is the handsome lead star, the actual star is none other than long-time veteran Peter Firth.
Ah Peter Firth. Never has a older man with wrinkles and a receding hairline been so bad-ass. Firth is the blend of George Smiley and Jack Bauer, a very British and Un-Hollywood-y figure. And that's the key to The Greater Good's success: it feels fresh and oh so British that it may confuse the Yank audience expecting car chases and epic showdowns. Even the Arabic villain is sympathetic, never cartoonish or monologuing, and similar in part to Anwar al- Awlaki. Even a slightly simple Kit Harington fits perfectly in the thrilling spy jigsaw, being a disgraced case officer slightly too soft for such a cold world.
And yes, case officer. Not secret agent, as one is completely disposable and the other uses such people to achieve, yes, the Greater Good. Bond would not last in this world, and Bauer would make melodrama of decisions. Pierce would be break it down to cruel ugly arithmetic, one dies while two lives. As modern spy-craft goes, this is the most realistic to hit the big screen yet.
If you haven't seen the television series, this is a solid British spy movie with a thrilling storyline. If you have, some sweet Easter eggs will leave you smiling with secret glee. This feels like not a television movie but a gritty British film worthy of recognition. The actors, directing, setting compliment each other perfectly. It feels like going to a fancy restaurant and eating the greatest dish of Bangers and Mash. Simply thrilling and unafraid to let the audience think, this is a solid movie experience.
This is destined to have a sequel. If not, it at least is a beautiful little gem in a pile of stones.
Ah Peter Firth. Never has a older man with wrinkles and a receding hairline been so bad-ass. Firth is the blend of George Smiley and Jack Bauer, a very British and Un-Hollywood-y figure. And that's the key to The Greater Good's success: it feels fresh and oh so British that it may confuse the Yank audience expecting car chases and epic showdowns. Even the Arabic villain is sympathetic, never cartoonish or monologuing, and similar in part to Anwar al- Awlaki. Even a slightly simple Kit Harington fits perfectly in the thrilling spy jigsaw, being a disgraced case officer slightly too soft for such a cold world.
And yes, case officer. Not secret agent, as one is completely disposable and the other uses such people to achieve, yes, the Greater Good. Bond would not last in this world, and Bauer would make melodrama of decisions. Pierce would be break it down to cruel ugly arithmetic, one dies while two lives. As modern spy-craft goes, this is the most realistic to hit the big screen yet.
If you haven't seen the television series, this is a solid British spy movie with a thrilling storyline. If you have, some sweet Easter eggs will leave you smiling with secret glee. This feels like not a television movie but a gritty British film worthy of recognition. The actors, directing, setting compliment each other perfectly. It feels like going to a fancy restaurant and eating the greatest dish of Bangers and Mash. Simply thrilling and unafraid to let the audience think, this is a solid movie experience.
This is destined to have a sequel. If not, it at least is a beautiful little gem in a pile of stones.
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