ben83's Reviews

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011)

18 January 2012

Finally a full staging of my favourite musical and the second longest running one in the U.K is here for the first time on DVD. This live production filmed straight from the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, which was broadcasted to cinemas and theatres around the world and celebrates 25 years of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, is nothing short of a lavish treat for the eyes and ears, with amazing performances and acting from the cast, including all the songs that fans of the show will know and remember.

The 25th Anniversary production stars the amazingly talented Iranian born Canadian Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom and American Broadway star Sierra Boggess as Christine Daae, with a great supporting performance from Hadley Fraser as Christine's love interest Raoul. Karimloo and Boggess incidentally are no strangers to the characters, having played them previously in the London production of the sequel to this show 'Love Never Dies'. Their chemistry on stage is perfect as are their performances.

Ramin is terrific as the Phantom and injects emotion and passion into the show playing the phantom as essentially a victim, with a voice that at times can be vengeful and deadly, yet soft and vulnerable at others. His delivery of the 'insolent boy' line near the beginning strikes fear right around the Albert Hall. I would even go as far to say that he is the best Phantom that I've watched so far, having previously experienced others on stage live and unfortunately the terrible 2004 movie version starring Gerard Butler. His acting is great without being over the top, and you really feel for the character. Sierra Bogges is also amazing displaying sensitivity, vulnerability and sexuality all throughout the show. Her performance of 'past of the point no return' being a particular highlight. The two leads work very well together and make the show believable.

There are also good supporting performances too. Hadley Fraser's Raoul is dynamic and energetic without becoming too irritating and makes quite a good match against the Phantom in the battle for Christine's heart. Wendy Ferguson and Wynne (Go Compare) Evans are very funny as the diva Carlotta and Piangi, the two Italian opera supremos who are the subjects of Phantom's rage and eventually driven to obedience. Equally as funny and memorable are the opera house managers Firmin and Andre, played brilliantly by Barry James and Gareth Snook, who camp it up and provide some additional comedy.

The staging and scenery is spectacular, with the doomed chandelier hanging above the audience and the on stage sets, especially the bridge leading to the Phantom's lair, featuring prominently. Due to the venue they had to make a very slight change to the chandelier scene at the end of the first part of the show, but it isn't a big deal and still has a great impact in my opinion.

The show is pretty much identical to that of the theatre version that one may see in London's West End or anywhere else it may be on. Some lines were changed ever so slightly but nothing noticeable or significant. The performances throughout will leave you astounded and definitely not disappointed. In fact there are simply no scenes or performances that can be criticised. If you are a fan of the show you will love this and not be disappointed.

As in usual 'anniversary style', like the Les Miserables 25th concert, they bring back all the old Phantom's and stars who have performed over the years in various productions. Including Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Andrew Lloyd-Webber also makes a speech about the show and it's legacy.

So now finally you can watch the show like you were in the theatre itself whenever you want. One advantage this production has over seeing it live is that you get to see all the facial expressions and emotions up close, thereby really getting a feel for the show almost like a movie in some parts (but definitely much better than the actual movie).

49 out of 50 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Could have been MUCH better

18 January 2012

Warning: Spoilers

After having seen The Phantom Of The Opera twice on stage in London's west end, once in 2000 and once recently in January 2012 and having viewed the 25th anniversary concert untold times on DVD also recently, I can only say that this movie version for me was an unfortunate disappointment which during the viewing made me want to skip to the end and afterwards left me feeling somewhat hard done by.

I think I would've preferred it if I had seen the movie first and the stage show/anniversary concert later, as it wouldn't have caused such an anti-climax that way. Although in all fairness it has to be said that any movie adaption of a hit musical (especially one as renowned as this one) is always at risk of suffering or not living up to the stage show. Sometimes they work, as in the case of Chicago. Alas here it fails miserably in my opinion.

Lets start with the most important ingredient of any musical......the singing. Gerard Butler's voice is simply not up to scratch for the quality of voice that normally befits the part. Instead of a booming, operatic voice, we are instead subjected to a lacklustre attempt at high notes and a terrible, and at times unintentionally amusing accent. He just doesn't have the vocal range for this part and at times often finds himself being out sung by his co-stars. OK the guy only received a small amount of voice training specially for this role, but why not just cast a known singer/actor preferably one who has played the part well before,like Ramin Karimloo (POTO 25th Anniversary Phantom) or John Owen-Jones? To be fair Butler tries his very very best, and you can't fault him for that. In parts he provides a certain menace to the role - but that's it really. Even his acting can't save him.

