Bee Movie

... as watched on 1st January, 2008

• Dreamworks
• Official Website
• IMdB Profile
• Rating:

Synopsis: Touted as Jerry Seinfeld’s first major project since the 1998 end of his long-running eponymous TV series, 2007’s computer-animated BEE MOVIE stars the popular comedian as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a young bee eager to explore the world outside of his hive. As he discovers how people live in New York City, he befriends a human florist, Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger), and becomes outraged at the selling of honey, leading to a lawsuit and, of course, plenty of Seinfeldian misadventures . . . (Read more of this Rotten Tomatoes synopsis?)

It’s 10am on New Years’ Day. So what do the adults, post alcohol and an unusually late night, decide to do? We decide to take the kids where they need to sit down in the dark and be quiet. ingenious, eh?

It’s hard to know what to say about Bee Movie. Much like Ratatouille, the premise was wonderful, but it seemed to lose something on execution. Unlike other Dreamwork films it seemed much more juvenile (a statement evidenced by the fact that the kids laughed more than the grown-ups) and whilst not without it’s snappy, funny moments (the honey statue dissent was priceless and Vanessa’s husband, portrayed by the fiercely funny Patrick ‘Family Guy’ Warburton, was awesome) but within an hour it was difficult to stomach many more of those ‘witty’ Bee jokes.

An easy, entertaining 90 minutes, but Bee Movie was sadly forgettable.

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The Bet

... as watched on 29th December, 2007

• Rubbersquare / Abe Froman Productions
• Official Website
• IMdB Profile
• Rating:

Synopsis: In a decaying world of hopelessness, Henry and James have a long-standing game of placing a wager on the fate of those unfortunate enough to cross their path. The bet is simple: whose room will they die in? The latest pawn is a young woman with a mysterious past. Who is she? Where did she come from? Why is she here? The answer will explain who these two men really are . . . (Synopsis taken from the official website)

I kinda sorta know Dunn, the director and co-writer of this film. I say kinda, because it’s one of those tenuous online links, but I thank God that the link was there, for without it I doubt I’d ever have heard of let alone watched The Bet. On hearing the story and knowing Dunn’s influences - and then seeing the posters and stills - I would have wanted to watch it regardless of whether or not I knew the director. I became increasingly frustrated that the film was shown in the states but not here, so when the DVD was released, I bought it that very same day. Eager much?

It’s difficult to say much about the story without giving it away. I needed to watch it twice to really grab ahold of the narrative (it’s a little under twenty minutes long, so there’s time to review!) and the more you watch it, the more you’re sucked in. It’s full of subtleties and snapshots, the story playing its cards close to its chest and revealing more in what’s not said than what is. The film reeks of a calm, almost resigned inevitability, the cinematography stunningly beautiful, dark and dirty and despairing, the editing sharp and crisp. The score is glorious in its understatement - the entire film is.

It was so worth the wait.

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Enchanted

... as watched on 9th December, 2007

• Buena Vista Pictures
• Official Website
• IMdB Profile
• Rating:

Synopsis: With a fine cast and fun in-jokes, Disney’s ENCHANTED is sure to cast a spell over both children and adults. It begins with a 2-D animation sequence reminiscent of the company’s beloved past. Surrounded by dozens of cute animals, Giselle (voiced and later played by Amy Adams) sings about her desire to find her one true love. Meanwhile, a handsome prince (James Marsden) overhears her, and they meet and fall in love. In many Disney movies, this is where the story ends, but ENCHANTED is just starting out on its journey. The prince’s wicked stepmother (Susan Sarandon) can’t stand to lose her throne, so she pushes Giselle down a well, and the beauty ends up in the real world. Gone is the animated fantasy, and a live-action Giselle lands in the middle of Times Square in New York City. Her optimism and perkiness put her at odds with the New Yorkers she encounters, but she gets help from a cynical divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) as she waits for her prince to rescue her … (Read more of this Rotten Tomatoes synopsis?)

Patrick Dempsey as the prince to this princess’ happily ever after? Like I could possibly not like this.

It’s a little known fact that I’m a born romantic. Peel back the sarcasm and I go as goo-goo as the next girlie for a little Disney romance. So when I saw this advertised when we went to see Ratatouille, I KNEW that I had to see it and it didn’t let me down. The mix of 2- and 3D worked wonderfully, and Giselle’s wonder and surprise at everything our world has to offer could bring a smile to the most cynical face. Obviously - as with most Disney films - there’s an element of reality-suspension (really - who would pick up a woman dressed as a princess wandering around NYC? You’d be running in the other direction) but if you can get past that, it won’t disappoint. :) Yay for Prince Dempsey!

