Peter's Reviews
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a plot so thin ... 'acting' so bad ... i'd give it zero, but it won't let me. women will love it.
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
3 1/2 stars ... a gently funny (if dated), slapstick(ish) comedy. Having visited Southern Africa - the getting the landrover getting through the gate makes me laugh (each time I have seen it). Unhappily it's getting harder and harder to believe there are people in the world, as untouched as the bushmen, by commercialism.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
An unpolished diamond. There are many areas where this tight budget film could have fallen ... however with stunning performances by the cast and geography, this one is a winner.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
Gary Oldman and Jean Reno have a ball in this wild ride, directed by Luc Besson who manages to pack more energy per sq. cm than would seem possible. (Bizarrely while on a flight a fortnight after seeing this, I watched an Indian scene-for-scene remake)
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
3 and 1/2 stars. taps into more modern themes, with the troubled 'enclave' invaded by outsiders, the cast is a fine one and the direction tight, but i thought the script (if it used one 8-) ) could have been much better.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
You can't see the first without the second, they are different but both part of the whole.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is a very well crafted movie with enough subtle nods at other 'classic' films to keep the real buffs entertained for days!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Beautifully played and photographed, displaying a fondness for the characters that shines far beyond the harshness of life and conditions.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is one film which takes work to watch, but is definitely worth the effort. It certainly isn't for everyone - the set and story alone will make it inaccessible to all but the true devotee. However the powerful ending and the message it leaves the viewer is simply stunning.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
not one of the best marx brothers films ... it was later in the list, but certainly enjoyable (esp. if you're a fan).
(Maybe) - review by Peter
and a half. a thoroughly charming story, well acted and photographed.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
and a half. I thought this was an excellently paced film - the beginning slow, light but menacing and gradually landing some excellent male ego blows. The area where I thought this film didn't do so well was the ending (trying not to give anything away).
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Eminently watchable spy after the cold film the third in the Harry Palmer 'series' (The Ipcress File and Funeral in Berlin) ... unfortunately very dated by the supercomputer from the title. However Karl Malden and Michael Caine do an excellent job with their roles.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
and a half. The pacing, story and all were very well done! The ending tried too hard for me ... but never-the-less it's a very good film.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is a fantastic (and frustrating and consfusing) film. Great acting and the reality to dream blurring was well done.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Jean Reno and Gerard Depardieu are both excellent in this well put together - and laugh out loud funny - production.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A poignant story of a real coming of age in Arnhem land. This isn't a happy film, but it has moments of joy and whilst not a sad film, it has moments of tragedy. This is the real Australian story.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Graphic violence aside, this is an excellent film. Exploring a number of cultural themes, it does seemingly take a left turn, previously hinted at (by other reviewers) and the conclusion IS as dramatic and disturbing as it is violent.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Unfortunately this film - for me at least - was a little predictable, except for the ending i.e. SPOILER - from the boston airport on, which i thought was a cop out, but good never-the-less in a suspend your disbelief kind of way.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
and a half. A couple of people complained about the length of this film (there are a few that weigh in at 3 hours) ... I didn't find sitting through only 2 1/2 hours here was a problem and the story held my interest well. The battle scenes and those filmed in the palaces were really very good.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
This is a harrowing tale, in a war torn area where people disappear every day. A young life is sacrificed at the altar to religious ideals, in a time of conflic and privation. It was impossible not to be moved by this young girl's struggle to survive, and the scars as they are created.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Dated, but never-the-less excellent action flick from Jackie Chan. The stunts are really ground breaking, the shopping centre stunts - esp. the leap from the top storey via a pole - are really well done!
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A compelling performance by David Wenham. This is a hard movie to watch, but provides a thoroughly believable account of the first 24 hours 'out'. I thought the switching of time an excellent device for the telling of the story.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
and a half. Excellent character development, the principals (Fanny Ardant, Gerard Depardieu and Emmanuelle Beart) especially Depardieu - playing a quiet (for a change!) businessman - really are good! I thought, however the story was slightly predictable.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Really excellent film. You don't need to have seen the previous films in the 'series' but it helps to understand the main character.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
and a half. Tight script, a light, slightly amusing and frothy film ... turn your brain off!
