"The Eagle" or 'The Last Bling Of Scotland'

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"Do You Like Movies About Gladiators?" *

Frankly? No. "But this character's a centurion!", I hear you cry. Indeed, but either way the category of fighters and realm of such is the same...whichever way you cut it. "Have we seen enough movies involving the good ol' Romans?", I hear myself cry. Seemingly not.

Am I sounding a little sarcastic?... Pedantic? ? Apologies if so. I must say that I was a tad tired when seeing this movie, plus other things pressing on my mind...but haven't we all experienced such moments? ;) And before you read any more negative-in-tone remarks from me, I will add that I selected "Better than I expected" on a survey following the showing of "The Eagle". It's just that I feel it could have been better.

I guess that as openminded as I like to be - both in life and film-viewing - I often know what kind of film may not be my cup of tea [no different to most people there] and that tends to make me sit there with an internal smile & trying not to think of 'comical' what-if scenarios in that movie.

The opening scenes and titles are stylish enough & indeed not 'amateurish' and knowing that this new film is from the director of The Last King Of Scotland [which...I've not seen as yet but it was raved about & complimented everywhere, I believe] I was expecting such experienced, & perhaps grand filmmaking.

The movie moves into setting the scene, characters and the like. Formulaic but necessary. I was focused a little on what seemed like varying accents though - was this Scottish, English, American or Irish I was hearing - either way, it was not Roman.

The first main character is here by now, a one Marcus Flavius Aquila [*snigger* even as cosmopolitan as I feel I am]. Marcus is played by Channing Tatum - a fantasy love-child of Tatum O'Neal & Stockard Channing? - and he acts accordingly...I mean both as he should as a centurion and actor.

Next, we need an elder to teach Marcus perhaps the difference between right and wrong ... But would Marcus listen always? Or would he go against his elder's wishes? I mean, the story would have to adhere to both these suggestions wouldn't it, surely, so as to push such a protagonist forwards.

[This is a good time to mention that this film is based on a book and therefore such screenplay structure would originate from these writings.]

The elder whom I speak of is none other than Donald Sutherland. Now, I can't think of him seriously, or at least when hearing his voice, thanks to The Simpsons - the episode “Lisa The Iconoclast” where he plays Hollis Hurlbut, a devotee of Jebediah Springfield.

Anyway. Onwards. On to a miniature amphitheater - way too small for Russell Crowe and his ego - where a slave is brought out to fight with...err...a Gladiator? Of course, it's not Mr Crowe...but who is that slave...? Yes, it's little ol' Jamie Bell.

Again, although I was doing mu best to take this movie seriously and not think of humorous things, this did not stop me thinking of Jamie Bell and of course is most popular role as, yes "Billy Elliott". Thus, after centurion 'Marcus' influences the crowd in the amphitheater to not have this slave beaten or even killed, and Donald Sutherland's character turns to him and asks "Why did you save him?" I couldn't help but answer for him, with... "Because he's a bloody good dancer!" [and if that weren't enough, I had toyed with jesting how his screen-name of Esca was short for - or a nickname for - yes, you guessed it...Elliott!]

Back to seriousness. The film has rich colours and some beautiful scenery, even if looking a tad airbrushed. Apparently, Jeremy Brock (writer of the screenplay and adapted from a book by one Rosemary Sutcliff) also penned the script for Mrs Brown and The Last King Of Scotland. Now, I've seen Mrs Brown and loved it. TLKOS, though, I can not vouch for script & dialogue-wise. I would say, for this film at least there was little originality in words exchanged between characters (especially Marcus and Esca) and instead some dialogue seemed to have been taken from the much-used book called "Lines To Use If Stuck For Original Dialogue".

Lastly, I did notice in at least one of the small battle scenes the use of Ridley-Scott-style so-fast-that-you-can't-make out what's-happening editing. It's not REM but perhaps RSM (Rapid Scene Movement)...?

Of course, it could have just been my eyesight. I sometimes wish I had eyes as good as...oh what's that bird of prey called...?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

And finally...

*The quote at the start of this review, "Do you like movies about Gladiators?" is a nod to, and a line from the film "Airplane!"

+

On a serious note:

The above showing was an exclusive preview screening of "The Eagle", in aid of the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund:

www.operationalcasualtiesfund.co.uk

True Grit (2010) - An Arm for An Arm...

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A revenge western which turns out to be far from plain, out on the plains.

