Reviews

This was my first introduction to Jean Eustache's work (during a retrospective at a local film fest) and I didnt really know what to expect. Having seen 12 films in the past 4 days, and lining up an old French film that was over 2 hours, I was prepared to fight to stay awake. I must say I was more than pleasantly surprised to find myself getting caught up in this charming tale of a boy's youth in France. In some ways, the lack of a distinct plot adds to the charm of the film, as a series of vignettes strung together give the real feeling of a slice of life. The gaucheness of the boy, especially towards girls, had the entire audience squirming in their seats at times, but out of sympathy for the lad, who I would rate as the character I have connected most with emotionally in recent time.

The way that women are depicted in the film is certainly dated when we look back on it now, however in some ways this works well, as we are never really privy to how these women think just as Daniel is not (it is very interesting that we do not learn his name until very much near the end, and I for one did not realise I hadnt known it). Beautifully and lovingly shot, very well acted indeed, this is a feelgood film without being sappy, Amelie without the surrealism.

First off - I must stipulate, I am a movie buff, but not specifically a Star Wars buff. I have enjoyed the first series, but like most was let down by TPM. I went into AOTC with few expectations, and was more than pleasantly surprised. The action was swift, easy to follow, and there were enough silly one-liners. The effects in the fight and action scenes were superb, although were occasionally poor in the dialogue sections. The acting was highly appropriate - just over the top enough to fit in well with the rest. As a Kiwi, it was a bit odd seeing Jay Lagai'a (sp?) and Temuera Morrison on the big screen, still looking and sounding like kiwis, but they acquited themselves well.

All in all - an enjoyable 2 1/2 hrs, although the dialogue in some areas was worse than weak, and occasionally the film felt a little too "knowing" about what was to come (in IV, V and VI).