(Maybe) - review by Peter
A harrowing tale of man's inhumanity to children - one too often played out in Australia's past - extremely well played especially by the young principals!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
and a half. Another visually stunning piece from Peter Greenaway, just makes you wish you could be a wealth millionaire living in Switzerland with businesses in Japan.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Jeanne Moreau is brilliant as the indecisive Catherine, who wants it all Jules, Jim, and ... an excellent film slightly ahead of its time.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
In a suspect your disbelief kind of way, an enjoyable movie, with some LOL moments.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Two and a half really, all of the special effects (other than the worms) I thought were disappointing. The acting I thought was disappointing also. The series WAS true to (my memory of) the book, but left me vaguely dissatisfied.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Two and a half really, all of the special effects (other than the worms) I thought were disappointing. The acting I thought was disappointing also. The series WAS true to (my memory of) the book, but left me vaguely dissatisfied.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Two and a half really, all of the special effects (other than the worms) I thought were disappointing. The acting I thought was disappointing also. The series WAS true to (my memory of) the book, but left me vaguely dissatisfied.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Disturbingly scarey! A very good film.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
With Wilde's excellent and witty dialogue, how could you go wrong? This version has the advantage of an excellent case. I can't believe that I've never seen this before!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A fine story well told by an excellent cast and director.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is a good film, however I didn't find it neither as engaging as other Almodovar films I have seen.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Light and frothy - a completely unchallenging production. If you want to lust after Ms Cruz to a latino beat, this is the film for you.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Wonderful performances from this cast, allow the implausible plot some realism. With the use of archival film of the time an excellent production.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
I found this film very hard to rate (I would've given it 3 and 1/2). Having read and loved the border trilogy by Cormac McCarthy, it builds certain images which are impossible to match in a film ... however adaptation makes a very fair fist of it.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I enjoyed this film much more than I expected. The suspension of belief required over the letter, however, was a typically American plot device and I found it annoying. Well directed and fairly well played.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
One where I believe the sequel is better!
I still think Ethan Hawke isn't great, but in this he's better and I enjoyed the dialogue and scenes arround the Seine ;-) .
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I found this film - the conclusion to the 'Jean de Florette' series - to be less satisfying than the first. However the film is true to the novel of Marcel Pagnol, and the fine performances from Daniel Auteuil and Yves Montand and the gorgeous location lend authenticity to the tale. (STILL good enough to buy!)
(Excellent) - review by Peter
I think that this film is one of the better offerings from the USA this year, incorporating the comic strip style extremely well - the use of b&w and colour in particular.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I really enjoyed this film. The characters , the way the plot unfolded and the location (was this originally a play?) all came together beautifully, even the conclusion - usually a difficult proposition these days - was handled well.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A nice film, nothing too demanding, well acted - Martha's neuroses providing much of the comedy.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Another REALLY good Almodovar film, interesting plotting and characters, with some fab bits of cinematography thrown in.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Great film, with moments of comedy and odd plot developments.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A fun film, that nicely parodies much of the genre and modern corporate life. Some nice extra features as well. The kids LOVED it.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I thought that for everything except the last 15 minutes this was a very well contructed film. The ending limped in!
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I cannot think of any way this film could be better! A fine journey to take!!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
Great writing! Don't miss it!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
More great writing ... comedy at its best!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
A great Australian classic. The interviews in the extras are interesting as well.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I was at a bit of a loss as to how to rate this one as I thought that - animation aside - this was complete garbage, BUT my kids loved it.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Having worked for banks ... this story had the ring of truth - especially the dialogue - hung on the story. However, I found it a little too predictable, and the computer stuff wasn't the strongest part - they at least had nice graphics! Never-the-less a very enjoyable film.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Another 'so good I bought it' movie. Carrie-Anne Moss is gorgeous and her character devious, laying the foundations for plot twist. Guy Pearce's second best film. I - unlike many of the (above?) reviewers - do not want to watch this in chronological order, it's just fine like it is.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Great writing, perfectly cast and acted ... Simply Brilliant!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
The kids thought this was fantastic, I thought it was beatifully filmed - and the setting I'd say would be hard NOT to film well - but ordinary and sentimental. The film has a message and unashamedly rams it down your throat!
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I had a good laugh through this movie ... more escapist than films from the US (and OF COURSE with the proper wedding ending - even for a stand-over man!) but nicer in its way. Probably overly long but then you aren't going to tell the story and sing the songs in anything under 2 1/2 hours are you?