The part of Christine Daae played very well by Emmy Rossum, is one of the few highlights of the movie, and which also kept me watching to the end. You certainly cannot deny the girl has a great voice and is well suited for the part. She displays sensuality and sexuality well, and does what she can against Butler's wooden Phantom. Her rendition of 'Point Of No Return' is a particular highlight. Although sometimes she is lacking in emotion when she could've displayed more (although that's not just aimed at her as others in the ensemble are guilty too, especially in the final lair scene). But that responsibility lays mainly at the director's door.

Patrick Wilson's Raoul is OK too and more watchable than Butler, often delivering a solid performance, albeit sometimes irritating. Other supporting parts were played well, especially Miranda Richardson's Madame Giry, Jennifer Ellison's Meg Giry and the two opera managers Firmin and Andre were fun to watch played by Simon Callow and Ciran Hinds. Minnie Driver's Carlotta was a bit OTT but she was quite entertaining.

However often I found myself becoming irritated by the bad lip-syncing which at times was VERY obvious, and the fact that director Joel Schumacher kept cutting important parts, lines and plots (even the significant Chandelier scenes that make the stage show were done very badly if at all) from the movie and even swapped some songs around to suit the movie's agenda. I understand that often things like this have to be changed to make a movie, but the changes they made in my opinion were unnecessary and spoiled the experience. I feel that the movie could've been more faithful to the stage show.

The acting mostly looked wooden and felt very lacking in emotion or passion, apart from a few scenes. Butler is unsuited for this and is there I feel if only for being something for the ladies to look at. At times I found myself hoping for an explosion of passion and emotion in scenes and songs that I have seen been done amazingly in the past, only to feel disappointed and frankly robbed! I was especially surprised on the end credits to see that Andrew Lloyd-Webber himself had stamped his seal of approval and even co-wrote the screenplay.

Overall, the movie managed to be only faithful to the musical when it felt like it, but often sacrificed it to make it more Hollywood. If you are fan of the musical on stage you will probably find that you either love this or hate it. If you've watched The Phantom Of The Opera 25th Anniversary you will see the differences in performances, and will probably, like me, find yourself watching the latter after the movie just to drown out the bad notes of this movie.

Some small issues; why is the Phantoms facial disfigurement almost seemingly non-existent throughout the movie, only to suddenly appear in full force when his mask is removed? Why would Raoul/Christine let the Phantom get away after the sword fight scene? Why did Raoul age quicker than the older Madame Giry?

Of course it's always better to end on some positives: The cinematography is great and the special effects are fair. Costumes good, acting better from the supporting roles and you do get to enjoy the songs even though some are edited and cut slightly.

If you want a faithful adaption don't look here. Watch it live or buy the 25th Anniversary DVD instead.

0 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

The River Wild (1994)

Good old fashioned crowd pleaser

9 October 2011

Gail (Meryl Streep), brings her workaholic husband Tom (David Strathairn) and son Roarke along on a white river rafting trip for a bit of family bonding and partially to salvage what's left of her declining marriage.

The family vacation turns awry however, when they stumble across two mysterious strangers (Kevin Bacon & John C Reilly) who are in need of help as, so they claim, they are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need Gail to help them get out. Gail previously having worked as a guide on the river agrees. This is their story which differs somewhat to the actual truth as to what they are up to and soon husband Tom gets suspicious of the pair, as well he might! What follows is a roller-coaster ride of thrills, splashes, action and tension which successfully make this 90's action thriller a force to be reckoned with. It manages to keep the audience entertained and enthralled as Streep goes head to head with the two villains and of course the gushing river that cuts through the movie. The River Wild does what it says on the tin, all the while refraining from hiding behind any CGI effects, instead just using good old fashioned stunt work and great acting.

Directed by Curtis Hanson who had previously directed 'The Hand That Rocked The Cradle', he uses his previous skill in pumping up the tension successfully and there are some great moments that make you wonder what is going to happen next.

Meryl Streep is great as usual and plays the strong, level-headed female lead well, yet still with an air of vulnerability at the same time. Kevin Bacon is an excellent primary antagonist as Wade, along with his dumb partner in crime Terry. It's actually fun to watch as he uses his superficial charm to gain the trust of Gail and her family and then switching to a malevolent bad guy as soon as his motives are exposed. The scenes between Streep and Bacon are tense and dark which increases the pace even further.

