All Consuming : Jacob

Simplistic

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:12:41 GMT

by Claude Nuridsany

This made me feel like I was watching Darwinian propaganda in a primary school classroom. Yet it is sparsely narrated with a wiseman’s perspectives of his own beliefs, which are not in the least forceful, merely a little too conjured. Well produced and nice footage, but not stunning or involving enough for me when compared to Baraka, or any one of many more focused natural world type productions. Cool for younger kids I’m sure.

Travails of a Queen (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:23:44 GMT

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (Widescreen)

This was really powerful and awed me tremendously, in much the same vein as Joan of Arc, but without the unfortunate demise and quite so much war-mongering. Indeed this instalment of Elizabeth’s march is full of wonderful moments of introspection and heavenly light, reminding me somewhat of The Fountain, yet with infinitely more foundation. Blanchett naturally does a stunning job of conveying Elizabeth’s predicament, and ultimately her convictions towards her country and people. The costumes were stunning, as were the dizzying camera pans and shots from on high, but the use of cathedrals rather than palaces as one would expect, overemphasises the religious angle. Given that the film covers the war between Spain and England and the religious division, this is partly to be expected, and you certainly walk away with a trace of fervour having been infused into your blood. I’ll be seeing this again, and I can recommend seeing it on the big screen.

Delusional Grandeur (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:04:28 GMT

The Fountain (Widescreen Edition)

by Darren Aronofsky

This film is quite unexpected. Darren Aronofsky has the ability to stir your reactions, in Pi and Requiem for a Dream he does so violently and without remorse. In The Fountain he does so all to subtly at times, weaving a story across time and awareness, about death, belief and love. It actually brought a couple of tears to my eye—almost unheard of. And this set with all the oil lamps and unending arches, oh man, I want to be there.

Some of scenes are unbearably new age with transcendental posturing, but are nonetheless beautiful and help one perhaps understand the mind of the main character—something Aronofsky brings to the fore. The distinct stories weave together but ultimately the plot is morbid, perhaps not unexpectedly.

Are there three stories—past present and future? I felt that “future” was really an escapist mental state, manifesting his desire and actions to do good for his wife.

Curried tofu (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:58:20 GMT

In the Cut (Unrated Director's Cut)

by Jane Campion

I admit I’d drunk a bottle of red before this; but the film really struck me, the constant shifting focusing of the camera and lighting drew me in like a moth; I was captivated by the glances of Manhattan such as a water-tower from China Town, the lighthouse under GW bridge; but perhaps it helps that I’ve spent time there. Meg Ryan was unlike I’ve seen her before but I’m not so sure about her role, in fact the characters and story seemed a little inconsequential; the film was certainly somewhat explicit but not particularly gory. I didn’t find the ending the least bit unsatisfactory, indeed the overall mood was almost alongside the likes of Kristof Kieslowski. Yes there is no resolution, but the story concludes.

Let sleeping leprechauns lie (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:42:58 GMT

Interstate 60

by Bob Gale

This is pretty wacky and good for a few laughs if only at the slight ridiculousness. It somewhat reminded me of Jay and Silent Bob Strike back in that it seems to be more of an ongoing in-joke than a story. You feel a bit like you’re being talked down to with a string of apparent life-lessons, and indeed the production quality comes off as ‘after-school-special’. Albeit with Gary Oldman, which was amusing.

Compelling fibres (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:02:45 GMT

Blood Diamond

by Edward Zwick

I was really absorbed by this, the stunning scenery, less than pretty representations of the darker side of man’s lust for power, and a strangely slanted ethical stance from Leo’s character that comes across as being singularly more human, than fabricated for the benefit of Hollywood, and despite the fairly good action shots. Left me feeling quite affected against consumerist urges and even more aware of what the upstream impacts might be. Certainly quelled my feelings for returning to London rather than doing more travelling…

Blended Atmospherics (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:04:31 GMT

A Posteriori

by Enigma

Cretu has evolved. Actually I haven’t heard the more recent preceeding album Voyageur, so I’m speaking only from my familiarity with all the other albums. The sound of this album is resolutely ambient techno with a fusion of the new age and ethnic elements from his prior works. The blended and downbeat effect of which I’m really liking, and feels very much of the time.