To me - being more of a filmworm than a bookworm - the title of True Grit resonated more with me as a known film. Perhaps this is true of others intending to see this movie. This said, I'm no giant western fan...only one or two have held my attention. And I must add that I also knew little about the original film, not having seen it...or at least not as far as I could recall.

I'm not really a fan of remakes also - Hollywood seem to make them for no real reason, and therefore little artistic reason. A film (or novel), if it is to be retold should be done in such a way that it differs immensely and/or includes much more of it's original source than it's predecessor.

The above case is why I was keen to see this Coen Brothers take on the idea, again, even though I'd not seen the 1969 version. I make exceptions for Ethan & Joel (Coen) as, and we all should know this, their directing style - and let's not forget their writing style, as without this it would be a different 'story' - gives us vibrant and fascinating characters, stylish shots & larger-than-life characters.

Of these characters - and I guess the main one, some would say - we are introduced to a young girl named Mattie. She may not have the quirks of a Coen Character to look at but when she speaks it is like a far-too-educated adult in a girl's mind & body. To look at, I was almost immediately reminding me of Dorothy from Wizard Of Oz. I hope we'll see more from the brilliant Hailee Steinfeld soon.

Next up is the unmistakeable gravelly twang of the brilliant Jeff Bridge. We don't see him but we know who it is...As I say, unmistakable.

Now, the next main character is mistakable, in my opinion. If I didn't realise that Matt Damon was featured in this movie prior to seeing it, I would have been trying to guess whom this actor was on first appearance. Note: I'm not one for big actors or the necessity for them to feature in a movie but I would definitely have a "I know that face, but who is it" moment at this point in True Grit. Damon is truly out of character here.

Enough about these few characters, we all know that the Coen Brothers have a brilliant way of turning actors into bizarre, almost-grotesquely-strange and unique characters...& the same can be said for Josh Brolin - out of character but not majorly. He appears much later in the movie, incidentally.

The story moves along smoothly and in a very linear way...more so than other films by Joel & Ethan, it is thought...and I have to agree.

Without giving away the plot - for those who don't know already - I'll just add the fact that as much as it is a drama and comedy it's also, suspenseful & brutal in places. It also, despite being all these things manages to contain a few traditional western-like scenes, landscapes & music. The latter being epic sounding and reminiscent of the wild west that we all know so well.

The movie has everything. Dry wit, desert landscapes & western characters You'll hopefully feel like you've been on the land with them...and go home with the True Grit of sand between your toes.

The KCCUK or Plain Ol' KCC . . . OK?

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(some memorabilia collected - not stolen - from the KCC)

For those who frequent or have once attended a film from the Korean Film Festival, partly held in London each year, you may already be aware of the KCC - that's the Korean Cultural Centre (UK/London branch, of course). Either way, it's a place you need to be aware of. If aware of Korea in any way or an almost novice like myself it's a venue with much to offer & good times to be had.

I say this after only a couple of visits to this centre. And...best of all, its all free!

So far I can only speak of Thursday evenings - and not every Thursday, but currently fortnightly ones...this is when they show a certain picked movie. The evening is far from just a "turn up, sit down, watch movie" one. 

In essentially what is really just the foyer and reception area things are going on from around 6pm. The usual things are a couple of Korean games and various nibbles & refreshments available to all. 

The latest visit of mine there was to include something which I was in two minds to take part in or not - this was a chance to try on various Korean costumes. 'Costumes' in the fact that they were period ones - this was to tie in very nicely with the week's film...one filled with such similar clothing. 

I had hoped that my lady-friend was going to accompany me on this particular evening...both trying on such costumes would have given me that much needed push to dress up. Needless to say, it was me...alone...but I decided to try it on for size so to speak ;) 

...But to take the word 'alone' literally would be far from the description of my standing in this venue. It was eventually heaving...at least for the foyer's size. Couples, Singletons, Koreans, English, Cosmopolitan-whoevers...! 

So, in between snack-attacking on rice cake crispy thingies (obviously not the actual Korean name...nor English for that matter) I debated and then decided on wearing such a cosi. Actually I had already made my choice but had to wait for another guy to finish wearing it. It was a lovely gown - see photo - but unfortunately for moi and my stick-thin body the square belt or band required just wanted to slip over my hips and well, to my feet given the chance. 

Anyway, a photo was taken - to which I'd have access to after the film. 

