Adapted from the book of the same name by Phillipa Gregory, 'The Other Boleyn Girl' is a historical epic based around two sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) fighting to be the object of King Henry VIII's (Eric Bana) affections. Quite why these three key roles were given to an Israeli, American and Australian respectively is a mystery when one feels British actors could have done just as good a job in such a quintessentially British tale. English talent David Morrissey and Kristin Scott-Thomas are fantastic in supporting roles which only goes to highlight this further.The film blends fact and fiction in the telling of this famous tale concerning possibly the most influential Queen Consort in English history. The line between truth and embellishment is truly blurred and what emerges is less a film than a soap opera. Key events are simply glanced upon as the film attempts to pack in every possible plot point but with no real depth (the Church of England's break with Rome garners but two scenes of attention). The characterisation also suffers here and such captivating historical figures see their potential unfulfilled. Portman and Johansson do well with flimsy parts, Bana, however, outshines them and it is a pity he gets such little screen time.
Verdict: Lacking in depth but rife with Eastenders-esque scandal and excitement. Good fun, but little more.
THE BANK JOB
Based on a true story, Jason Statham heads a heist on a London bank and finds more in the vault than he bargained for. The vault is home to many a private deposit box filled with secrets, the crown jewels of which (excuse the pun) are compromising pictures of Princess Margaret engaging in what can only be described as 'a casual threesome'. As with the previously reviewed film, it is unclear how much of what is told really happened and how much has been added for entertainment purposes, but it is an intriguing tale nonetheless.
This isn't your typical Statham outing, not as much shouting, punching and explosions as we may have come to expect - the man clearly thrives on those aspects and struggles outside his comfort zone. The true story behind the film offers so much more and one feels that in safer hands, and with better casting, it could have been. Ultimately the film we see before us sadly seems destined for a Saturday night on Channel Five. The is reminiscent of 2001's 'The Parole Officer', with less laughs and more plot complications. Never thrilling, but well paced and not overly long and with a bit of nudity thrown in for the lads.
Verdict - Not awful, but nothing you won’t have seen done much better before. If it does ever pop up on Channel Five it may be worth a watch, but only if there's nothing else on.
Based on a true story, Jason Statham heads a heist on a London bank and finds more in the vault than he bargained for. The vault is home to many a private deposit box filled with secrets, the crown jewels of which (excuse the pun) are compromising pictures of Princess Margaret engaging in what can only be described as 'a casual threesome'. As with the previously reviewed film, it is unclear how much of what is told really happened and how much has been added for entertainment purposes, but it is an intriguing tale nonetheless.This isn't your typical Statham outing, not as much shouting, punching and explosions as we may have come to expect - the man clearly thrives on those aspects and struggles outside his comfort zone. The true story behind the film offers so much more and one feels that in safer hands, and with better casting, it could have been. Ultimately the film we see before us sadly seems destined for a Saturday night on Channel Five. The is reminiscent of 2001's 'The Parole Officer', with less laughs and more plot complications. Never thrilling, but well paced and not overly long and with a bit of nudity thrown in for the lads.
Verdict - Not awful, but nothing you won’t have seen done much better before. If it does ever pop up on Channel Five it may be worth a watch, but only if there's nothing else on.
BE KIND REWIND
Jack Black and Mos Def team up in Michel Gondry's (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) latest release in a comedy revolving around a failing video rental store. Early on the film struggles as an utterly ridiculous plot device becomes the catalyst for proceedings - Jerry (Black) breaks into a power plant, is subsequently electrocuted and wipes all the videos in the store Mike (Mos Def) works in. The pair then set about recording their own, shortened versions of these films in a process referred to as "sweding".
The sweding scenes are hilarious (more can be viewed on the film's official website) and really kick start the movie which at times threatened to never get going. These best of the sweding’s include Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy and its a shame when this fantastic second act has to end and the plot re-emerge. Again the film struggles as the 'baddies' are introduced and a resolution to the tale has to be reached, but just as things seem to be falling apart Gondry produces a highly touching and emotive ending. Although badly paced and boring in parts, the film does have its merits and deserves credit for an original idea and it's side-splitting swedings.
Verdict: Swedings aside, this isn't a great film. But they alone make it worth a watch and the best DVD release of the week.
Jack Black and Mos Def team up in Michel Gondry's (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) latest release in a comedy revolving around a failing video rental store. Early on the film struggles as an utterly ridiculous plot device becomes the catalyst for proceedings - Jerry (Black) breaks into a power plant, is subsequently electrocuted and wipes all the videos in the store Mike (Mos Def) works in. The pair then set about recording their own, shortened versions of these films in a process referred to as "sweding".The sweding scenes are hilarious (more can be viewed on the film's official website) and really kick start the movie which at times threatened to never get going. These best of the sweding’s include Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy and its a shame when this fantastic second act has to end and the plot re-emerge. Again the film struggles as the 'baddies' are introduced and a resolution to the tale has to be reached, but just as things seem to be falling apart Gondry produces a highly touching and emotive ending. Although badly paced and boring in parts, the film does have its merits and deserves credit for an original idea and it's side-splitting swedings.
Verdict: Swedings aside, this isn't a great film. But they alone make it worth a watch and the best DVD release of the week.