Funky Rockin' (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 09:06:12 GMT

Good News For People Who Love Bad News

by Modest Mouse

Clearly I’ve been watching too much of The O.C. as I’m starting to like the music too much. I’ve also been too harsh in forming opinions, indeed I was previously rather derisive of anyone who claimed to like bands such as Modest Mouse, I mean there’s nothing accomplished about them (this opinion is typified by unexciting tracks like Black Cadillac). It may be true that the power of association is at play here,, but they have put out some funky riffs on this album (I’m lovin’ Float On) that I rather enjoy at the moment in place of my usual fare. Maybe it’s a phase.

Insideout (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 12:56:39 GMT

Everything Is Illuminated

by Liev Schreiber

What a truly incredible and suprising journey. It starts out in a humourous way that might be confused with Borat, and rather unexpected, but after the first couple of chapters turns towards a gentle and at times sad reflectivity. There’s a lovely score, and an ending that provides a clever observation—of what is humankind.

Floaty (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:17:11 GMT

The Lake House

by Alejandro Agresti

If you’re prepared to not get too involved in the plot, or the characters, then it’s a decent kind of romance. Personally what kept me watching was the scenery and architecture. It helped that Sandra and Keanu don’t hurt the eyes, but the dog was the most interesting character.

Toujours après l'amour (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:42:52 GMT

Comme t'y es belle

by Lisa Alessandrin

This enjoyable chick-flick is a more grown up take on Filles Perdues, Cheveux Gras, as a light romantic-comedy. Although a bit slow at the outset an energetic pace cuts in and shows the day to day events of these four friends looking for love. The story takes place in Paris, although you wouldn’t know it except for the taxis. The shooting is good, characters involving (and unredoubtedly French), and there’s some great musical moments, including singing-along to Celine Dion in the car, and a sexy Hotel Costes massage…

Sinking claustrophobia (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 12:24:45 GMT

Poseidon (Widescreen Edition)

by Wolfgang Petersen

A fairly gripping bit of action, if somewhat predictable.

Creepy Electrosmog (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:19:15 GMT

Pulse (2006)

Forget RSI or cancer. How about ending up as a scorch mark…a fantastic reason to discard your electronics. I don’t really like horror films but this has an intruiging premise and is really well shot, and despite a mediocre start it had me taking deep breaths and turning away, then again I’m all too easily set on edge. Although I’m not going to throw my MacBook Pro out just yet (it’s quite resisistant to viri), I’ll definately start carrying some red tape.

Absolutely Hysterical (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 17:40:06 GMT

Masterpiece Theater: My Family and Other Animals

by Sheree Folkson

It has to be said that I remember the original 1987 BBC miniseries fondly, although that was before my family headed off into the blue and I experienced something not too far removed myself. Now after the event, this new BBC film version, although somewhat whitewashed it is quite a lark, at least for me, and felt unfairly short. For a more serious and evocative film of the same ilk be sure to watch the amazing Respiro.

Charming (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:38:38 GMT

Where the Heart Is

by Matt Williams (II)

Of the same ilk as Southern Belles, this is a wonderful little voyage of self-reliance, the kindness of strangers and friends, and of a few moisty-eye tribulations but that yet has many humorous moments and does indeed leave you with a warm heart. Although Nathalie Portman is clearly the key character the story diverges every now and then to give a glimpse of the misadventures becoming her child’s estranged father.

Natalie wasn’t terribly convincing at carrying a pregnancy but she and the cast are alltogether excellent, particularly Ashley Judd and James Frain (Sunshine). Being abandoned at a Wallmart in middle America is not something you’d want to face, but provides ample opportunity to tell a story of facing ones self-worth and the balance of luck. Of course any good story about life tries to connect with you and I recognised some of Nathalie’s character’s self-reliant, yet avoidant nature, and photographic interest in myself.

