Review-O-Matic: Sherlock Holmes (2009), The Red Shoes (1948), Avatar & Nine

[beckymonster]

Caveat Emptor - I haven't read any of Conan Doyle's books (it's on my 2010 to do list!) and I haven't really seen any of the other productions. Besides - this film has to stand on it's own breakfast for me to enjoy it. Also, never seen any of Guy Ritchie's output before this.

So, going in with no preconceptions and came out wanting to see it again and (as already stated) wanting to read the original books as well.

I can't speak to how well it follows the books (reviews have stated that the adaption is very true to the text) but as a film it works so very very well!

Everything about it works - the setting (did London ever look so historically correct?) the costumes, the music were all top notch. The story was good - but as the man says - it's all in the details.

The casting of all the main characters was fantastic. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law were well suited to their roles and had excellent chemistry - the bromance was off the flaming scale! It was getting to Torchwood levels;)
Also the ladies were awesome as well. Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) was an excellent foil and Mary (Kelly Rielly - I think) was no slouch either. Her speech about how 'alike' she and Holmes were was beautiful. Also? The clues are *certainly* there for Holmes' greatest enemy to take center stage for the sequel...

Verdict - Highly recommended!


I'm sure I've spoken about how awesome this film is? Well, it is! If Martin Scorsese says so, then it must be so;)
This was the restored, digial version and despite some issues with the actual presentation (the screen kept blanking ever so often) it was gorgeous.

If nothing else, it's a masterclass in colour, mood and cinematography. The central ballet is wonderfully surreal but my favourite scene is Vicki dancing Swan Lake. If you've never seen this film - do so, your eyes will thank you for it.

Caveat emptor - the story has dated *terribly* but don't let that put you off1

Verdict - Highly recommended


Erm - where do I start with this? Great things were promised of this movie. Did it deliver - errr... can I get back to you on that one?

Aesthetically - it's simply stunning. The FX is truly gobsmakingly *awesome*; it's a real gamechanger - in the same way as Fellowship Of The Ring was in 2001 but FotR trumps this film in that it has a superb story to support the FX. Avatar doesn't have a gripping story to support the visuals. The actors did a wonderful job (I want to be Siguourney Weaver when I grow up - for reals!) but the script was a case of 'seen it all before'. 'Dances with Blue Cats' kind of sums it up.

Oh yes - I can see this keeping meta writers in business for years. James Cameron's issues were clear as day throughout the film.

Verdict - go see, but make sure it's a cinema with *comfy* chairs. Your backside will thank you!


Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which is based on the Fellini film 8 1/2. Got that? Simply it's about Guido Contini (Daniel Day Lewis in superb form) and the women who shaped his life. Contini, who to date, is a director with ISSUES. He is supposed to be starting a new film - which has no script and the director has no idea what the film is supposed to be.

Did I mention that's supposed to be a musical? That's it's strength. Each of the main characters sings - with honours going to Judi Dench (who knew M could *sing*?!) and Marion Cottiard (who walks off with the film under her arm - such an amazing performance, there are likely to be Oscar noms in her future).

The music is great, the dancing good too, it's slick and prettily presented. Just don't expect much in the way of depth.

Verdict - I thoroughly enjoyed it - YMMV