Movies

Sicko
Release: 26/10/2007
Length: 123 mins
Certificate: PG
Director: Michael Moore

In this latest documentary, Moore investigates the American health system and its relationship to the major insurance companies.

Whilst Moore himself adds his usual sarcasm to the situation, the stories of the people involved who have been done out of a future or in some cases their lives or those of their loved ones hold no less resonance. As with Moore's other work it can seem both one sided and pandering but someone has to make a noise lest these things be brushed under the carpet.

The film brings up plenty of questions and some answers too. The running does seem a little long with a middle section which seems to hammering home the same point over and over again. The conclusion is however thought provoking and well done.

This is a very worthy documentary which brings to light a very ugly side to humanity.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
- Captain Gonzo Johnson (28/10/2007)
 

Stardust
Release: 19/10/2007
Length: 130 mins
Certificate: PG
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, Peter O'Toole and narrated by Sir Ian McKellen

When a not so humble shop boy, takes the challenge of the girl he loves to retrieve a fallen star from the enchanted land beyond the town walls he gets more than he asked for. The star takes the form of a beautiful young woman and is persued by a evil witch and a power hungry prince, each for reasons of their own.

Lead man Charlie Cox is a likable baby faced hero and Claire Danes is great as the clever fallen star, Yvaine. DeNiro's sense of fun shows in Captain Shakespeare's hidden side. Lamia the witch shows Michelle Pfeiffer playing evil to a tee.

Translating the Neil Giaman Graphic Novel Director Matthew Vaughn has made a joy of a movie. Stardust is one of the most accessible fantasy movies since Willow or The Princess Bride. Great feelgood stuff with plenty of ins and outs, twists and turns.

An enjoyable, all round good family movie.
Score: 4 out of 5
- Captain Gonzo Johnson (19/10/2007)
 

Mr. Brooks

Release: 12/10/2007
Length: 120 mins
Certificate: 16
Director: Bruce A Evans
Starring: Kevin Costner, Dane Cook, Demi Moore, Danielle Panabaker and William Hurt
Mr. Earl Brooks is a well thought of Businessman and Philanthropist but his kind exterior hides a deadly addiction. Brooks finally succumbs after two years away from murder only to spotted in the act and blackmailed by a would be protege. With the police on his case, family trouble and the devil on his shoulder what will be his next move.

Kevin Costner is brilliant as Earl Brooks, switching between kind and thoughtful to malicious and conniving with ease. Nice to see his acting shine after his bloated vanity projects of the late 90s. William Hurt is equally brilliant as Marshall, the manifestation of Brook's murderous side. Of special note also is young actress Danielle Panabaker who plays Brook's daughter, deftly portraying hiding her own terrible secret.

Director Bruce Evans (better known as the screenwriter behind Stand by Me and Starman) does a great job here orchestrating tension and twists to surprise the viewer. This is all done with minimal yet deliberate cinematography that leads you without you noticing. The subplot of Demi Moore's Cop character has little point though and the main characters history and motivation could have been delved into more.

Mr. Brooks is a tense and twisted yarn which is bound to make a critical killing.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
- Captain Gonzo Johnson (12/10/2007)
 

Day Watch (Dnevnoy Dozor)
Release: 5/10/2007
Length: 132 mins
Language: Russian (with English Subtitles)
Certificate: 15A
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Mariya Poroshina, Viktor Verzhbitsky, Zhanna Friske, Galina Tyunina, Dmitry Martynow and Vladimir Menshov

Following the events of Night Watch, Anton must prove his innocence of murdering of a member of the Day Watch, save the soul of his estranged son and keep the powerful Chalk of Fate from slipping into the wrong hands.

Khabensky's Anton is more fleshed out and likable here and the villains are focused on a lot better here too. As with the first movie there are plenty of amazing visuals and inventive ideas to be found here including ballistic Yo-yo's, cross gender body swaps and most notably what I can only describe as Vehicular Parkour.

Some of the plot is still a little confusing and the middle section plods a little. Also the 'Deus Ex Machina' happy ending is poor and out of place. As there is nothing of its like in any of the books, it whiffs a little of America studio tampering.

Despite these issues, Day Watch is a highly inventive and enjoyable movie if only for those who liked Night Watch.
Score: 3 out of 5
- Captain Gonzo Johnson (07/10/2007)