Riches Random Reviews

[Jon]

If anything I had a slight problem with the very last scene of the film, which I obviously can't descibe here.

In the book this last scene is not in it. And I agree, that this scene does not really fit with the rest of the movie. But I can live with it.

Spoiler (hover to show)

The book ends after Red has found Andy's letter and is on his way to Mexico. Not knowing if he will find Andy or even if he will manage to cross the border (being on parole). But what drives him is, that he finally has got hope, which he did learn from Andy.

I disagree.

Spoiler (hover to show)

Leaving Red to wander off? Awful ending! Surely a point of the story is enduring friendship. If Andy's instructions are not confirmed as leading to Andy, then I feel the story has done Red a disservice. It may work for the book, but not a film.

[Rich]

If anything I had a slight problem with the very last scene of the film, which I obviously can't descibe here.

In the book this last scene is not in it. And I agree, that this scene does not really fit with the rest of the movie. But I can live with it.

Spoiler (hover to show)

The book ends after Red has found Andy's letter and is on his way to Mexico. Not knowing if he will find Andy or even if he will manage to cross the border (being on parole). But what drives him is, that he finally has got hope, which he did learn from Andy.

I disagree.

Spoiler (hover to show)

Leaving Red to wander off? Awful ending! Surely a point of the story is enduring friendship. If Andy's instructions are not confirmed as leading to Andy, then I feel the story has done Red a disservice. It may work for the book, but not a film.

I disagree with your disagreement.

Spoiler (hover to show)

I would have preferred the books ending, with the knowledge that Red would be off in search of his friend and a better future. The silly Hollywood ending of Red finding Andy on a deserted beach, sanding down a 2 bit boat is ridiculous. For a start the fortune Andy had taken from the warden would in that era of bought him several luxury yachts, and secondly if he had to do a boat up it wouldn't of been a holed wreck like that, and not on a beach!

[Jon]

If anything I had a slight problem with the very last scene of the film, which I obviously can't descibe here.

In the book this last scene is not in it. And I agree, that this scene does not really fit with the rest of the movie. But I can live with it.

Spoiler (hover to show)

The book ends after Red has found Andy's letter and is on his way to Mexico. Not knowing if he will find Andy or even if he will manage to cross the border (being on parole). But what drives him is, that he finally has got hope, which he did learn from Andy.

I disagree.

Spoiler (hover to show)

Leaving Red to wander off? Awful ending! Surely a point of the story is enduring friendship. If Andy's instructions are not confirmed as leading to Andy, then I feel the story has done Red a disservice. It may work for the book, but not a film.

I disagree with your disagreement.

Spoiler (hover to show)

I would have preferred the books ending, with the knowledge that Red would be off in search of his friend and a better future. The silly Hollywood ending of Red finding Andy on a deserted beach, sanding down a 2 bit boat is ridiculous. For a start the fortune Andy had taken from the warden would in that era of bought him several luxury yachts, and secondly if he had to do a boat up it wouldn't of been a holed wreck like that, and not on a beach!

Spoiler (hover to show)

Yachts? Nah, he's knackered! Just want to chill. And surely you get the significance of a boat so run-down you pretty much have to do it from scratch? Damn, it's poetic.

[Achim]

Spoiler (hover to show)

I can't quite put my finger on it. Would I have prefered the open ending, like Rich, or just a different setting where Red finds Andy; maybe him sitting on the porch of a nice house...? The way it is it somehow was a bit of a  moment for me.

[Rich]

Title: The Dark Knight

Runtime:152
Certificate:12
Year:2008
Genres:Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Plot:The follow-up to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective. But soon the three find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

My Review:
Did the movie improve or worsen from my original review of the film HERE by watching it on BluRay?
It was noticably crisper and more vivid of course, the jokers nake-up was much more prominent, the characters facial expressions more graphoc, but the biggest improvement seemed to be the audio, which literally pumped me out of the seat at times with some incredibly heavy bass and pure HD sound. My previous review stands, it just made a superb film even better, and for a bluray at less than £7 I am really happy

My Rating
 

[Emma]

Did you feel the film could have ended about an hour and a half in? I thought Dark Knight was an hour too long :p

[Rich]

Did you feel the film could have ended about an hour and a half in? I thought Dark Knight was an hour too long :p

Unlike the hitchcock film I reviewed recently, I thought this was the 'perfect length' (I managed to avoid an irresistable urge to use a carry-on pun here )

[Achim]

Title: The Dark Knight

This has been on my unwatched pile for too long... How did you like the effect where they open up the frame from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1, just like what they did in the IMAX theaters? I am so looking forward to that.