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Story! Acting! Scenery! Costumes! Music! Cinematography! ... it doesn't get much better than this! I loved it so much ... I went out and bought it!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
A very original film - with vague tones of Memento - with some original cinematography! The performances from Kate Winslet and Jim Carey (the best that I've seen from him!) are really good.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Two decent yoga sessions (~30 min.s each) with helpful instructions.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Simply Brilliant!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
This film is NOT for everyone. If you’re interested in sterling performances, great scenery and a solid story line this IS a fantastic film. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a happy ending pass on this one! David Wenham goes above and beyond in this role and – given he only had an accent coach for a small percentage of the time he needed – should be specially mentioned for such a believable performance!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This film is NOT for everyone. If you’re interested in sterling performances, great scenery and a solid story line this IS a fantastic film. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a happy ending pass on this one! David Wenham goes above and beyond in this role and – given he only had an accent coach for a small percentage of the time he needed – should be specially mentioned for such a believable performance!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This film is NOT for everyone. If you’re interested in sterling performances, great scenery and a solid story line this IS a fantastic film. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a happy ending pass on this one! David Wenham goes above and beyond in this role and – given he only had an accent coach for a small percentage of the time he needed – should be specially mentioned for such a believable performance!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This film is NOT for everyone. If you’re interested in sterling performances, great scenery and a solid story line this IS a fantastic film. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a happy ending pass on this one! David Wenham goes above and beyond in this role and – given he only had an accent coach for a small percentage of the time he needed – should be specially mentioned for such a believable performance!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This film is NOT for everyone. If you’re interested in sterling performances, great scenery and a solid story line this IS a fantastic film. If on the other hand, you’re looking for a happy ending pass on this one! David Wenham goes above and beyond in this role and – given he only had an accent coach for a small percentage of the time he needed – should be specially mentioned for such a believable performance!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
With the terminally cute Aya Ueto it’s hard to go wrong. The fight sequences are very well done, both in terms of choreography and cinematography. Although slightly longish (coming in at over 2 hours) I enjoyed this film more than I expected.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A thoroughly engrossing and very moving film. Although it was slightly let down for me by the lack of credulity of the father-son relationship. However I found the other relationships surrounding the dying man and his circumstances well portrayed.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A good set of yoga DVDs brought down by the (failed) attempt to sex it up.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
A good set of yoga DVDs brought down by the (failed) attempt to sex it up.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
A good set of yoga DVDs brought down by the (failed) attempt to sex it up.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
An eminently watchable film, which had me laughing out loud at times. It’s also great to see some new-comers – especially Alyssa McClelland - doing a fine job. It would be easy to pick at this films faults, however I believe this film is greater than the sum of its parts and worth watching for the ‘what did you feel today’ sequence alone.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I believe this was supposed to be a comedy, however much of this humour - whilst i smiled at it - never really scratched the surface, and is most probably cultural! The film was overly long, however having said that it would lose much if it was under 2 hours! The ending, which i thought, worked well - but it was WEIRD!
(Maybe) - review by Peter
I watched this and 'Outfoxed' at around the same time. I thought this was better. The arguements are better presented - however biased. If you agree with Michael Moore - I like to refer to this as 'thinking' - you'll like this, and if you don't ... well i wouldn't bother.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is a film that will have you laughing and cringing (waiting for what Lola will do next). A remarkable tale of being on the outside in an outsiders community.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A gritty, well written and well acted story. As realistic as could be hoped for, so not entirely 'enjoyable' but entirely believable.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Julie Delpy is beautiful and puts in a winning performance and Wien is gorgeous. Ethan Hawke is ho hum! This is a film that required either tighter editing or tighter scripting.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
A thoroughly enjoyable cross between 'The Singing Detective', a 60's sitcom and a murder mystery with a decent twist at the end. (Originally a stage play?) The oppression of the one (main) set built up the pressure of the story nicely.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This doco is a scarey indictment of the state of Murdochlism, sorry journalism. I thought that we Australians have a hard time getting unbiased news coverage!!! Michael Moore is also biased and divisive - but at LEAST he shows another point of view!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A fine study of early 20th Century values and conflicts in rural France (with an unexpected twist). Fine performances from Yves Montand, Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil. (Good enough to buy - and I did!)
(Excellent) - review by Peter
One of the best films I've seen out of the U.S. Loved the play of darkness, time travel and disturbed protagonist. Additionally - and I don't normally mention it - the score is excellent.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
I struggled with these two, the best moments are in the magazine, and the - at the time - half formed Kath and Kim stuff.
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
I struggled with these two, the best moments are in the magazine, and the - at the time - half formed Kath and Kim stuff.
