Lassie [2005]

Wow. Having watched this film a few years ago, I was always aware that it was a somewhat enjoyable and entertaining performance, but watching it again this morning... I don't know what to say... Wow.

'Lassie' is a film with emotion, with likable characters, with a gripping plot and intriguing scenes and awesome landscapes. The basic plot is that a poor family reluctantly sell their collie - Lassie - to a duke and his granddaughter. Lassie misses her old family, and consistently escapes from her new residence, running back to her original owners. Eventually the duke and his granddaughter move from England to northern Scotland with Lassie, doubting she will ever make it back home now.

At their destination, one of the duke's employees abuses Lassie, and the duke's granddaughter - noticing the animal's suffering - releases it into the wild. Thus, the animal sets off on a five-hundred-mile journey back to London. Along the way, many characters are introduced, and there is even a subtle love story. This may seem rather generic, but like I said, it's subtle. It's also very absorbing and well-done, and a nice, short break from the rest of the film.

'Lassie' was filmed in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, and it's clear why. The scenery in this film is stunning, and whereas some might disregard the film at the mention of landscapes, accusing it of being unnecessary and a chore, it's done so well in 'Lassie' and I agree with the director's choices of location. At times the landscapes may seem slightly unsatisfactory, but there are always saviours to rival these brief negative sections.

Along with the great story and brilliant setting, the film boasts some really terrific scenes and actors. I didn't notice a bad actor in the entire film, it was all done so convincingly well that I'd love to commend every single one of the cast. Sadly, I simply don't have the time to list Peter O'Toole, Samantha Morton, John Lynch, Steve Pemberton, Jonathon Mason, Hester Odgers, Jemma Redgrave, Peter Dinklage, Gregor Fisher, Edward Fox and Kelly Macdonald. Everything which happens in the film is also very appeasing. It would have been nice for Lassie to swim in the loch, but to be fair, we did witness a more fantastical event anyway.

At times it felt like Lassie could be easily intimidated by humans, and I questioned this, but later on in the film she builds up courage and strength and, subsequently, vengeance. The film is touching and you'll think amazing things of Lassie since she attempts to travel such a long journey. Great scenes are frequent in the film, whether it be that monster or that death, and I felt like crying near the end.

I'd have to say 'Lassie' is one of those beautiful performances where even the pickiest of louse-slayers could not knit a hole into. If you're even remotely interested in films, I urge you to go out and purchase this, presuming your wallet isn't famished (or parched, depending on where you keep your money).

Five Out Of Five.

Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One

I wish I didn't have to write this review. Not because the film's bad. In fact, it's because it's so good, that there are far too many methods of praising this masterful performance, and if I can only sum up this DVD with these two words: buy this.

The DVD (or Blu-Ray disc, depending on which format you're watching it on (I opted for the latter =])) is less of a feature-length film, and more of a compilation of short-yet-brilliant motion pictures. Thirteen of them, to be exact. The box to the 'Pixar Short Films Collection' arrogantly-yet-accurately describes each of the 'film's chapters as "sensational", and you know they're on to something when this is one of the subtlest ways of describing the film's brilliance.

Being an active member of a very successful forum, I'm going to quite frequently walk into a debate about a computer game (the forum - ONM - is based around said genre of entertainment) where the software in question is too short, and one forumyte criticises it for this, while somebody else pops up with the infamous "quality>quantity" statement. Every single time, I feel compelled to disagree. You might not want something really long and boring, but surely you'd only expect something really terrific to last for longer? And it's in this aspect where I must commend Pixar: they've combined both factors into one exceptional collection of genuine classic masterpieces.

Three things I was very impressed by in the film are resemblances it bears to 'The Jungle Book'. Not the art style, not the audio score, not the length, but rather the consistent change of theme, the brilliance of each character and the awesome review value. You may remember in my review of 'The Jungle Book', I was pleased at how the film changed its mood, lacking repetition and, subsequently, any boredom the audience may gain. This factor is ever-present in 'Pixar Short Films Collection', as the DVD is technically thirteen completely different events superglued together with an affordable price tag plastered onto it (bear in mind that to legally see these films would require the purchasing of all of Pixar's feature-length films, and even then you wouldn't have them all). It's extremely accessible and all emit a different-yet-vivid Pixar charm.

There are some generally lovable and amazing characters in each of these films, and all are memorable and unique. It's often simple to realise a certain character's personality without them even speaking, as facial impressions and body movement are utilised with great talent. You'll genuinely feel for the smaller extra-terrestrial organism in 'Lifted', the qualities of the birds in 'For The Birds' are instantly-comparable to those of humans, Wally B. is portrayed as a very mischievious and intimidating character, André bears great similarities to Donald Duck (and apparently Mickey Mouse) and even Geri, a single character, manages to display two very, very different personalities.

When it comes to the visual quality, 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' is generally appeasing. The first four short films are not the most gorgeous-looking things in the world, but they were very advanced for their time and still emit a sense of charm. However, the following nine performances can be stunningly pretty.

So far, so utterly brilliant. Probably the only gripes I have with 'Pixar Short Films Collection: Volume One' are that 'Mater And The Ghostlight' aren't very good, while the Blu-Ray version - which I am reviewing - isn't the most advanced of all Blu-Ray discs. A lot of space could still be used in this, and it's a pity that there are no more bonus features than the ones provided, although you still have to appreciate them. The bonus features include a number of (humourous) shorts based around Luxo and Luxo Jr., for the 'Sesame Street' programme. These are entertaining, if insignificant Pixar films, and boost the DVD's boasting of thirteen films to seventeen. There are also some commentaries which are worth rewatching the film for, and an interesting history on Pixar, which isn't long enough to bore you, yet not so short that it's not worth having.

So what now? Something totally amazing like 'Pixar Short Films Collection' comes along, I've watched it several times, made use of all the bonus content and have nothing left to watch. I guess we could always wait for Volume Two, but if the short history is anything to go by, then it will be at least another decade before we see the next instalment. I suppose 'Ratatouille's 'Your Friend The Rat' is a start...

Five Out Of Five.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

With the 'Star Wars' saga being so popular, you'll have no doubt heard of the legions of film fanatics who disregard the prequels for being inferior to the original trilogy. Now, in no way could 'The Phantom Menace', 'Attack Of The Clones' or 'Revenge Of The Sith' rival 'A New Hope', 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return Of The Jedi', but why is that so bad? George Lucas' original three chapters of the series were pretty damn brilliant, but does that mean that everything based around it which isn't as good as the first three is crap? Surely not.

'The Phantom Menace' has its moments. The opening battle between the Jedi ambassadors and the Battle Droids and Droideka introduced the audience to some enticing introductory action which wasn't present in the first three films, while such scenes as the Bonga-ride through Naboo's core and the podrace on Tattooine are definitely intriguing.

What the film lacks, however, is that continuous sense of brilliance ever-present in the original trilogy. In a way, 'The Phantom Menace' is comparable to 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End', in terms of sequence. After a few interesting scenes, the film shows some really tedious conversation, concluded with an epic battle (or, in this case, four epic battles).

Most of the film is filled with entertaining characters, whether it be the humourous Jar-Jar Binks and Boss Nass, the intimidating Darth Maul, the villanous Sebulba or the foolish Watto. There are no really hatable characters, but some are so insignificant that you just won't care what happens to them, even if the likes of Queen Amadala's decoy or Mace Windu were taken to a Trade Federation Battleship, tortured, had their limbs cut off and then sent out to space without any protection so that their heads blew up, you wouldn't feel any emotion towards them. Except perhaps ignorance.

I guess this lack of distinctive characters is really down to the actors. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor show off instantly recognisable Jedi qualities, Ray Park displays Sith aggression very blatantly without even speaking to his foes, and Ahmed Best's method of appearing clumsy and very different is portrayed well. Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels are brilliant with their droid parts. However, the likes of Keira Knightley, Frank Oz and Terence Stamp didn't give as good a performance as one would hope. Still, there's nothing quite like seeing Darth Vader in his child incarnation.

Moving on to the pace of the film, it's simple to realise that the first half of the film flows swiftly and interestingly while it then gets very slow later on, before speeding up again for the final battles. On the Trade Federation Battleship, Naboo, Gungan City and Tattooine, the pace is quick and this saves the audience from getting bored. Then, just before the podrace is about to start, it slows down quite a bit, presumably for the benefit of said scene. When the race is yet to commence, a long, dramatic pause is taken, and tension is built up tenfold, and furthermore enhances how exciting the race is.

Sadly, the films producers seem to have forgotten to switch the slowdown off. I did not experience a pleasant part in the city of Coruscant whatsoever, and as Darth Maul occupied this planet beforehand, it's a shame that Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi did not encounter him again in this location before their final fight in Naboo.

So far, so very mediocre, and as I was watching this film yesterday night, I began to question the quality of the film, simultaneously wondering why I ever defended the film whenever attacked in the first place. I was so very close to awarding this film a disappointing 'three-out-of-five' score, and then the film's true saviour arrived.

As I stated in the second paragraph of this very review, 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace' has its moments. The underwater chase in the core of Naboo and the podrace on Tattooine are scenes which pose a lot of awesomeness, but none of these scenes could possibly equate to how amazing the final battle is.

These last scenes are essentially a compilation of four vastly entertaining battles. The Gungans and the Battle Droids going to war in a field, Queen Amadala and her handmaidens and bodygaurds infiltrating the Naboo Palace to attempt to capture the Viceroy, the Naboo Starship pilots and Anakin Skywalker combatting the Trade Federation Starships and Trade Federation Droid Control Ship in space, and the duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and the sinister Darth Maul. Each of these four fights are embracing, shocking, gripping and satisfying, and earn the film at least another point. If only the whole film were like the end...

Four Out Of Five

The Jungle Book

I purchased the 40th Anniversary Platinum Edition of the old Disney classic 'The Jungle Book' a few weeks back, and I wasn't very excited, as 'The Jungle Book' was never a firm favourite of mine when I was a youngling. It started with a lot of narration, and although I love Bagheera, he really wasn't very lovable if the introduction was anything to go by.

However, it soon becomes clear that this poor start is just Disney's way of telling the audience "this is a summary of how the arrogant git spent his life, now all the boring stuff's out of the way, let's move on." From the point where Mowgli rides on Bagheera's back to get to the man-village, the film becomes incredibly absorbing and blesses its audience with a variety of smile-pulling events.

The film's storyline is really great: man-cub is hunted by tiger who hates men, while the wolves and panther try to get him to safety (along with some help from some characters introduced later on in the film). The man-cub is reluctant to go the man-village because he has grown an overwhelming bond with the jungle over his years of living there, and claims he isn't afraid of Shere Khan (the aforementioned tiger).

However, the plot wouldn't be half as good if it weren't for its dedicated characters and beautiful soundtrack. Meeting Kaa the snake for the very first time and watching his illusive encounters with Mowgli and Bagheera was very entertaining indeed. Yet while the film is full of many amusing scenes like this, it only really warrants a four out of five. Well, that is until a few seconds after the defeat of Kaa, when we are introduced to the "dawn patrol" (basically a parade of war-inspired elephants). Colonel Hathi's dawn patrol is in very different theme to the parts of the film before it, and just before you're tired of the repetitive string of events, this exciting scene helps to keep the audience gripped to the screen.

This army-like squadron of tusked organisms involves the compiling of several unique and personality-filled elephants, and is even more interesting than the previous encounter with Kaa. Colonel Hathi can be very humourous, especially when he thinks Mowgli is an elephant and asks him what happened to his trunk, all the while poking at his nose. Hathi then goes on with the famous statement "an elephant never forgets", subsequently forgetting all about his son (this joke is continued throughout the film).

You may recall in the above paragraph I stated "even more interesting than the previous encounter with Kaa." For the most analytical of readers, you might be persuaded that both of these amusing scenes are nothing compared to what happens later; and you'd be right. When Baloo first walked on to the screen I literally grinned with enthusiasm, I wanted the temple section to last forever and I laughed at how brilliant and personality-present the vultures were. Put simply, this film has far too many legendary parts to mention, and even if it were possible, I'd hate to ruin what is essentially a proper classic to any newcomers.

There is something I simply have to commend, however. The characters are fantastic, the art direction is magnificent and the scenes could be conjured up by only the most genuine of genii, but what I am really satisfied about is the awesome soundtrack. From classics such as "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You" to silent killers like "Trust In Me" and even background accompaniments like the dawn patrol theme, you'd be hard-pushed to find a more amazing and gripping selection of tunes.

