slavewire

Rarely does a film come along that will really blow me away. I don't necessarily always watch films to just experience a good story unfold. Hell, sometimes I don't even care if it has a beginning or an ending that makes sense. So long as it satisfies what I really love about movies. And that's the mood and atmosphere, a fitting soundtrack, the visuals and cinematography, cool filters and editing, strange and interesting characters, and the kind of dialogue that I would happily listen to on a loop to accompany dark electro ambient music.

If plots, answers and explanations are your thing, then best avoid this. Otherwise, welcome to something cool, exquisite and wonderfully weird. However, going in, I didn't quite know what to expect. Like most people, I read the synopsis and felt intrigued. I knew it would be interesting, just not How interesting for my tastes. I remember 30mins into the movie, I had to pause and read that synopsis again as I had too many questions I wanted answers to. I didn't quite find the answers I was looking for. Then towards the end, I had no idea what drove the main character to do some of the things he did. But I didn't bloody care. I was already sold from the opening credits anyway. I was thoroughly enjoying myself. I was in my movie-heaven- happy-place.

The music and sounds in this movie are also of considerable excellence that I just have to address. I haven't been so enthralled and enamored by a musical score since a select few films like Suspiria, Pi and Requiem for a Dream. In fact, the musical score is a substantial ingredient for these kind of films. But this, like the three other films mentioned, excel in every possible way.

Then you have the editing and overall visual look. As a photographer in real life, this film was akin to a wet dream of sorts. I was in cinematography wonderland. Almost every scene and shot is a remarkably structured picture in its own right. You can open a gallery exhibiting pictures from this movie alone and be sure of its success.

It's also a movie based in the '80's. And it certainly feels like that era. The dark retro vibe in this movie is omnipresent.

Then you have one of the strangest creepiest characters to have the pleasure of watching. Such... quaint charisma. A psycho or a troubled soul? Maybe both. Either way, it's an excellent performance.

It's films like this that really make me love the experience of cinema. This is what I look for when I don't concern myself with beginnings and endings and consistent plots. Movies, unlike books, have the power of treating us to visual treats, and this does the job splendidly. Although, I must point out that it was experienced on a large projector screen in HD quality with a booming sound system. I don't expect everyone will enjoy it in the same circumstances, which may very well diminish the overall experience - a fact that saddens me. But for anyone with access to those means or something similar, and taking into account that this is your type of movie, then prepare to be spellbound. However, it's really not for everyone.

As for me, I can't wait to watch it again.

First off, I don't understand why some people are criticising this as being in the same style as The Office and Extras, rehashing old jokes and concepts. So what? Both shows were funny and this is even funnier. What's more, this show is missing the pathos the previous shows had, which reserved some space for us to empathise with some of the characters, and in doing so, slowed the shows down a bit at times. Not a bad thing, by any means, but in Life's Too Short we're offered one great comedy scene after another, with a lovable character who's more than happy to make us laugh at his expense and pulling no punches with the material he's given to work with.

The fact that the show guest stars other various celebrities 'playing themselves' (as in Extras), is an aspect that's always welcome to watch. But what's more important of this type of show, is not just the exceptional writing and cringe worthy situations the characters find themselves in, but the facial expressions and comic timing of every character. And when that's done right, as it is here, then I wouldn't mind seeing this kind of comedy rehashed over and over - for some jokes just never get old.

This should be categorised as super science fiction, but I'll let that slide.. Just stuff your brain in your pocket for this one and enjoy the ride.

The action is way over the top unbelievable, as is the preposterous story line, as well as every sentence of dialogue. It's also a little too long for its own good. But overall, you won't really care. This is the 5th instalment of a franchise where you know what to expect - a lot of car action as well as plenty of gun-toting, foot chasing and one-on-one brawling; on which it delivers, overwhelmingly so, to the point that your head will be spinning by the end of it all.