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MOVIE / VIDEOS


 

 

 

 

 

Films, movies, motion pictures, videos, no matter what fornat or what you call it, it's storytelling in a strongly visual sense. I have been watching movies and TV since I was young. My mum was a huge sci-fi/horror/action fan and she loves to watch movies like Aliens, James Bond, Poltergiest, Star Wars and anything vaguely science-fiction and action-packed with minimal dialogue.

After I was old enough to go for shows with my friends, I expanded my scope. Now I watch practically anything that looked appealing but I usually stay away from forgettable romantic comedies with the exception of Meg Ryan films. That's because she's a great romantic comedian (?). Whether it's regular films shown in cinemas or the annual International Film Festival, I'll usually give the film a try if it's highly recommended.

To me, a good film must have a great story, something that will provoke thinking and leaves a mark in your mind so deep it can't be removed for a while. And cinematography counts a lot too. Interesting and refreshing camera angles, innovative scenes and even background music, in fact, anything that helps set the mood for the movie. There are just so many factors that make some movies great and my lack of knowledge of film-making limits my ability to knowledgeably discuss a movie. I know nothing about editing, for one, nor camera techniques, nor special effects. All I can say is why I think I think the movie is great.

Loving or loathing a film is a very personal and subjective thing. There are films that I watch over and over for the entertainment value and although I will agree that the plot is trashy or the actors suck, I can't help but want to see the film again and like it for the strangest reasons.

Fave Movies

Total Recall (1990)

Director: Paul Verhoeven. Cast: Arnold Schwarzenneger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside

Helluva a ride and, to quote the film, a real "mind f***". It's a great sci-fi movie with loads of violence, a plot that begs you to think deeper and speculate on the "what if"s. Love the music as well! With a great story and ground-breaking special effects, this is one film I never tire of.

Predator (1987)

Director: John McTiernan. Cast: Arnold Schwarzenneger, Carl Weathers and Kevin Peter Hall as the Predator

Yes yes, I know this is a really "B" movie which I hate to admit how much I adore, but really, I don't get sick of it despite more than a dozen viewings. A parody on hunting, this sci-fi thriller delivers with great action, true horror and fantastic combat sequences. Not to mention bloody goriness that drives home the fear. Must be watched uncensored for the full impact. And there are many memorable lines to quote too, like "I'm gonna have me some fun.", "If it bleeds, we can kill it.", "I see you...", "Roooaaarrrr!" etc.

Brazil (1985)

Director: Terry Gilliam. Cast: Johnathan Pryce, Robert De Niro,

One of the most memorable films I have seen. Brazil has all the right elements that makes it a thought-provoking, pessimistic and somewhat psychotic film. It's one of the few shows that I actually dream about the very day I saw it.

Lord of the Rings (2001)

Director: Peter Jackson. Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler

Aliens (1986)

Director: James Cameron. Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser.

Edward Scissorhands

Director: Tim Burton. Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder

Fight Club (1999)

Director: David Fincher. Cast: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton.

Memento (2000)

Director: Christopher Nolan. Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie Ann Moss.

Braveheart (1995)

Director: Mel Gibson. Cast: Mel Gibson, Brian Cox.

Shrek (2000)

Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jensen et al. Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Director: Mamoru Oshii

Godfather I and II

Star Wars: The Trilogy. (NOT The Phantom Menace!)

Reviews Archive

The Red Violin May 1999