Soon, the film "Forbidden Quest" was to start. I didn't want to miss the start, of course but nor did I want to get a bad seat [Note: my previous visit with ladyfriend, to see "Portrait Of A Beauty" resulted in us STANDING throughout the entire film...not due to a lack of seats - but almost - but due to the remaining seats not being ideal for reading the subtitles]. 

A very nice - & talkative - American woman whom I spoke to prior to the film, had mentioned the seating (essentially the bench rows) being not good for someone with back problems. I was to discover this when taking my pew, but hey at least I had a seat. Let the movie commence.

It was a period film but a comedy, as I cited previously. In fact a film which didn't quite know what it was...but still good. One moment, pretty intriguing and dramatic. The next, outrageously funny. The bench I sat on was pretty bad but mainly due to not being able to lean back...or if I did it would be on someone else's lower legs ;) Don't get me wrong - and as briefly stated before - there were proper seats to sit on plus floor space.

Following many gasps of laughter & gaps of awe, where people were waiting to see how this story would infold, the movie came to a close. We all wandered out towards the reception area and as promised, not only were our previously taken photos ready for our collection, a selection of them were displayed in a lovely pattern on the wall.

I proceeded to check whether it was ok to take mine. It seemed fine to do so. In fact, I was going to leave my photo there as the photos themselves would also be uploaded to the KCC's website...as below.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kccuk/5496293803/

(see if you can spot me. . . but. . . you have been warned) 

The staff here really are very welcoming and anyone with any fears or lack of confidence would easily feel at ease. I'll continue to frequent this place, that's for sure. Next stop? Hmmm... Korea itself...? Who knows.

CONFESSIONS (Kokohaku): Oh Father, I Have NOT Sinned. . .

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Confessions (Kokohaku) - Japanese with English subtitles

It is rarely I am paralyzed so much whilst watching a movie, and I guess, therefore that it was due to happen to me sometime soon.

And that 'soon' became now - or should I say 'now' became the day I went to the ICA in London and caught this little gem of a motion picture.

I'd not read much about this movie, as always with me. Its the way I prefer. I knew, however, that this was a story regarding a teacher &/or pupils - I mean, the majority of stills used to promote the film, in reviews & showtime listings included were variations on the one where a female teacher stands ominously in front of her class...little more was needed - and I also knew it was Japanese (although perhaps from stills and posters I could have guessed that). Lastly, I'd heard it was very, very good...not least from the ICA themselves.

From the moment the picture starts three main things occur which keep you glued. 1) The teacher is almost laying some ground rules to her class. 2) The music, as haunting and rolling as it is keeps you wanting to see & know more. 3) The reactions of the class and brief, incredibly shot flashbacks ensure that you're not bored. At all.

This first scene goes on for a very, very long time and when it ends you wish maybe it hadn't - but this is in no way to say that the rest of the movie suffers, it does not. A change of scene is necessary to tell the rest of this story. And this is no easy-to-take story. Graphic. Beautifully Bloody. Eery.

I was taken in. Of course, I wasn't the only one. It kept you guessing...unless you'd read the book on which it was based - and even then I don't know how true the narrative and order of the film was compared to the book.

Just when you thought you knew what had occurred in the past - which you almost thought you'd understood from that first long scene - things changed, perhaps only slightly but enough to impact later events & intrigue you more.

This is, in my eyes, a drama or a suspense movie. Some people may try to label it as a horror or, more feasibly a thriller. Its also a love story (or stories), an teenage angst movie and I suppose a poignant look at life & its expectations.

The characters were as mysterious and dark as you could imagine...and not even once - not even at the beginning - did you think these characters would be the sweet humans they had the potential of being. This is largely down to the music and directing style and tone.

The filming is slow-mo, arty and almost music-video worthy (the good kind!) and, as stated before this is what invokes your imagination.

To cap it all, a brilliantly used Radiohead song is featured heavily...but not over-heavily.

But whether a Radiohead fan or not, if you're a 'Filmhead' you won't want to miss this one.

My confessional endeth.

West Is West - Is Not The Best...

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...But Better Than Many Of The Rest. 

A preview of West Is West came my way at the weekend...and as much as I could barely recall the happenings in it's predecessor (East Is East, of course) I remembered it as a success, commercially. In addition to this, if I hadn't been over keen on the first film I'm openminded enough to want to see this follow-up.  I took a good friend to see it. 