There are strong supporting characters too, including David Strathairn's serious yet underestimated husband role. Joseph Mazzello, from Jurassic Park fame, is Gail's son who puts in a good performance here. Benjamin Bratt also makes a small appearance as a guide on the river. John C Reilly appears in an early career role and has since had stronger roles in film.

I have rated this film highly as it kept me entertained throughout. This is mainly due to the acting and direction which keep the pace going at break neck speed.

Good old 90's action thriller.

1 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Murder in the First (1995)

A powerful and harrowing watch

9 October 2011

Directed by Marc Rocco, Murder In The First (based very loosely on a true story), tells the tale of Alcatraz inmate Henri Young (Bacon) and his treatment at the hands of the Associate Warden and Alcatraz authorities, which subsequently lead to the catastrophic events that set the film in motion.

The period is set in the late 1930's. Petty thief Henri Young, played by Kevin Bacon, was sent to Alcatraz previously from another prison to make up the numbers as the infamous Rock was lacking incorrigibles at the time and the numbers needed justification. He and a small party of other prisoners attempt a daring escape which inevitably fails. One of the escapees, Rufus McCain cuts a deal with the Associate Warden Glenn (Gary Oldman) and is rewarded by being sent back to the general prison population. Henri Young is not so lucky and is sent to the dungeons of Alcatraz, commonly referred to as 'The Hole', where he spends a total of 3 years and 2 months in complete solitude, with no light, clothing, toilet or other basic provisions. We then witness Young's gradual descent into insanity as he is cut off from human contact and suffers merciless torture and beatings at the hands of the Warden and the guards there.

Young emerges a mere shell of his former self, and almost immediately kills another inmate in the prison canteen. The rest of the movie is focused on the subsequent court case whereby Henri is defended by a young and inexperienced, albeit enthusiastic lawyer James Stamphill, played by Christian Slater. Stamphill attempts to put Alcatraz and it's wardens on trial and expose the conditions there.

The movie is a solid one and is gripping enough to keep you watching. Christian Slater's narration leads us through the movie and events. Kevin Bacon is excellent and very convincing as the prisoner making us believe every word and scene. He plays Henri Young as a pathetic, ruined man who is totally at the mercy of Alcatraz.

Gary Oldman is great in a supporting role here, playing a sadistic warden almost in a monstrous bureaucratic way. He is given free reign to do what he does in the film and of course Oldman is at his best when playing borderline psychos with underlying anger issues just waiting to boil up. I only wish his character could have been given a little more screen time.

Christian Slater is good as the lawyer and is suited for this part. I am often undecided in my opinion of Christian Slater when I watch him, but I feel that in this movie he does what is needed and plays Stamphill as a decent guy who is fundamentally a humanist.

Some scenes are brutal and hard to watch, especially the torture scenes in the dungeons where Bacons's character suffers. Some viewers may actually consider this a movie that requires only the one watch, as it kind of leaves a dark impression on the mind. But this is how it was intended to be made. It's not pretending to be anything else. This is undoubtedly a very moving and powerful film that won't disappoint. If you like strong and solid performances then look no further.

3 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Sid and Nancy (1986)

Powerful Biopic of Punk Rock's Doomed Pair

19 April 2010

This powerful and mesmerising biopic centred around the life and times, and general demise and downward spiral of The Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his drug addicted American girlfriend Nancy Spungen is nothing short of harrowing and moving in equal measure. This is mainly thanks in part to both the directorial eye of Alex Cox, but mainly the performances of the two leads Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb. Oldman portrays Vicious as he apparently really was, a stroppy, moody young man who was easily led, as is portrayed in the movie. Chloe Webb is equally as good, portraying Nancy as a volatile and often loose cannon on even more of a self destructive mission than her lover. According to former members of the Pistols she was the defining influence on Sid and was said to have introduced him to the class A drugs that eventually would lead to his death. This film is accurate to the times and events, and the scenes depicted here are based upon true memoirs. Sid and Nancy is primarily the story about the couple, with the Sex Pistols playing more of a sub story, although that's not to say that it doesn't show the events surrounding the band as well. There are excellent supporting performances, in particular from Andrew Schofield as lead singer Johnny Rotten, sneering out the words to 'Anarchy in the U.K', and a very accurate scene along the Thames where the band performed 'God Save The Queen'. A particular highlight is Sid Vicious's bizarre rendition of Frank Sinatra's 'My Way', performed almost identically by Gary Oldman to that of the real video. Overall a very good film that will definitely leave an unusual taste in the mouth after watching.