[Rich]

Title: The Dark Knight

This has been on my unwatched pile for too long... How did you like the effect where they open up the frame from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1, just like what they did in the IMAX theaters? I am so looking forward to that.

I have to be honest, I didn't notice 

[Tom]

I only noticed it, because I knew beforehand.

[Achim]

I have to be honest, I didn't notice 

I only noticed it, because I knew beforehand.

I guess that's actually the point. If it is done well and fluidly integrated than the difference should not be noticable consciously. Like Tom, I know about this beforehand, so I wil see it...

[Rich]

Title: I, Robot

Runtime:110
Certificate:15
Year:2004
Genres:Science-Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Action

Plot:In 2035 A.D., robots are programmed to live in harmony with humans and are part of every day life.  When a brilliant scientist at the U.S. Robotics Corporation is found dead, Chicago Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) is called in to investigate.  Aided by robot psychologist Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), Detective Spooner uncovers the possibility that a robot may be the primary suspect in the case.  But as Spooner gets closer to the truth, he gets caught up in a race for his life.  With time running out, a deeper threat emerges that challenges the very existence of mankind.

My Review:
Well-known film, picked at random in company.
There is plenty of corn in this movie, but if you can accept the tongue-in-cheek script the special effects, innovative ideas and fluid pace make this a very enjoyable viewing.
This may not be as intense as Blade Runner or explore the humanisation of robots as much as AI, but it delivers thrills and action the whole way through, with some very memorable moments such as the 1000 (1001) robots in the warehouse, the tunnel scene, and for me the facial expressions of Sonny which are amazing.
A blast with Smith in his element and Moynahan keeping good company, I expect everyone has like me seen this movie more than once - if you haven't you won't be disappointed.

My Rating
 

[Rich]

Title: Brüno

Runtime:78
Certificate:18
Year:2008
Genres:Comedy

Plot:VE ALL KNOW FAME IS THE PATH TO HAPPINESS, SO VHEN ZE AUSTRIAN PUBLIC GET ALL JEALOUS AND BOYCOTT ME, I REALIZE IT’S TIME FOR BRÜNO TO TAKE OVER ZE WORLD!
I GO TO ZE MIDDLE EAST TO HELP, I JOIN ZE AMERICAN ARMY, GO TO SWINGERS PARTIES,
DO THE TALK SHOWS, EVEN GO CAMPING WITH GRIZZLY BOYFRIENDS
– PLUS ZE ACCESSORY YOU SHOULDN’T BE SEEN WIVOUT – ZE LITTLE BLACK BABY.
VASSEVER – SO HOW FAMOUS YOU THINK BRÜNO BECOME? PUT IT ZIS WAY– NEXT YEAR
YOU ALL BE LIKE ADOLF WHO??!!??

My Review:
One of the worst films I have ever seen, sick and tasteless, Cohen believes he is something special now, but has clearly run out of ideas and even his cheap tacky humour has sunk to an all time low where he thinks staged shock scenes and shots of his cock will raise publicity and laughter.
This will offend all, without the edgy comedy that he brought with Ali G and Borat, it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Totally bereft of any intelligence or planning in the 'script', it stumbles from one appallingly staged scene to the next.
Redefines a bad film - do not waste your time or money.

My Rating
 

[Rich]

Title: Sleepless in Seattle

Runtime:101
Certificate:PG
Year:1993
Genres:Comedy, Romance

Plot:Christmas is a magical time when anything can happen. And for Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a down-to-earth newspaper reporter, it's just about to.
Whilst driving to her fiancé's house on Christmas Eve, she hears a radio broadcast that will change her life.
Eight-year-old Jonah is worried about his recently widowed father, and calls a radio station agony aunt. Persuaded onto the phone, Jonah's dad Sam (Tom Hanks) tells of his love for his dead wife and how their time together was pure magic.
Annie is so touched by his heartfelt sentiment that she becomes determined to meet him. But there are a few problems: Sam's in Seattle, Annie's in Baltimore...and Sam doesn't even know that Annie exists!

My Review:
Note to self - hide remote controls when girlfriend visiting
Forced Chose to watch this sloppy romance again, on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon. It delivers exactly what it says on the tin, lots of romance, weepy moments, lumps in throat musical inserts, top cast list and a few make you smile moments.
Not much more I can say about such a well known film, except if I am being honest it is pretty watchable, and it is enjoyable for all viewers without engaging the brain too much.

My Rating
 

[Rogmeister]

I like this movie, though probably not as much as You've Got Mail since Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are apart during most of the movie.  One of these days, though, I have to see Joe Vs. The Volcano    I think my favorite scene in Sleepless In Cincinatti might be the scene where Rita Wilson is talking about the movie An Affair To Remember...