We awaited in the Empire cinema (Leicester Square) and in the lovely Screen 1. No trailers, but this is often the case with these advance previews and instead straight into the movie. I won't say it was on time...it wasn't, but hey so long as this didn't play havoc with my waterworks it was fine by me. The film started with familiar surroundings - of course...why wouldn't it - and this from a guy who could hardly recall the first film from a few years back. 

The acting was as good as I could remember and I guess you could say 'better' but perhaps only because I - and I'd guess ALL of the audience - were familiar with, and warmed to these characters. I must add at this point that although I often don't care if I read the plot of a story, prior to seeing a flick, I did ahead of this showing. Although this was almost to prove a point in an amicable argument I was having with a lady-friend. 

Barely had us cinema-goers got used to these familiar settings and a character or two, when suddenly we were taken to a land far, far away. I won't say where, but I'm not going to insult anyones intelligence by pretending you can't guess where... Off we were...to a new land with new characters, loveable each one of them. I, in particular got pretty emotive in just seeing these backdrops and hearing the music, and I'd guess that many others in the auditorium experienced similar feelings (you'd be hard not to unless you'd never travelled to such a land).

Anyway, my recalled memories from times in India helped me immerse more than perhaps I would have done, otherwise and definitely more than had, let's say, it had been filmed or set entirely in Salford. 

Perhaps that's why East Is East didn't gel with my filmic emotions. The story was sweet, predictable at times and one or two unpredictable moments came our way also. I never like to give away the story - no matter how easy or complex the plot - so I'll just say (again) that for being immersed in Indian culture, characters and music this film touched my senses. The Britishness shines through, as unpatriotic as I am...so I'm sure it will appeal to everyone here in the UK & maybe throughout the globe. Women - or emotive men like myself - there are also plenty of small teary moments to give you a slight lump in the throat... 

And in the case of this 'gentle-man' I had to bite on my back teeth so as not to well-up - I mean, what kind of a 'man' would I be...? I must say though that there wasn't the large queues prior to this preview (compared to other/s I'd attended on a Sunday morning) but by the time the movie started the room was pretty full. Surprised? Why? After all, the 'West [End] Is the West [End]'...

Showcase: "The Next Three Days" & "TRON: Legacy"

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Show Film First’s Online Opinion Former’s Showcase

So, the first 'mystery' movie preview at the weekend - a part of Show Film First's special opinion day - was one starring Russell Crowe & other big names...The Next Three Days.

I was unfortunate enough to miss the beginning credits - not because I was late arriving...far from it. The 2 coffees before and during had caused my bowels to crave a THIRD relief since sitting in my seat! Too Much Information? Sorry.

Not a lot can be said for missing the credits except perhaps...I don't form an opinion (good or bad) if the movie is directed by a certain person but maybe there's mention of a re-work or the words “based on the book' are stated. I did the latter with The Social Network - I wasn't looking forward to it and then saw (or it reminded me from the beginning that..) it was directed by David Fincher. More on David Fincher in a separate blog.

The Next Three Days did nothing to help itself - I mean, the name was as if it was a 'working title' which was decided to be used for the RELEASE title. I may be alone with this opinion...but I doubt it.

..Right, so I had missed a minute or so but it was already displaying marks of a film where we were to see all the events which lead the central character to be in the predicament which he or she is in. In this particular movie Mr Crowe is in his car...He's not happy, and also jaded, wounded & desperate. I could be a clown here and say that this could be a description of the film in ways - but I won't...honest.

The film 'got' started slowly but not necessarily badly, just a tad saccharin-fuelled with it's ideal family life (you know the kind).

It does make me laugh though because when a movie tries to paint such a perfect picture of a family they get it all right, until you see what the stylist has done to the child star's hair. I mean, how do they get through a school day without getting beaten up? Perhaps that's just how kids are over the pond, so I won't dwell on this. And finally, thankfully the youngster's character wasn't named Jason! How many have their been? Its the sole reason for me not turning into a real adult. Jason has been and will always be a child's name. Violins for moi? Nah

The reason I mentioned the credits is due to this. Around 30 minutes into the movie I recognized the storyline and therefore wondered if the fact that this was a reworking was mentioned in the titles. I don't believe it was anyway. Hollywood are often reluctant to display if the movie is a remake - that's not to say that they never do acknowledge such a reworking or remake. They do.

