All 4 entries tagged Review

DVD Review– Mission to Mars (2000)

I started watching this thinking it was going to be the classic ‘disaster’ style space movie of late (I.e. Deep Impact, Armageddon) and the first hour seemed to be such. Especially unneccesary was the scene in which three of the astronauts were killed tampering with the ‘face’. A rock to the face and being torn to pieces by being spun in the centre of a vortex all seemed a bit far fetched but if this was a ‘disaster’ movie then that’s what you expect.

However, the final 45 mins seemed to switch to a much more realistic exploration of the martian surface. The logic behind the rest of the story (no spoilers!) seemed plausible but due to the initial over-the-top drama, it didn’t sit well.

In all, a moderate film but little is learned about Mars and it is strangely inconsistent.

: 12 Mar 2007 09:51 |  Tags: DVD Review |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

DVD Review– Solaris

Starring George Clooney, this film went a long way (in my eyes) to repair the damage he did to his reputation with the farce, Batman & Robin. Clooney’s soulful representation of a psychiatrist whose harsh actions lead to his wife’s suicide is excellently played without too much drama and sentimentality being forced down the viewers throat. (As, sadly, is the case in many modern US films)

The director, Steven Soderbergh, produces a superb set with a tremendous attention to detail whilst the soundtrack by Cliff Martinez is truly inspired.

The story is an interesting one although it does leave a lot of questions open. When I first watched it I thought ‘What crap! I have no idea what happened!’ but the more I’ve watched it, the more it grows on me and I can start to see more behind the story. I’ve since bought the original book by Stanislaw Lem but have yet to get round to reading it (The other half has got me hooked on Terry Pratchett!)

All in all, watch this film; it will give you something to think about!

: 26 Feb 2007 10:09 |  Tags: DVD Review |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

CD Review– Solaris (Soundtrack)

Martinez blends electronica with percusive vibraphones seamlessly and produces a very eerie but emotive sound. The chord progression throughout (4-5-6) is very persistent and seems to represent the constant pain that Kelvin feels at the loss of his wife.

The music has an excellent way of keeping the viewer on edge with the strangeness but there is also enough of the familiar to prevent it being too out of the ordinary.

In my opinion, one of the best soundtracks ever.

: 26 Feb 2007 10:02 |  Tags: Music Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

DVD Review– Batman Begins

An excellent film which captures well the work of Frank Miller from which it is inspired. Christian Bale provides well developed Bruce Wayne/Batman character allowing the viewer to easily identify with his situation.

The film score is also superb with some interestingly contrasting orchestral pieces. All in all, one of my favourite films.

: 15 Feb 2007 17:47 |  Tags: DVD Review |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem