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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) in Movies

Sep 20, 2020

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

2001 | Comedy, Romance

8.1

(24 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Renée is of course perfect, as are Hugh and Colin and all three of their respective characters. In fact this is still just as tight, snappy, and cute as it was back in the day - but per no real fault of its own this (or at least a hefty amount of its elements) became the basis for pretty much *every* chintzy romcom clone that was to come for the foreseeable future to the point where a lot of this just feels rather rote now in light of that *and* today's version of the mainstream romcom. Not that there still isn't revolutionary stuff that stands out, particularly the representation of a demographic that wasn't usually seen as romantic lead status at the time given by this lead. Though while it starts out lovely enough there's a clear dip in quality at a point and it treads water by the end. I find the first half very interesting in that - at the time - it probably played as a very adorable yet scandalous romp but now plays more like a biting, ballsy foray into societal satire in light of the #MeToo movement. Plus that's when the witty dialogue, engrossment, and visual competence is at its best anyway. But those aforementioned cringey and overused romcom clichés (people falling off boats, making a mess while cooking, interrupting some sort of wedding announcement, cheeky but actually annoying best friends who serve no purpose, etc etc) bog it down more and more until it runs on full autopilot mode. The parent subplot is a nonentity too but that's whatever I guess. Though I do stand with the majority in that the Firth x Grant fight scene is - naturally - a masterpiece. Agreeable even though approximately no interesting threads get pulled.

Kudos

Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) in Movies

Jan 28, 2021

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

1928 | Biography, Drama, History

8.4

(5 Ratings)

Movie Rating

This was another first for me. Previous to watching this silent “masterpiece” Dreyer was a name I had only read in film history essays and when anyone writing for Sight and Sound wants to look clever. As a stepping stone to what could be achieved it is of course a valuable historic document. As a film to be enjoyed almost 100 years later, it is all but unwatchable at 110 minutes. There is perhaps a half hour’s worth of story and images, merely extended and repeated to an excruciating degree. It’s not that it is silent, or has very strange religious overtones that don’t resonate now in the same way they once might – because it is very beautiful and remarkable in small sections – it is that a monotony of accusation, followed by denial, followed by crying, followed by spiritual revelation is all there is to it. And it goes on and on and on until you really could not care less.

The story of Joan of Arc is extraordinary, but this is not the story of Joan of Arc, it is her passion only, as in her trial and execution. The close ups of Maria Falconetti as the eponymous saint are all you can really take away from it in the end. Her odd beauty and commitment to the role do leave a lasting impression, but the two dimensional fire and brimstone evil of her accusers is just too much, even comic, to behold and believe in 2021. For study purposes, seeing where certain techniques and shot ideas had their Genesis, for example, it is of great interest. As a film to watch and enjoy it has sadly outlived its worth. When you consider Fritz Lang’s M was only 3 years later, it all comes into context.

Kudos

Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Nativity Rocks! (2018) in Movies

Sep 25, 2019

Nativity Rocks! (2018)

2018 | Comedy

5.0

(3 Ratings)

Movie Rating

It's becoming a habit for me that I haven't seen previous films in franchises, I apologise, at some point I'll find the time to get them all in. I'm led to believe that the Nativity films are all very similar in concept though.

Nativity Rock! is what would happen if School Of Rock did a Christmas remix, and it was definitely an enthusiastic way to edge into Christmas.

The jokes flow quite freely and Jerry spends basically his entire time being the comedy relief. His childish character became frustrating fairly quickly, but I can't argue with the fact he was amusing. I really need to find out how to do the invisible dog trick he's mastered.

What occurred to me quite quickly is that this film is ridiculous. There are story lines aplenty. All equally implausible. Some that seemingly defy the laws of time and motion when it comes to geography. Where they all needed? Probably not.

As far as the cast goes it's a wide group of familiar faces who generally do a good job of their parts... but even as a villain Craig Revel Horwood is just terrible, what is he even famous for?

There won't be awards waiting for this one, it doesn't have a massive amount going for it apart from the fact it's entertaining. I spent most of my time smiling and tapping my foot. It's not a masterpiece but it'll make a good Christmas diversion.

What you should do

If you're looking for a festive family outing then this isn't a bad option. I'd pick it second to The Grinch but I think either way the kids will have a good time.

Movie thing you wish you could take home

Jerry's unrelenting optimism, mine occasionally fluctuates.