Reviews

Now, you see, I could be really smart and conscientious and write a really professional looking review. However, I cannot be bothered. And so, in its place comes....

BODY OF LIES As a cinema student, I find it hard to switch off from theories and ideas and such that circulate in class. Bad habit or good habit? Who knows, but let's just say that the words Post Apocalyptic Cinema kept ringing through my ears during this film. I could go on to explain why this was the case, (i.e. giving you a brief synopsis). However, I will not waste the time. I went into this film without seeing a trailer and without hearing much word about it, which can often be the best way to go into a film. Instead, I went into this film with the hopes of another good Russell Crowe/Ridley Scott collaboration with the added bonus of Leo DiCarprio. Well, perhaps that was too much to expect. Gladiator was amazing, but was I honestly expecting more gold. And it failed to deliver. I'm not going to go into heavy detail with plot criticisms or even any other criticisms. But this was not my film. The ideas were too complicated and confusing. Dialogue was derivative and simple. Acting was fine, but the first ten minutes should have the tagline of "watch Leonardo wear a fake beard and pretend to be Fidel Castro." I just trailed off, so much to the point where I did fall asleep. So, unless you enjoy complicated and nonsensical stories with a tiny bit of terrorism, co-ercion and themes of betrayal and trust, etc., stay away from BODY OF LIES.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE The same night, after seeing Body of Lies, I went and saw the new Bond. Going in, I was pretty sure that Bond would look good at best compared to Body of Lies, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I will go as far to say that I loved it. Perhaps even more than Casino Royale. Which is a big statement, and one that would require another viewing of each film, but to me, it was perfect. The only exception being that it was a tad too long, but that can be forgiven. It was just the perfect Bond film. It has all you need. The enenemy, the hero (still, with a bit of edge, but less edgy than in the previous), the helper (M), the sultry Bond girl and a fast paced script with well handled direction. One thing that I've almost forgotten about was the Bond song. I was looking forward to what the Jack White/Alicia Keys collaboration would sound like, and let's just say that I was sitting there, quite sadden and disappointed in the Bond opening titles. So many times now, we have seen such classic songs with such classic artists. Live and Let Die, Goldfinger, GoldenEye. It's not easy to get the Bond song right, but when it works, oh boy, does it work. And it did not in Quantum of Solace. And what does Quantum of Solace even mean? I understand that oil and water played a part of the film, but it still escapes me. However, despite the crappy song, I was pleased to see the names of Paul Haggis (co-writer) and Marc Forster (director) in the opening. They did a wonderful job, as did Craig himself. I won't go on much more, but this was the perfect popcorn action film for me, who is not a huge action afficiendao. And that is saying something!