That's not to say that Disney's 'The Jungle Book' is perfect in every aspect. There are a few things I was most frustrated about, and they contribute to the shocking length of the film. The longevity was too short for its own good, and while the characters and scenes are charming and brilliant throughout the entire film, by the end of it all you'll be left dissatisfied. The pace went along quite swiftly so that you don't get bored, but there are simply not enough scenes to balance it out, and because of this lack in length, I began to despise myself when it came to the ending.

This could have easily been fixed with the presence of the long-lost Rocky the rhinoceros, but Disney failed to assume this character. He wasn't even included in the 40th Anniversary Edition (which, to be fair, has enough boni to be worth purchasing), which is disappointing to say the very least, as he could have potentially been a lovable and hilarious 'villain.'

In all, 'The Jungle Book' is a brilliant film which is worth purchasing, and should definitely be seen at least once, although chances are you'll watch it over and over again with extreme enthusiasm. Suitable vouce-acting and upper-class language skills compliment the sweet visuals and audio, and there is plenty of character and an equal quantity of amazing scenes. You'd be doing yourself a favour to watch this.

Five Out of Five.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End

First of all I'd like to apologise for my blog's blatant inferiority to the likes of other ONMers. As much as I'd love to take part in the '366in366' challenge, I have neither the library nor the money to support it. In spite of this, I have chosen a much simpler task: to watch one film every week. "=.=

I've seen quite a few films this week, but I'll review the third instalment in the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' series right now.

The 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' series is one of those franchises which almost lets you forgive Disney for the likes of 'High School Musical' and 'Hannah Montana'. The first film in the pirate trilogy was commended for being one of the only decent films based around our favourite people in the entire world. The second film, 'Dead Man's Chest', wasn't given as much praise as 'The Curse Of The Black Pearl' and 'At World's End' has been criticised as the worst of them all.

To be honest, 'At World's End' is my favourite chapter in the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' saga, but I'm not even going to try and pretend that it's better than it's predecessors. With only one proper battle (and a few more enjoyable scenes besides), only the greatest of liars could get away with commending 'At World's End' for total superiority over the first two films.

Okay, I suppose maybe I'm being too harsh in what is essentially an enjoyable-enough contribution to anybody's collection of digital versatile discs. And that's exactly what I'm getting at. I believe the main reason 'At World's End' is attacked so critically is because it's being compared with 'The Curse Of The Black Pearl' and associated with the disappointing (and ironically my second-favourite PotC film) 'Dead Man's Chest'. Let's just face it: it's not as good as the first two. Just be thankful that you're getting a good film about pirates.

I suppose 'At World's End''s distinct lack of battles can be justified. While the previous films were semi-frequent with short battles, the main fight in 'At World's End' is about thirty minutes long. The battle is absolutely epic and the main reason why 'At World's End' deserves a place in your DVD collection. The fact that I spent £25 on the Blu-Ray version of this film which I had already seen in the cinema and don't feel ripped off is testament to the film's quality.

If I wanted to be really picky, I suppose I could criticise how little the film benefits from the Blu-Ray format's advantages. 'The Curse Of The Black Pearl' has heaps of extra features, almost 13-hours' worth of the beggars. 'Dead Man's Chest' boasted just over 7-hours' worth of said features, admittedly still an admirable length. You can see the pattern, can't you? 'At World's End''s extra features are insignificant in comparison to its predecessors, although I guess this is where my point that it's not fair to judge 'At World's End' for its predecessors' performances comes in.

Something I'm disappointed in is how damn confusing the film is. The basic plot is that the nine Pirate Lords must offer nine Pieces Of Eight to free the goddess Calypso from her human form. Obviously two of these Pirate Lords are dead, one sealed in Davy Jones' locker, so said goddess needs to revive one and free the other. Meanwhile, the main protagonists' (if you can really call them that) two enemy forces have united.

You'd think said unity would be why the main battle is so epic, but you'd be very wrong. Despite the film's abnormal length, I thought it was a bit rushed, as only three of the several-hundred ships are seen in the fight, which is what I most despised about the film.

'Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End' is a really enjoyable film. If you're just looking for an odd film to watch then I highly recommend you give this a try, but if you're expecting something as immense as 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl' or even 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' then you will probably be disappointed.

Three Out Of Five.