I’d normally reserve the highest rating for visually stunning cinema but I really enjoyed this. Don’t let the cover put you off, it’s not really as chick-flick as it might suggest.

Firey Embers (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 12:33:02 GMT

Eulogy

by Michael Clancy

I initially thought this was going to be a bit dull. But it lit up quite spectacularly in the slightly goofy fashion typical of films about kooky-families. Zooey Deschanel is a star, but from my viewings so far seems to be somewhat type-cast, whilst Hank Azaria more than adequately made up for his disengenious accent in Along Came Polly.

Ideas are Bulletproof (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 16:25:18 GMT

V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition)

by James McTeigue

V_ is very well spoken, particularly in his use of words beginning wth, _v. I shan’t say anything about the subject matter as its interpreation will vary, and I’m not familiar with the original material (a comic I presume) but the plot has similarities to Ultraviolet (the 2006 movie, not the excellent 1998 British Vampire mini-series). I did find it a somewhat pertinent if excessive reminder of the times we’re in, although I was quite taken aback at its portayal of a potential future England. A brave and well executed role from Natalie Portman (although her accent burbled on occasion), and I enjoyed all the other cast members except Ben Miles who as I’m a big fan of Coupling just seemed out of place (he fitted Imagine Me & You perfectly though). The overall effect was of an English police drama within a fantasy sociological background. I found it very satisfying.

Incidentally there’s a cool mix of speeches and Bollywood samples over the credits which is Bkab by Ethan Stoller. I was also amused to see credits for Website Designer and Website Content Producer.

A con by any other name (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 05:08:23 GMT

Derailed (Unrated Widescreen)

by Mikael Håfström

An unexpectedly refreshing crime thriller with solid performances and an ellusive ending. Although suprised to see him, Cassel makes for quite a good vilain (he wasn’t as good in the rather entertaining Birthday Girl, as compared his native French performances such as l’Appartement). Also nice to see Aniston breaking out into other genres. There are some holes in the plot—good grifters would never repeat their methods so precisely, but this is a minor mar.

A review of "The Lost City" (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 11:16:13 GMT

The Lost City

by Andy Garcia

Great music and dance, some nice scenery—but not as engrossing a story as I had hoped. The revolutionary aspect is fairly inconsequential and I’m not a huge fan of mafia flicks (except for the bits that involve preparing garlic).

A story about "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Dimension Collector's Series)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:35:33 GMT

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Dimension Collector's Series)

I don’t know what to say. I never realised this was part of a pseudo-series in the View Askewniverse. The first Kevin Smith film I saw was Chasing Amy, which I liked (mainly because of Joey Lauren Adams) and I’ve also watched Dogma (excellent) but it never registered that there was a link. (Actually I’ve also watched Jersey Girl (very nice) but that’s not apparently part of the View Askewniverse.)

This film is not really worth watching unless your find the apparent incestiousness of Hollywood interesting, and I have to admit it was actually quite entertaining seing people like James Van der Beek (Dawson’s Creek), Ben Affleck and Shannen Doherty featured for what was essentialy no reason at all. Jay and Silent Bob themselves, are however not my mug of horlicks.

A review of "Along Came Polly (Widescreen Edition)" (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jacob) — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 07:45:45 GMT

Along Came Polly (Widescreen Edition)

by John Hamburg

Without the toilet humour it would have been quite a bit more enjoyable. I did however have to laugh, and found it to be a generally quite amusing and undemanding romantic cringe-comedy about some quirky, but actually fairly normal folks (umm, by my defintion). Indeed I would hardly call Ben’s character the most cautious man on Earth. Debra Messing (Grace, of Will and Grace) was a nice addition, and I particularly enjoyed Aussie Bryan Brown’s interpretation of a high flyer. Meanwhile Aniston was a bit flaccid but then her character was more than a little flighty (having said that, if she exists in real life—I want to meet her!). The scuba diving Frenchman’s accent was not very convincing for someone who does such a great job on the Simpsons, and I felt rather sorry for the blind ferret.