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
This shows the power of the film maker - to change K-marts strategy for example. Michael Moore, leaves you in no doubt where he stands politically, and is biased, but then again so are the organisations that he fights. A middle finger to corporate America - a very danngerous beastie.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Who could be ambivalent to Emmanuelle Beart? An excellent film, made all the more potent by the casting.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A funny and by turns, quirky and bizarre film that manages to portray a completely believable future - watch out for the vegetarian freedom fighters.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
This film is enjoyable enough, but I felt it tried to do too much with the script and - ultimately - it didn't QUITE work. The most amusing moments were at the beginning with their 'invasion' of the island and breaking the radio.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A fine film, with an excellent cast. Without the extras that give it a context, it emphasises - only to those understand the tumultuous events occuring in Paris - the trio's (albeit temporary) isolation, which unhappily serves to isolate other viewers from the film.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A good premise well thought out and well executed, even the ending is well done, however I expected it to be much funnier. I found 'Vita e Bella' to be a better film. Still an amusing film from an excellent 'stable'.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
On so many levels this is a very good film. The direction, acting, costume and sript make this pre-WW1 set film, accessible.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
VERY ordinary.
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
A thoroughly charming film - one I enjoyed enormously. Begnini's charming view of life, even in times of great upheaval is infectious.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
This is a very servicable triquel. I found the plot 'twists' and the ending slightly disappointing, which I felt could have been scripted in many (better) ways.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Is it part of the problem, or the cure? The media's causal link to and involvement with violence is the message of this film, and makes sitting through the extreme (!) violence ultimately worthwhile.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A weaker script than the first but - I felt - stronger performances all round. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I might.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
I must start with saying that I enjoyed this film more than I expected, however the script really didn't hit the mark in many spots and I felt that the support cast put in stronger performances than the leads.
(Maybe) - review by Peter
Ultimately fairly satisfying French comedy. It was excellent for the first two thirds, but I felt it wasn't as well scripted towards the end, both in terms of direction and dialogue.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I bought this film - expecting it to be V.O. instead - it was dubbed into American!! It really wasn't a patch on this!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
I didn't want the extras ... I never want to see another 'making of'!! But this detracts from the rest of the offering only slightly. The whole series is quite magnificent!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
The Dogme style is a little disorieting at first - you keep on seeing bits that (in Hollywood style) 'should' have been edited out in post-production. In the end I was slightly dissappointed with the ending ... but I've been sensitised by Hollywood.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Stunning photography!!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
So good I bought the film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
Only for die-hard Marx Brothers fans!
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
Only for die-hard Marx Brothers fans.
(Don't bother!) - review by Peter
Mine had subtitles ... I spent the first hour (this is a longish film at ~2.5 hours) thinking it was going to be 'another depressingly harsh Mexican film'. The rest of the film took me to places I never expected it would go!! A brilliant film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
Whimsical - yes, quirky - yes, touches on the philosophical (try that in a 'North American' production!) as only European films seem able. A very well made film.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
A thoughtful coming of age film for both a country and an ageing man. I saw it first on SBS an enjoyed it even more the second
time.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
So brilliant I bought it!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Peter
The passion here is suitably intense (predictable really in a Spanish film) and the story's plot twists are wierdly culinary - with a breast fixation! Prior to this I wasn't a big fan of Penelope Cruz ... now at least I CAN watch her!
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
Ultimately I enjoyed this film of 'the rejected half-brother seeks revenge' (and of course finds redemption???). I also liked the ambiguity of the ending does he go back and see his brothers?
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
A very good film, that left me wondering if the whole story was a dream, or merely the ending!
(Excellent) - review by Peter
I was torn between this and a **, in the end I thought that Julio and Tenoch were sufficiently banal and self-absorbed to be of no interest to me. Even when Luisa's fate became known to them, it was still about them. On the plus side there was the social commentary about rich vs. poor in modern Mexico.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
I thought that this was an interesting story well made into an - albiet somewhat slow - film. (for once my wife managed to watch an entire film - as she was "petrified for Artemesia's soul"!!) I liked the way it tried to enter the process of capturing light in that age.
(Excellent) - review by Peter
Exhibiting typical Finnish forwardness and loquaciousnness, this very stylised film by Aki Kaurismakih moves slowly towards it's satisfactory conclusion.
(Worth watching) - review by Peter
This charming romance, set arround the unfrequented parts of Venice is a romantic comedy in the Grande European style (no added sugar - it's sweet enough).
(Excellent) - review by Peter