Final Cut

I knew nothing at all about this film before I went to see it, so I was very surprised by it's content. Basically, a group of friends gather at the wake of one of their friends who has died. At this wake, they are shown a video that he has produced consisting of secret film taken of them all. This video gives away some of their deepest and darkest secrets, as well as giving an insight into what they really think of each other. For about the first fifteen minutes I found myself lost as to what was going on, but then it all starts to become clear and leads up to the sting at the end. Be aware though that the language is very strong and some of the actions in it are quite explicit. Despite this, though, I found it very enjoyable and I was absolutely hooked to it for most of the time. As an aside, if you've ever watched 'Operation Good Guys' on BBC you will recognise a lot of the cast.

I watched the DVD last evening and found myself for the first time on hundreds of films fast-forwarding through most of it.

How in heavens' name can it be said that these were secretly taped scenes when half the time the subject is making google-eyes at the camera like some 12 year old?

I really think I may have seen better home videos of kids' birthday parties (surely more genuine). (Or was the 'tinkling' in the bathroom supposed to be some kind of 'high spot?')

The premise of Final Cut is interesting. A man (Jude Law) dies

and leaves behind a film for his friends to watch at his wake. His

wife (Law's real life spouse Sadie Frost) is the Mistress of

Ceremonies at this screening but we find out later that she is

much more than that. The performances are riveting and the slow

build of tension is tittilating but the pay off is a little disappointing.

some of the violence and shock is laced with a sense of humor at

first but soon it gets very serious then downright careless and

callouse. It is hard to root for any of these characters to succeed.

They seem to have no redeeming value so when something bad

happens to them you are relieved but the punishment is so easily

shaken off. Lots of mischief, revelation and loss but no hope or

redemption.

There is one word I can use to sum up this film: weird. It's one of those films that, even though you're thinking it's really quite slow and boring, you can't actually get up and walk out of it because it is nevertheless still gripping. Not a film I would particularly recommend for anyone to spend their hard earned cash on, but not as bad as some reviews have made out. It would probably be better watching it in the comfort of your own home.

I was so so disappointed although I should really have known that when critics have a unanimously low opinion of a film that it is usually warranted. I mistakenly decided to give this film a chance though staying up way past my bed time to watch it it so was not worth my time. this is because from start to finish this is the film equivalent of the words pretencious, self indulgent and nauseating. Worst of all I really am quite a big Jude Law fan and most of the other actors on screen are talented elsewhere like Ray Winstone and throughout I was left to ponder where they lost their way. Basically the plot such as there is one is that Jude Law has died and left his 'friends' a tape which documents their misdeeds and that is really the plot line - cue lots of unpleasant over the top shouting and swearing - paticularly Winstone(and don't get me wrong I'm a big fan of swearing in film when necessary but to my recall he doesn't stop.) as they grow angry at what Jude has done. It is bad, and for people to try to justify the negative opinions I am not alone in putting forth by saying that the only reason we have them is because this is a hard film to watch or because it's subject matter is disturbing is rubbish, The film just isn't good full stop. No acting that warrants merit is displayed no human emotions are shared or elaborated on no interesting issues are explored this merely is unpleasantness for no reason whatsoever! I mean I personally found Gary Oldman's Nil By Mouth very hard going and disturbing to watch but still have a good opinion of it as a film! Basically anyone who may at any point in the future be in the position to see this don't bother! this is one film where believing the hype is wise because all I recall about this film is a total lack of anything that justified it being made.