Monday, March 16, 2009

Why do people like Gran Torino?!

The world's gone mad.

Why do people like Gran Torino so much?!

They don't just like it- they love it and we can't understand how. Just look at all those stars on the advert that I found in the paper...

Empire- shame on you:
'4/5 Simply terrific, enormously watchable and an absolute must for all Eastwood fans. Gotta say it: this film will make your day.'
IMDb shame on you: No.80 in the best films of all time. Better than 2001' (87)? Better than Braveheart (103)? Better even than Jaws (106)?!



We gave it:

Gran Torino
4/10
Clint is hilarious but can’t save a weak story with terrible acting. Full of laughable moments that aren’t deliberate.

Mar 15th

If you haven't seen it yet here's a snapshot of it on the tube.

So why do I think this is the most overrated film in years? Well sometimes if you're not in the mood for a film, or you're tired, or you have an unhealthy dislike for one of it's actors then that explains it. But this wasn't the case. I wanted to like this film. I like Clint as an actor and director: exhibit A...

Changeling
9/10.
Compelling heart-wrenching drama of a bleak,corrupt 20s LA.More proof that Eastwood is 1 of America's most vital filmmakers.


Some of the it was hilarious like the casual and embarrassing racism that Clint spews out so nonchalantly: 'what are you fish heads looking at.' Eastwood does play a grumpy racist very well.

But that doesn't right the many wrongs in this long, expensive and hyped up film. I have issue with the story for example. More specifically the pacing of it. One minute we are enjoying Eastwood's hatred for the world then next he is forgiving the next door neighbour for trying to steal his pride and joy- a vintage Gran Torino.

It's all too fast and too unbelievable. I thought the whole point of the film is for a racist old man to get redemption for his war atrocities? If this is the case then it definitely peaked too soon. The most ridiculous example of this is the cringe-worthy BBQ scene about 1/3 through. It all happens too quickly and lacks the depth of character that I think the film was aiming for.


Another major issue is the script. I'm not a director or film maker but I can spot a cliche when I see one! The worst example of this was the scene where Walt (Eastwood) confronts the gang of black youths who are harassing the lead girl for no apparent reason. You can watch it here.

Or how about the awful adlibing here.

Do people actually talk like this?!

It seems to me that this film is a bit of a mess: it tries to be 'down with the kids' whilst also pleasing the old Dirty Harry fans whilst also trying to give us all a stern moral message. Instead, in the humble opinion of 10SecondReviews it fails on all three counts and is simply hilarious.

Or have I just missed the point?


Joe



Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The February Roundup

The good, the bad and the ones that caused arguments in February...


The best new film we saw this month:


Che Part Two

8/10.

A towering display from Del Toro in the more emotionally driven half of Soderbergh's epic. A bold, novel & special film.









The best 3 films we saw this month:

Leon


9/10.


Arguably Besson's best. Superb cast shine in 106 minutes of suspense filled thriller. Undeniable chemistry between Portman & Reno.









Amores Perros


9/10.


A savage & raw experience. A Mexican multi-story drama packing a powerful punch. What a gripping debut from Iñárritu!







Groundhog Day


9/10.


A classic 90s comedy. A simple yet fantastic concept with Murray at his cynical best. Enjoyable again & again...& again










The worst 3 films we saw this month:

Elizabethtown

2/10.


Crowe overindulges with a plotless, annoying romantic drama lacking focus & chemistry. Better time spent counting your feet












The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

3/10


This shoddy H

ollywoodised remake substitutes gore for scares & feels all too convenient. Just watch original.







He's Just Not That Into You


3/10.


The all-star cast can't save this confused adaptation. Poorly paced with a conflicted ending. Avoid.








And the one that we couldn't agree on...



The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

7/10

Fascinating concept brought home with Fincher's usual charm and skill. Long but lovable.

...Really?!