Now, it's only really in the past year or so that I've started to go & see foreign films, mainly for the following reasons: 1. Different technical techniques in both story, storytelling and the tools used to tell it. 2. It gives you access to other countries in the world & what goes on as well as visually (the landscape, cities, countryside etc). 3. Originality.

The latter - originality - stood out on this Mr Crowe vehicle. I thought "hmmm this is too original a story for Hollywood" and indeed I had not long ago seen a film "Anything For Her" (also known as Body Of Lies, I believe), a French movie. I mean, how many movies can there be based around a man having to break a woman out of prison?!

Incidentally, I believe it was through 'Show Film First' that I saw Anything For Her. Thanks guys.

More of this subject in a separate article but Apple played a heavy part in product placement in this - and many movies of late.

Without turning this review into a rant and full of negativity, I do have to note a couple of points.

Is it me but did both Mel Gibson & Russell Crowe go to the same mini-course on acting sympathetic? Next time you see them doing a downtrodden, sympathetic look and catch their 'cow-eyes' expression does it really do anything for you? Not me...it looks kinda comedic. But hey, that's just MY opinion...or is it?!

Finally, once I had processed the fact that this was a remake, and far too original an idea to evolve from Hollywood I couldn't help to 'look forward' to the corny ending and ultimately it was, in this lowly filmgoers opinion. I also kept thinking of humorous alternative scenes or one-liners. Therefore, I'll leave you with this:

[Slightly abridged escape scene]

After escaping her spouse from prison - or for a better phrase "breaking her out" - Russell is driving her away (but he has one last 'crazy' thing to do so...) she decides he's just a tad more loopy than she remembered him being and forthwith opens the door and flings her top half out the door. This forces him to spin the car around furiously. They stop, they are sitting side by side and he exclaims "you should be locked up..!"

So, the second preview 'spectacular' of the day was the much anticipated "Tron: Legacy" even though people were just referring to it as Tron, some people unsure if it was a remake or sequel. It could be looked at as either, to be honest. They've set it up nicely and the opening scene looks aptly, cleverly dated or from the time of the original.

Now, I state there are similarities but to be frank I don't remember the original. In fact, I don't know if I've seen it fully. It definitely wasn't in the cinema that I saw it. Then again, who needs to have seen it - there was enough hype, clips and trailers for the original. Let's just say the words "Bikes; Sci-Fi; Amazing/New Special Effects" and yes I'm referring still to the original 'Tron'.

I'm also not your average lad - I'm not a massive Sci-fi fan nor one who is keen on a movie which has one (pointless / meaningless) fight or chase scene after another. I use the term 'pointless' loosely but really to mean that these scenes often don't drive the story. Adding to this a tad short attention spam held by oneself.

The latter said, I was impressed with the beginning of this new version and this from someone who doesn't recall seeing the original. I guess, though that the set-up didn't require much thinking - something often applied (or 'not' applied) to most sequels. The music (Daft Funk - who cameo'd in it too, of course) was apt and did the job. The music was over the top (but that's not to say it was bad, it wasn't) and complimented the over the top 'SOUND' and visuals.

Just a tad note on the 3D...It was not worth wearing the glasses for the amount of 3D there supposedly was, or maybe I wear them incorrectly!!? I never seem to get the feel that is expected from them.

Nonetheless I can see why this film will be enjoyed by many.

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Overall, a lovely day out. Such film events always involve chance chats with like-minded individuals. Sometimes they don't, but more often than not I find that those whom are there are happy to converse, albeit it briefly - if only never to see one another again.

Lastly, the various half-hour or so segments of forthcoming trailers were enjoyable as were the talks. Especially the one on piracy in the movie arena. Nick Moran's comments were spot on most of the time if a tad blind-sighted to the real world of the public & movie viewing experiences. Plus a quote from a panel-member stating that the average price of a cinema visit being around £6...!? Even if you assume that this relates to Northern counties that hardly an average. In London it's (expectedly) high but also, from my experience so is it down in Tunbridge Wells and Peterborough to name but two places.

The chat on an online community re: film and reviewing was very light and interesting - it's funny how the more local (London) things I attend movie-wise the more recognisable names and online groups etc become. E.g. Ultra Culture - I'd heard of them and seen the young lad previously when seeing the incredible Korean movie, "Mother".

