Awix (3310 KP) rated The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) in Movies
May 3, 2019
So: Joan of Arc, an iconic, legendary, complex figure, is brought to the screen by Milla Jovovich, whose performance mostly consists of her rolling her eyes a lot and squeaking. No matter how distinguished the rest of the cast, or how well staged the various massed battle scenes, this is a problem which any film would struggle to overcome. Some other odd creative choices don't help much (Dustin Hoffman turns up as the embodiment of Joan's self-doubt). Still, there is a genuine sense of the medieval grotesque, and Besson is very much in his comfort zone during the battles. Certainly a brave and imaginative take on history, but the end result is too close to Monty Python and the Holy Grail for comfort.
So, Anyway...
Book
Candid and brilliantly funny, this is the story of how a tall, shy youth from Weston-super-Mare went...
So, Anyway...: The Autobiography
Book
Candid and brilliantly funny, this is the story of how a tall, shy youth from Weston-super-Mare went...
The Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking the Galaxy One Last Time
Book
Here is Douglas Adams's indispensable guide to life, the universe and everything. This sublime...
Thatcher Stole My Trousers
Book
Read an exclusive blog by Alexei Sayle 'Enlightening ...Funny, smart, original and provocative...
Edgar Wright recommended The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972) in Movies (curated)
Jonathan Higgs recommended The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse by Bonzo Dog Doo/Dah Band in Music (curated)
A Bleaker Predicklement
Games
App
The year is 1884 and Victorian London is ready for the greatest Adventure ever told. Part story,...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Vice (2018) in Movies
Jan 31, 2019
Highly entertaining in a ghastly sort of way, and illuminating with respect to the twisted logic employed by the Bush administration and the role they played in facilitating the current civic nightmare engulfing the USA. Unlikely to appeal to the Republican base, for obvious reasons, but the film inevitably has some jokes to make about its own liberal bias, too, as well as being smart enough to allow Cheney the chance to justify himself, which he does in a disturbingly persuasive way. Still probably a bit too partisan for its own good, but still very impressive and a lot of fun; thought-provoking too.
Natural Histories: 25 Extraordinary Species That Have Changed Our World
Stephen Moss and Brett Westwood
Book
Prepare to dive to the depths of the sea with 100-foot-long giant squid, travel through space after...