Thriller & Mystery > 1999 Thriller & Mystery > H

Action-packed with some witty dialogue but still flawed somehow

Advantages: Quite thrilling when it gathers pace, seemed an authentic depiction of London, some humour
Disadvantages: Something about Downey Jnrs depiction of Holmes didnt work somehow, not for all ages/the squeamish

...Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson start out by catching a serial killer who dabbles in the the supernatural, an evil man called Lord Blackwood who is sentenced to death, indeed Watson confirms he's dead after he's hung. Things take a distinctly sinister turn, however, when they discover than Blackwood has apparently risen from the dead and Holmes recalls what he told him before he was hung, which indicated that more ...
...actor (Robert Downey Jnr.) played Sherlock Holmes, while an English actor (Jude Law), played his right hand man, Dr. Watson. Now of course I knew that before I went to see the movie, infact I quite like Robert Downey Jnr. as an actor and I have enjoyed some of his other movies and the fact that he plays the main character was one of the main reasons I wanted to see it in the cinema but there was something about him playing this role that I just didn't ...

IzzyS 27.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sherlock Holmes

What goes around comes around..

Advantages: Enigmatic
Disadvantages: Perhaps too long

...I wouldn’t say this was in that impact category but certainly a quality piece of film. The drama begins with the return of thirty-something award winning war photographer Paul Harris (Mathew McFadden) to the small rural town of Steimer where he grew up, his first visit for 17 years. The night bag over the shoulder arrival is for dad’s funeral, mum long returned to the Earth, Paul’s relationship with big brother Andrew (Colin May) still not good after ...
...As per normal in these movies Paul has awakened ghosts from his and others past on his return, none more so than a long lost relationship with Penny (Miranda Otto), the reason, we discover later, he skipped town. Deciding to stick around and sort out the family estate, his brother begrudging Paul’s promised third of the Will & Testament, the rest going to an unnamed charity, things take an unexpected turn in his closed world with the arrival of a ...

thedevilinme 22.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of In My Father's Den (DVD)

About as fun as being stuck in the Channel Tunel

Advantages: Acting
Disadvantages: Yawnnnnnnn

The dust-cover proudly states that this is the best film of the new millennium! They obviously haven’t seen Brazilian Girls Go Wild In Cancun then. I took both films up on their boasts and I can confirm there was only one winner—and I didn’t need the subtitles. Talk about over rated. I had heard good things about Hidden; it had won the Palm De Or` in Cannes no less. But it’s French and so that means its going to be very talky and actor centered, ...
...the limited and predictable script. For a movie pushed as a mysterious thriller the only mystery here is how it won anything, dribbling out to a very disappointing finish. One broadsheet even voted this film of the decade?? The movie opens with a single static shot of the front of one of those comfy urban secluded houses in a nice middle class Paris superb. From across the street we observe the house panacea and everyday movements in the street ...

thedevilinme 20.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Hidden (DVD)

Your Honour, I am a law abiding citizen..!!

Advantages: Excellent performance by Gerard Butler, great cinematography.
Disadvantages: Few plot holes, some very disturbing torture and murder scenes.

...it within the boundaries of Law and Order. So the story tells us, how Clyde gets his justice and how cleverly he plans everything. It also tells us about Nick Rice and his continuous efforts to stop Clyde from committing these plans. This movie has a highly entertaining storyline and some surprising twists. I enjoyed watching this movie. MY PERSONAL THOUGHT This is a very entertaining and fast paced thriller with a unique story line. Director ...
...wants to prove that the law system is flawed and anyone clever and powerful can manipulate with it. In one occasion, Clyde shares his thoughts and views on the law and order with Nick. Clyde Shelton : Well, you taught your daughter about good vs. Evil ? Nick Rice: I don’t have to. Clyde Shelton : well, that’s what this is about. Good conquering evil. The righteous prospering and the wicked suffering. Nick Rice is a successful prosecutor ...

Gladiator007 18.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: exceptional
Review of Law Abiding Citizen

Gere can't protect his women

Advantages: One of the most underrated action films, Gere suprisingly good, Willis in a class of his own
Disadvantages: The finale was a bit of a let down, way too many action film cliches, a few plot holes, Jack Black

...Forsyth's thriller 'The Day of the Jackal' a while back, I was keen to see a modern take on the story that was expertly constructed. Bruce Willis shines as an assassin much in a similar fashion to ‘Lucky number slevin’. Richard Gere’s performance does let down some key moments at times, and you have to question the need for the characters involvement in the film, his past is shady and his role in pursuing the Jackal clumsy and unprepared, however ...
...an element of humor to the story. On the plus side the film is an actual masterpiece when compared to the book as a modern take, the targets are changed, the weaponry, gadgets etc. The soundtrack is spot on and the story taking place across several lovely backdrops. Directors: Michael Caton-Jones Cast: Bruce Willis, Richard Gere Running Time: 124 mins Genre: Action/Adventure Release Date: 9 January 1998 (UK) Rating: 18 ...

Crimsonflame 14.12.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of The Jackal (DVD)