jacktams.co.uk » Review in 20s

Review in 20s: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor [Film]

Jack — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:42:47 +0000

According to Rotten Tomatoes, this film is rotten to the core (pun intended)
True, it isn't going to win any awards but as a bit of fun and escapism it ticks all the boxes, its one of the few films in the last 2 months that actually filled the cinema.

Verdict: 3.5 Stars Go see it, it delivers exactly what you would expect. Fun from beginning to end.

Review in 20s: Mike Oldfield – Music of the Spheres [Music]

Jack — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:46:28 +0000

This is a new one for the reviews section, Music!

When you think Mike Oldfield, you think Tubular Bells and The Exorcist. Music of the Spheres is completely different yet very much the same, based on the premise that everything in the universe has a unique sound or vibration. Oldfield has orchestrated a journey by music through the universe.

Its a very good album from big impact tracks, to very subtle and calming tracks. Its the sort of album you put on at the end of the day and just kick back and relax to. While it could be argued its just a re-hash of oldfield's old catalogue circa Tubular Bells 1. I still enjoyed it.

Verdict - 4 Stars

Links MikeOldfield.com | Music Of The Spheres

Review in 20s: Charlie Bartlett [Film]

Jack — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:28:47 +0000

Teen rebellion films come and go, most are rubbish. Charlie Bartlett, is what a good film should be, every character is believable Anton Yelchin (Bartlett) and Robert Downey Jr. (Principal Gardner) stand out as the best characters of the bunch.

If anything its a little too believable to just enjoy as a piece of cinema.

Verdict

Go See - A solid film with some great characters.

Review in 20 Seconds: Iron Man [Film]

Jack — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:20:42 +0000

Ok, so I would be the first to admit that I didn't think Iron Man was going to be a film for me.

As always I turned out to be wrong, I aren't a comic book fan but this film has to be one of the best 'superhero' films ever made. I mean come on Spiderman isn't all that great and The Incredible Hulk isn't that brilliant either.

The dialogue is engaging and witty, and most of all the whole thing is almost believable.

Verdict
Go See!!

Review in 20 Seconds: Primo [TV]

Jack — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:44:02 +0000

Primo, is a one man play based on the memoirs of Primo Levy; A survivor of .

I have to say Anthony Sher's performance and adaption of the memoirs is amazing, I started watching the program by accident, and couldn't believe how engaged I was within a few minutes, it is very evident that Sher has stage presence and convincing portrays the persona of Primo.

People often stray away from such awkward subject matter, either fearing a backlash or believing they wouldn't be able to do it justice. Fortunately Primo suffers neither, and should be a watch for everybody. Its honest and brutal, without employing any other actors other than Sher himself.

Verdict
An amazing and poignant film.

Links
Primo @ amazon.co.uk Note this is the filmed version, not the adapted version

Review in 20 Seconds: Three and Out [Film]

Jack — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:25:32 +0000

I should start by reiterating my statement "2008 is going to be a good year for British Cinema"

3 and Out is what many people have come to expect from Dark British Humor, and that respect it doesn't disappoint. However, it has some rather intersting twists ands turns, and doesn't end anywhere where you would expect it to. Its honest and funny in the places where it is appropriate, but most of all its an enjoyable if somewhat tense watch.

Verdict

Enjoyable and Tense - If you want out and out comedy this is not a film for you, but if you want a serious yet funny film, get yourself into a cinema.

Links

IMDB

Review in 20s: In Bruges

Jack — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:33:42 +0000

Well this is going to be a simple review, go see it you will love it whether you think you will or not. I said last year to a group of my friends that 2008 was going to be a good year for British, and In Bruges doesn't disappoint. It's the traditional Dark humor that we brits love and done with an excellent panache, and even the not so politically correct topics are up for grabs.

Verdict (4.5 Stars)
Go see it you wont be disappointed.

Links
IMDB
Rotten Tomatoes

Review in 20 Seconds: Never Back Down

Jack — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:15:34 +0000

It does what it says on the tin, a testerone packed 1hr and abit. Where it fails is it tries to justify the events in the film with a limp and melow dramatic reference to Achilles shield. If your willing to overlook that, which you probably are if you are even remotely intrested in the film. Go see it you wont end up being bored at all.

Verdict

3 Stars
Go See, its not the best film you'll ever see but it is enjoyable non the less.

Links
IMDB

Review in 20 Seconds: Death Note (TV)

Jack — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:53:45 +0000

Death Note is one of those curious things you can come across, its starts with a single episode and then your hooked. Well thats all I have to say about Death Note, not really.

From beginning to end Death Note is a thrilling watch, the design & animation is without fault and the writing puts most of Hollywood to Shame. It combines all the good things a TV show should be and packages it up into 37 episodes of TV Gold.

What is Death Note about (ruthlessly copied from wiki I couldn't explain it any better):

The series centers around a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing the victim's name and picturing his or her face. The plot follows his attempt to create and lead a world cleansed of evil using the book, and the complex conflict between himself and those assailing him that results.

Verdict
5 Stars - Must See, even if you have never been a big fan of animé

Links
Wikipedia
Death Note TV

Review in 20 Seconds: 21

Jack — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:58:35 +0000

Overall I really enjoyed 21, I can't comment on the book as I haven't started it but I have bought it. I thought all the characters where believable, and it was an entertaining film, and has found its way on to my favorite films list.

Ok, so it does get abit mellow dramatic towards the end, but i think there are a good few films that suffer more for it, 21 is simple and to the point and most importantly, it doesn't have the over top air of some of the 'based on a true story' genre of recent months.

Final Verdict
3.5 Stars - Go See, You wont regret it.

What's this Review in 20 Seconds all about ?

Links
imdb.com
rottentomatoes.com