Natural Born Killers

Posted on February 7, 2009 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 06 Feb 2009 Blu-ray

This is probably one of the most familiar films I have seen, having watched it several times over the years. Telling the tale of love struck serial killers Mickey & Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson & Juliet Lewis) and the media frenzy they inspire during a three week state-to-state killing spree. Hot on their heels is maverick TV journalist Wayne Gail (a stunningly crazy Robert Downey Jr) and loose-cannon detective Jack Scagnetti (Tom Sizemore).

natural-born-killers

One of the most talked about movies of controversial director Oliver Stone’s career, this energetic satire of violence and the media is still as relevant now as it was back in 1994. Some may see the film as just unrelenting violence, whilst others see it as a very intelligent attack on the media and its glamorisation of violence for the sake of ratings. All angles are explored here, and no safe answers are given – Stone is never that easy to point the finger and answer your questions at the same time, he prefers you to make up your own mind.

Shot throughout with a hyperactive editing style, the film mixes stock footage, varying film types such as Super 8 to 35mm, black & white and animation, as well as images that vary from nightmarish to sexual. Also worth mentioning is that the soundtrack is packed with some incredible choices of music from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith and Nine Inch Nails. This may not be to everyones taste but when music and visuals come together, it works magnificently, lifting a fairly conventional lovers on the lam story to the heights of truly remarkable viewing. Its an experiment that in my opinion makes this one of the most daring and unique movies of the last twenty years.

This U.S. Blu-ray version is the theatrically released R-rated cut, and anyone who is familiar with the slightly longer directors cut may think twice before purchasing – but let me say this now … there is very little difference in the two cuts, and as far as scenes, tone and entertainment is concerned, both are identical. I own both cuts of this film and can safely reassure anyone hesitating with this release that apart from extended violence in several scenes, none of the actual scenes are ruined as far as censorship is concerned. I’ll even go as far to say that some of the additional violence comes across as excessive and unnecessary, and isn’t really missed by this viewer (apart from maybe the opening). Now what is important is that the Blu-Ray picture is very nice indeed, even if during some of the best looking shots the details seem a little too smooth even approaching a plasticky-look that I have heard can happen when transferring back catalogue films to the high definition format. But its still probably the best this film has looked in years – and with the differing style of film used throughout, we’re never going to get something that looks like Casino Royale anyway. Sound wise we’re treated to a punchy Dolby True HD soundtrack that kicks ass for a film that is already a treat to the ears. Extras are thin on the ground with the Chaos Rising documentary strangely absent from this release. But we do get some interesting deleted scenes (my fave is the courtroom) and a commentary from Oliver Stone that is an essential listen for a film with so much to say.

Verdict: 4 /5

Iron Man

Posted on November 1, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 31 October 2008 DVD

The super hero / comic-book movie just doesn’t seem to fail these days, what with The Dark Knight & Hellboy 2 hitting hard this summer. So we must not forget the first out the blockbuster-cannon, that much celebrated but painfully ignored hero Iron Man, a Marvel Comics stalwart for several decades.

Casting one of my favourite actors, Robert Downey Jr as billionaire weapons developer Tony Stark was my first bet that this was going to rock, and I wasn’t wrong – Downey Jr is every bit the likable, suave, charismatic lead, and although the origin story that is par the course for a super hero franchise is a little thin, and the climactic battle all too brief (with a deja vu Transformers-style); in between we get some priceless moments of comedy, stylish, feel-good action and plenty of personality (mostly from Downey Jr) that just makes for a guaranteed ‘fun’ two hours.

Jeff Bridges (another fave) is excellent as Tony’s business partner, and a surprisingly sexy Gwyneth Paltrow is on hand as Tony’s ever-faithful secretary / assistant where thankfully we don’t go the love-interest route. So much of this movie plays against genre conventions that it just feels fresh and exciting from the start – and I think this is going to become a great franchise. Roll on Iron Man 2!

Verdict: 4 /5

Iron Man poster!!

Posted on March 8, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

This is just one of several poster treatments for the forthcoming summer blockbuster, and it has to be said – its looking great! I think this film will deliver for one reason only: ROBERT DOWNEY JR – one of my all time favourite actors, who’s rather unhinged personality has been begging for the comic-book adaptation treatment for years! Bring it on!

Oh and Jeff Bridges as the villian, is also a very good choice!

Zodiac

Posted on January 20, 2008 by Craig Micklewright

Viewed – 20 January 2008 DVD

I really wish I had seen this pre 2008. I had hesitated for numerous reasons…had missed it at cinema, and had heard it was drawn out, boring, long winded. It’s a two and a half hour movie. Yet I had sat through longer films and loved them (Heat, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Titanic), and when you consider the film is made by one of my favourites, Fight Club’s David Fincher…really, what was holding me back? This is easily Top Ten material.

The true story of the 22 year long investigation into a serial killer calling himself Zodiac, who left clues to his identity via cryptic letters posted to the news papers, and grew to become an obsession for one former tabloid cartoonist. What is most shocking about this case, is that he was never convicted or arrested for the murders, and died prior to the Police filing charges. What follows is a thoroughly gripping Police / Reporter investigation and a series of facts and theories, that kept this viewer mesmerised…helped in no short way by Fincher’s stylish, assured direction and impressive turns from Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr.

Now I may be a little biased, as this kind of stuff just hooks me, and maybe call it morbid fascination, but every ounce of detail swept me up and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. When compared to Fincher’s Seven, I agree, it lacks that thrill factor, and even shy’s away from the nasty stuff (I’d say there’s about a half a pint of blood spilt the entire movie) – yet none of this mattered, as the story was so rich and enthralling that I wasn’t bored for a minute…and anyone who might be, should really be looking for a different film all together.

Verdict: 5 /5