geoffreyharris2003

I decided to watch this film, not expecting very much for some reason. However I must say that I found the film surprisingly good. I particularly liked the 1930s period setting, and the plot was excellently revealed. Both main characters were well played by Ian Mckellen and Gemma Arteton. Mr Mckellen was particularly good, he is still an excellent master of his craft and seems as good as ever in the Autumn of his life.

.The film tells the story of a renowned theatre critic in 1930s London, and his unusual relationship with a struggling young actress. It conveys all the human frailties, such as deceit, jealousy, selfishness and vengeance, with the odd twist at the end. Definitely worth a watch.

I lasted about 40 minutes, and then gave up. This film was tediously boring, I knew it was going to be a long haul but I really couldn't face another two and a half hours of it. To be fair Cillian Murphy is a fine actor and is very watchable but even he couldn't hold my attention any longer. The story itself should have been enough to result in a good film. I think that often film makers believe that the longer the film the greater it will be received by the public. There have of course been many many great long films, but they have all had one thing in common and that is to have the audience and wanting more. As I didn't watch the whole film I know my criticism can be easily dismissed, but I cannot see the point in struggling to maintain any interest just for the sake of it.

I'm afraid to say that I gave up on this film with ten minutes left. It was an absolute waste of time, and I'm surprised Liam Neeson embarrassed himself to take part. It is a ludicrous plot from start to finish. Neeson plays a middle aged Insurance Salesman who is approached by a woman on a train and asked to accept a curios task, with a promise of a huge reward. The story then unravels into a ridiculous trail of events with Leeson performing like an 'action man' despite being in his retirement years. I like Neesons films usually, but it's a shame he decided to take the money for this rubbish, he's better than that.