Downfall - Eddy T.

'Downfall' is a German film about the last days of the life of Adolf Hitler, seen through, for the most part, the eyes of his increasingly bewildered secretary Traudl Junge. It is a sober examination of people twisted beyond recognition by perverse ideals and wartime desperation. Hitler is portrayed as a dead man walking, utterly delusional and swinging between raging despair and wild hope. It is a portrait consistent with historical accounts, of a ruthless tyrant who in those days had lost all his messianic charisma (leading many of his army staff to openly question his leadership abilities), a barely sane and rational man who yet could muster affection for those he perceived as still loyal.
There has been a tendency to depict Hitler as Evil incarnate, and this film has earned some controversy by allowing for some humanity in him. Evil, of course, is a human trait and one cannot understand an evil man if one is not prepared to see him as a man. For all the admirable directness and clear-sightedness of 'Downfall', its subject remains something of an enigma. This is in part due to the film's narrow focus on Hitler's last days.
There is also no mention of the heavy medication Hitler was under, and the palpable German fear of a vengeful Red Army pillaging, raping and murdering many before it, mention which would have explained more fully the bizarre behaviour of the occupants of Hitler's bunker. On the other hand, street battle scenes are staged with realism and the suffering of civilians is not glossed over.
It is difficult to sit through 150 minutes of the inexorable fall of an utterly corrupt man and his regime. And for those who wish to understand how a state such as Nazi Germany could have come about, they would be better served by the many books on that subject. This is however an important historical drama that stays true to well-documented events and it deserves the widest audience.
Rating: 8/10

Sin City - Sean M

Sin City is an andrenaline ride, revelling in its comic book origins, drawing on them for visual inspiration and over the top plot lines. Much attention has been drawn to its violence, which is extremely graphic and not for the faint of heart, but the directors overcomes this by deliberately caricaturing the dwellers of the city, and injecting a constant stream of humour. Three different stories have been amalgamated together for this film, with the main characters played by Bruce Willis, Clive Owen and Mickey Rourke. These are just some of the many Hollywood stars who have been attracted to this script. This is a great film, one which I absolutely encourage people to see, but take into account that its come from a comic book and that it is very violent.

House of Wax - Shelvia

Not really my type of movie. It's packed with violence and yucky stuffs (blood everywhere).
Paris Hilton didn't do much of acting in the movie though. She was more the barbie doll who simply stand and be herself. Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray act quite convincingly.
The storyline itself is not bad and it is quite creepy (although i feel more disgusted by the yucky stuff than thrilled by the creepy ones). Wouldn't suggest this movie to people who just had a large meal. :P

My Rating: 6.5/10

Cinderella Story - VK

I saw Cinderella Story and it was an awesome movie!!!! Hilary Duff is a very convincing actress. I would recommend it to all 13 year old girls!!! two thumbs up!

House of Flying Daggers (DVD) - Eddy T.

'House of Flying Daggers' has vivid and colourful cinematography and sets, attractive leads, some visceral - if incredible - fight scenes and critically-acclaimed director Zhang Yimou. Yet I found it deadly dull (after the intriguing Peony Pavillion opening scene). For a film-maker who earlier in his career delivered powerful films such as 'Raise the Red Lantern' and 'Ju Dou', this film, as well as the previous 'Hero' must rank as low points in his art.

Even when taken as a straight-out action/'chase' thriller, the thrills diminish with each succeeding stylised action set piece. The problems are an absolute absence of suspense, a lack of character development, implausible plot twists crammed into the second half, and that bane of modern film-making: the overuse of CG effects. 'Matrix'-like effects and obvious CG just don't sit well with a period martial-arts extravaganza. It doesn't help either that the brooding soundtrack keeps sign-posting what's about to happen.

Ang Lee's 'Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon' remains the best recent example of this genre.

Rating: 4/10