godamndevil1977

For the most part, this is a pretty good film.

It's quite apparent that the picture was made on a shoe-string but let us not worry, because the film crew use what little they have to keep you gripped.

Playing on many familiar strangers-in-a-strange-town themes, Devil's Bridge is menacing, gritty & dark. Just how you want it.

There were moments (especially the ending) I figured were not thought-out as well as can be, but it doesn't matter because for 90 minutes the 3 main actors plus villain do a fantastic job of cat n mouse. As the film rolled on, each actor seemed to grow more & more comfortable within their role, at times, too believable especially for the deranged, psychotic farmer.

No one-liners or Tarantino-style-rip-off speeches, just a pretty good parable painting a picture of very bad timing for three 30-something men with no respect for strangers.

I doubt you'd be disappointed.

Into the Wild

I admit, I wouldn't have been aware of this film if it were not for the Soundtrack, which was appropriately penned by Eddie Vedder, who I am a longtime fan of.

There's nothing groundbreaking or deeply unique about 'Into The Wild', but that doesn't matter too much, because the film in itself is quite staggering, especially as it was based around a true story (and from what I've read), the film doesn't stray from the realness of what happened to Christopher McCandless -- our protagonist who is in search of himself and as he puts it to his friends & associates (I'm missing out family for a reason) his; "great Alaskan Adventure".

Apparently Director Sean Penn followed the footsteps and journey of McCandless before embarking on this artistic independent picture. In short, Christopher McCandless graduates his college education with excellent results, a promising future and selfishly throws all his parents help back at them (donates $24k of funds to oxfam), by quitting life -- literally and attempting to travel by whatever means; river, road, freeloading trains & foot, from one end of America to the next.

Along the way of course, he meets many characters who help colour the story and help illustrate McCandless determination to live his dream and at the same time breaks their hearts.

I wouldn't want to reveal everything about this film, but if you do check it out I can't imagine anyone not being impressed by the staggering cinematography, acting & old fashioned story telling that is neatly outlined by Eddie Vedder's bittersweet folk songs.

~Paul Browne.

Like a lot of film fans, I was super impressed with the first two Bourne pictures. Most of us agree -- they were pretty original and definitely pushed the boundaries for the action-thriller genre. With all this in mind, I had my doubts on how the Bourne team could make a similar impact.

I'm glad to say, I think the Ultimatum is worthy. In its own right it is a great, very fast moving film with some brilliant photography (once you get past the jittery hand-held camera action), stunts & acting (besides Damon, all working solid working actors). As expected you get the panoramic city-scape views that Jason Bourne leads us thru, some brilliantly brutal "punch ups" in closer proximity, my favourite being the deadly scuffle with "Desh" a north African CIA Assassin.

Looking back at the Ultimatum, I do think the speed of the film left several short gaps, which is where I think fans may draw the Ultimatum as the weaker comparison, for instance; there is very little character development – there were opportunities to shed more light on Nicky & Pamela Landy, come to think of it, the lack of dialogue was largely replaced with facial sighs and physical exhaustion. I would've also liked to have seen Bourne use some downtime on the screen & possible preparations (ala early Bond) for his next skirmish.

With that said, it's not a fly in the ointment, especially as the story does tie up well and gives the viewer a sparkling ending.

~Paul Browne.