1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Downfall (2004)

Excellent film about the Final Days

28 September 2006

'Downfall' is a superb real life account by Hitler's private secretary Traudl Junge detailing the final days of the Third Reich. Based on her memoirs that she released as a book, this film follows events from Junge's point of view, beginning with her employment in 1942 as Hitler's personal secretary, until his subsequent suicide in 1945.

Swiss actor Bruno Ganz absolutely steals the film, and probably delivers the best performance of Adolf Hitler that any actor has ever done. He portrays Hitler not only as a tyrant, but shows his more personal attributes too, such as his apparent charm when talking to Junge, and other characteristics that were reported by Hitler's inner circle.

This film not only shows the tension from within the bunker, but also shows the chaos and destruction ever building in surrounding Berlin. There are genuinely some very memorable and shocking scenes in this film, that some people may find hard to believe actually happened. But all in all, watching this you actually feel the desperation and chaos as if you are there.

Recommended to anyone interested in this period of history.

1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

This Boy's Life (1993)

Harsh 1950's coming of age movie

28 September 2006

This story about the life of short story and novel writer Tobias Wolff has both a mixture of harsh and happy moments. Toby, or Jack as he likes to be called, is played well by a young Leonardo DiCaprio, who proves that he actually does have true acting talent before his Titanic days. Jack has been pushed by his mother (Ellen Barkin) to move to a town called Concrete, to live in a more stable life with her new fella Dwight (Robert DeNiro). The idea being to get away from Barkin's previous bad relationships. Unfortunately for them, Dwight turns out to be a bullying tyrant, who makes their lives a living hell, with his taunts, jibes and occasional violent outbursts.

There are some memorable moments in this film, and some good performances by all the cast involved. Ellen Barkin is good as the suffering wife and mother, as is DeCaprio. But the show is stolen by the excellent DeNiro as the bitter and twisted almost childish bully. Often depressing but an all round decent flick!

0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Pulp Fiction (1994)

A film to be remembered

23 September 2005

We've got a few stories that make up this film; a pair of diner bandits who attempt to rob a coffee shop, a boxer who gets on the wrong side of a crime boss, two gangsters who get into some bother after an errand, and a gangsters wife who seriously needs looking after.

Sounds bizarre, but it turns out to be great! The different stories cleverly link together to make up a bigger story, and eventually everything makes sense. You've got John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson as the two henchmen of big crime boss Marcellus Wallace, who are ordered to retrieve a mysterious briefcase from a gang of layabouts, but end up in a 'messy' situation on the way back. Uma Thurman is good as Marcellus's pretty, but drugged up wife who likes to dance, the excellent Tim Roth is one of the bandits who is intent on retiring from crime after one last job. Then you've got Bruce Willis as the boxer, who spends more time looking for his watch more than anything else. Added to this you've got excellent supporting roles from Harvey Keitel as the man who solves problems, and Christopher Walken who hides things in strange places.

All in all though, this film entertained me, and contains some rather bizarre scenes that you won't forget.

1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Excellent but underrated film

15 September 2005

'Leon' should rightly go down in film history as a classic, and will probably be shown on TV in years to come. It is, however, underrated, and people don't see it for what it is. Leon has many levels to it, and each becomes apparent the more you watch it. It is fundamentally an action/thriller about a lonely hit man who seems to be getting swindled by his boss over his money, and who unwittingly gets caught up in the troubles of his next door neighbours drug problems with the DEA, through a little girl Matilda (Natalie Portman, who he helps).

As well as this, he eventually ends up with crazed DEA officer Gary Oldman on his back, as well as nearly the entire NYPD. On the surface, this film is an action shoot em up, but it is really much more. It seems to be a tale of a desperate young girl who has no where to go after her entire family are gunned down by Oldman, and who sparks up a kind of father daughter relationship with Leon.

Gary Oldman is excellent in this, and plays the part with the usual intensity that he has. Natalie Portman is also great, and its probably this film that has led her onto her more recent successes in films. As for the lead Jean Reno, this was the first film I saw him in, and I can't say I've ever seen him beat this performance in any other.

2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

ben83

Reviews

Tell Your Friends

Recently Viewed