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Ratatouille

... as watched on 21st October, 2007

• Walt Disney Pictures / PIXAR Flims
• Official Website
• IMdB Profile
• Rating:

Synopsis: With astounding animation, inspirational messages, and endearing characters, Pixar Animation Studios (THE INCREDIBLES, CARS) and Walt Disney Pictures have whipped up something special with RATATOUILLE. A rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt) lives in Paris with a dream (and the talent) to be a chef. Opting to RAID the kitchens of Paris rather than the garbage cans and sewers of the city with his family, Remy is inspired by the philosophy of one of the city’s most legendary chefs, the late Gusteau (Brad Garrett). One night, Remy can’t resist practicing his skill in Gusteau’s restaurant. While his guard is down, Remy is discovered by a klutzy young man, Linguini (Lou Romano), who cleans the kitchen. Together Remi and Linguini become a culinary duo, with Remy playing puppeteer by concealing himself under Linguini’s chef’s hat. Remy pulls Linguini’s hair to direct his hands, helping to bring Remy’s creations to life. Soon Gusteau’s restaurant becomes the talk of the town–but would it still be the toast of Paris if everyone knew a rat was running the show? … (Read more of this Rotten Tomatoes synopsis?)

I feel like I’ve missed a trick here, as though I’m standing outside the Cool Kids’ Club and looking in through foggy glass. Yet again I seem to be on the outside, ostracised, the opposite to everyone else.

I was so unimpressed by this movie.

In the Vixx household we’re massive fans of PIXAR. From Toy Story to Monsters Inc. to Cars, we have ‘em all and we love ‘em all. In terms of looks, Ratatouille is no exception; the animation continues to amaze and defy expectation and is up there with Patrick Dempsey in the realms of the Impossibly Good Looking. That said, Ratatouille felt flat to me. Uninspired. The premise - a rat who can cook? How awesome is that! - is gorgeous, and promises so much, yet in reality I never cared much for Linguini, nor his missus, nor the rest of Remy’s family. In fact, the only character with much promise was bloody dead - poor Gusteau.

I suspect that PIXAR has spoiled me. Monsters Inc. remains one of my favourite films of all times, and with the slick graphics and engaging cockiness of Lightening McQueen in Cars, I don’t suppose it’s easy for PIXAR to continue to, time after time, produce films that so perfectly engage both child and adult. What I don’t understand is how everyone else seems to rave about this, where I found it predictable, stale and even lazy (the ‘puppteering’? C’mon!)

The best thing to come from this movie is finding out that I can spell ratatouille without having to look it up.

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1408

... as watched on 1st September, 2007

• Dimension Films
• Official Website
• IMdB Profile
• Rating:

Synopsis: The rating given to 1408 belies this film’s truly terrifying effects on its audience. Though it’s far less gory than its peers, it has frightening moments and a creepy mood throughout. John Cusack (IDENTITY) plays Mike Enslin, a gifted writer who has turned his talents to paranormal travel books. His stays in haunted hotels never shake him, but he’s intrigued by New York’s Dolphin Hotel. Room 1408 has been the site of dozens of deaths, and this is a selling point for the skeptic in Mike. Despite the warnings of the hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson, BLACK SNAKE MOAN), Mike resolves to stay in the haunted room. No one has lasted more than an hour in 1408, and Mike has his work cut out for him … (Read more of this Rotten Tomatoes synopsis?)

I always approach King films with an uneasy sense of expectation. As you probably know I’m a massive fan of the books, and as any fan girly will tell you it’s often depressing when - as is so usually the case - a book’s essence doesn’t seem to translate properly to screen.

In 1408’s case, I’m delighted to report that this was an exception to the rule. Although it’s essentially a Cusack One Man Show, I think his performance is fantastic, and the effects - not without their SHesque flavours - are awesome (well, with the exception of the pictures on the wall) and creepy as hell. Even well-seasoned horror fans will jump a-plenty at the shocks and turns of this well-paced story. A point was dropped purely due to the over-CGIed climax, otherwise this would have been 5/5!

The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” will never be the same again.

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