Catherine of Film Four and it's website came across knowledgable in the field - and I guess that's why she's in the vocation she's in ;)

I will say, on a final note that if all these trailers and 2 films of the day were anything to go by - and they definitely are (!) - Hollywood has little to offer currently, except remakes, sequels and the same old rom-coms re-treaded. Seriously, Tron (sequel/remake), The Next Three Days (remake) and think back to all the trailers you saw - for those whom were there. But...

That's Entertainment.

Girls Worlds - "Somewhere" AND "Morning Glory"

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Girls Worlds

 

In the last few days the two movies I've seen are "Somewhere" & "Morning Glory". Both revolving essentially around male leads but distinctly female encompassing. By the latter I mean that although the male may take centre stage the films work through the female characters. Very clever. And not least, I must add (although I doubt I need to) that Somewhere is directed by the pure woman that is Sofia Coppola.

 

Somewhere - I heard people say that this was a slow film or "'starts off slow" they yelled etc but this was surely intended to be so. I mean, the central character seems to be numb with his existence and trappings of fame, as much as he could acquire so much more happiness, you'd think .... or at least Sofia would have us believe.

 

'Poledancers' is all I'll say for what you could think as a long drawn out scene but purely intentional, and so is the outcome of the scene - this man could 'have' anyone (yes, I men 'have' in every way) but does he do the deed? Well, I really can't say. It ultimately doesn't matter...his looks say it all. But there is no denying this man is a player at heart, or definitely is because it comes with the territory. Of course, most men, at some time or another ponder on living life as a player, I'm sure. I am one after all - a man, not a player.

 

Without giving away too much...Enter his daughter, a sweet, seemingly grounded girl despite her elders and their trappings. You could say that you already know where this is headed but you'll tell yourself that you don't care anyway. Let's see what Sofia has in store for us.

 

I will say that from the poster, trailer and general thoughts on this film it didn't ultimately lead to what I thought it would be - and this can only be a good thing. Meaning, you expect man-meets-woman and the whole 'love grows' situation & climax. The 'love grows' stigma may exist in this movie but perhaps not in the way you'd think.

 

Yes, it's a slow movie and indulges in Hollywood. It doesn't use Hollywood glamour to breathe an expensive film but instead shows us the trimmings or tripping-ups which go with tinsel-town. People who are shocked of its slowness in places surely have not taken Lost In Translation to heart and admired Ms Coppola's film-making.

 

Finally, one thing Sofia (may I call her that? Yes, I may;) does brilliantly is audio...both musically and the crackly sound, which I like to call atmospheric. It's not clean-cut and crisp but authentic. And like our also non-clean-cut central male, you're left jaded but comfortably so.

 

Enjoy this film with a vino to feel the real jaded experience.

 

OK, on to Morning Glory - a film I saw on a Evening, Cold - it is better than I anticipated. I feared from the poster and I guess from the trailer too a shout back to films of yesteryear, such as Working Girl.

 

Sure, this had glimpses of cringe-worthy scenes a la Bridget Jones but Edge Of Reason it was not. Thankfully it wasn't penned by Richard Curtis either - in my opinion, you're definitely in cringe-territory then! Although the makers do have a connection to the Notting Hill film.

 

The writing on this piece was brilliant - slapstick, wit & putdowns galore but in an almost intelligent way.

 

Rachel McAdams is the main girl but some may say - and rightly so - that Ms Keaton is. One thing's for sure, Harrison Ford is the lead male or should that be 'lead anchor'. He comes across as genuinely someone you want to punch, more Grouchy than the Grinch at a Garage-sale full of Grey-haired elves...Apologies, I almost ended up in the Richard Curtis writing circle there. But...Mr Ford lets this grumpy persona down a little and just when you need it.

 

I did cringe, especially when I thought the romantic scenes - of which there are not many - would turn into the predicted mush that they can become. I also tried to contain my smirks, especially when the rest of the auditorium were laughing - but, you know? ...There are some real uncontrived laugh-out-loud moments in this gem.

 

I don't want to give away the plot - and it's truly not written by rocket-scientists - but its definitely errr what's the word... Satisfying. Even some of the shots and special camera effects are good & the music is well used.

Lastly, Mr Goldblum doesn't have much to say - you may give a sigh of relief - but the little he does is rather amusing, as is most of the cast's dialogue. So, just like the unexpected but belly-aching quips which come from the screen it will leave you happy to watch it for just a few moments more and then more...and well, you get it.

...And when you tell your friends at work, when they ask the following day how it was you'll definitely be flashing a Morning Glory smile across your face.

Adios