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04-Jun-2003

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Yet more computer animation from Pixar with this amusing look at the proverbial 'monster under the bed' that most children fear. "Monsters Inc.", is another hilarious outing from those comedians at Pixar, with, as usual, plenty for the adults to laugh at too. Not quite at the dizzying heights of the "Toy Story" films, this is certainly great fun and very funny. DVD/video.


image © Lucasfilm

The 'second' Star Wars film; "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones" is simply stunning. As an epic story is being told over a series of 3 films, this film really helps to put "The Phantom Menace" in the broader picture, and consequently improves it! The special effects are amazing, with some stunning new planets, settings and amazing aliens taking major roles in the film. We also discover the origins of the famous bounty hunter (not pictured on the left!). However, the tone of this film certainly does have elements of foreboding. We all know what is yet to come, and the sense of doom is palpable.

Special effects technology is so fine tuned these days that it is impossible to 'see the join' between the various techniques used. Although the action is so fast paced that it is too hard to try. I was fortunate to see this all digital movie at digital projector equipped cinema and it looked superb! There are a number of quiet moment, especially 'The Sound of Music' love scenes which are of course vital to the plot. Sharp eyed fans will have plenty to spot as various elements that are known about the 'future' are touched upon to great effect. DVD/video.

Another remake from Hollywood, but "The Time Machine" may well be worth catching. With direction from the author's grandson, Simon Wells and the very latest in visual effects this could be a major cinematic treat. I am sure many fans of the original will remember the 'cop out' of showing thousands of years passing by having the time machine engulfed in rock. In this outing there is no such escape from expensive effects and a spectacular view of geological time passing is promised! DVD/video.
Based on the comic adventures, the film "Spiderman" proves to be a real treat. There are, as you would expect, some super special effects, primarily of Spiderman himself swinging through New York. A recent TV program highlighted just how much of the film was computer generated, and this comes as a huge surprise. The early scenes of Peter Parker discovering and exploring his new-found powers are great fun, but sadly over too fast. The villain of the movie, the Green Goblin, was somewhat unbelievable and as a result the plot does become too predictable. However, as an all new outing at the cinema for this webbed-wonder, this film certainly shows the potential for what could become a great franchise of movies. DVD/video.

Starring Tom Cruise, "Minority Report" is a surprise treat for science fiction fans. Based on a Philip K Dick short story this film is reminiscent of the brilliant "Blade Runner". Great action sequences merge well with the more thoughtful scenes full of twists and surprises. Featuring some great ideas for the future of 2054 with an amazing computer interaction system and a transport system that will truly amaze. Great action, super special effects and a brilliant plot, what more could one ask for? DVD/video.

What a disappointment is contained in "Men in Black II". Whilst there is plenty of humour, the jokes tend to fall flat thanks to poor delivery. There seems to be a general air of depression over the whole fiasco, especially from Tommy Lee Jones. He played a great dead-pan role in the first movie and has changed to just plain miserable. The jokes are re-hashed from the original film and there is nothing new or fresh to add to the franchise. This will, however, make a great movie to watch at home - preferably after the far superior original. DVD/video.

With Nickolodean being involved with "Clockstoppers" this could be a really tacky film.   Opened 2002.

Continuing the trend for remaking old classics a new version of "Rollerball" is due later this year. But how will it compare with the original? Opened 2002.

Another of the writings of Philip K. Dick is about to hit the big screen in the shape of "Impostor". In a paranoid future, our hero wakes to find that he has become public enemy number one, but why? Also, are the rumours that he is an alien true? Opened 2002.

Although I haven't read any of the Harry Potter books, the latest film, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" is great entertainment. Better than the first movie, this film having done the introductions in the previous offering, can get stuck in with the plot. Of course the opening scenes with the awful 'muggles' that are looking after Harry are quite dreadful and over-the-top, but heh, this film is for children! There is also plenty to offer adults with some quite scary moments to keep everyone worried. The special effects are superb, with several new characters to laugh at or with. The most notable is Kenneth Brannagh sending himself up wonderfully. For those who think he takes too much of the limelight, sit through the credits for a little 'extra' at the end!. DVD/video.

Is "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" better than the first movie? YES! Do the images match with those brought to mind whilst reading the book? YES - and how! The second part of this visually stunning feast finally opens and what an incredible meal this is. Yet again, the movie ends at least 30 minutes before you think it will, as 3 hours simply fly by. The Ents really do look like they should and are completely believable. Gollum/Sméagol is the film's masterpiece, completely capturing the audience's emotions. The scenes at Helm's Deep, using a full size set in a suitable New Zealand valley, are jaw droppingly amazing. If this film doesn't capture more deserving Oscars this time then it will be clear that the whole Oscars system is seriously flawed. Roll on December 2003! Opened December 2002.

There is no intent to infringe copyrights and trademarks for films detailed in these pages. Such copyrights and trademarks are held by their respective owners and their use is made to link to the official sites only of the appropriate film. As such it is deemed that their use is covered under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Design and original photography however are copyright © 1999-2003 Dave Patterson.

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