http://www.triplux.com Triplux Film Log is a regular feed of the latest movies I have seen, including a brief review. en-us Tue, 10 Jun 2003 04:00:00 GMT Tue, 10 Jun 2003 09:41:01 GMT http://www.triplux.com Cognito Copyright 2003, Triplux Media. feedback@triplux.com feedback@triplux.com http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=789 A revenge thriller that is more of a character study than the clever psychological cat and mouse tale it wants to be. The performances are ok, but it was all too scripted for my liking. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=789 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=790 Oddly, this series adaptation felt the need to change genres from its origins as a spy comedy to action adventure. This is ultimately a wasted opportunity to play off the clever satire and one liners that made the TV series great. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=790 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=791 Fans of The Onion satire will find something to like here - but the truly great moments are few and far between. Originally filmed in 2003 and only recently released to DVD after being shelved due to poor test screening. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=791 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=792 Documentary about two friends who grow an acre of corn in Iowa to highlight the rise in everyday usage of corn in the United States. It wasn't a spectacular story, but gets points for not pushing an agenda - the balanced approach was refreshing. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=792 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=793 Documentarian Debbie Melnyk attempts to distinguish the fact from fiction in the life of Michael Moore. The main focus is on Roger and Me and the early years in Moore's career. There is nothing particularly new here as most of the criticisms are already well known, but the films does succeed in highlighting the many ways in which Moore uses manipulation both in his films and his life in general. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=793 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=794 You know a film is in trouble when it uses music so heavily that the film becomes indistinguishable from a trailer. Here is a film that covers old ground on the dysfunctional family theme - it's meant to be an intelligent comedy drama but just feels tired and dreary. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=794 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=795 I had fears and low expectations going into this biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis - my main concern was that it couldn't be done respectfully. I was well wrong, this is masterful filmmaking. Even if you are not a fan of the band, this film is worth seeing for the stunning black and white cinematography alone. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=795 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=796 Michael Moore is not interested in an honest debate. How ignorant and rude can one person be. On the basis that in journalism omission is equal to a lie - Moore did film an interview with Roger Smith and left the footage out - I have no other recommendation than to avoid this film. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=796 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=797 To me, Johnston's music is not appealing, and at times truly awful. This would have made an even better mockumentary were it not a true story. I did feel sorry for him because it seems every single person in his life has exploited him. But the story is indeed fascinating and watching this doco did lead me to immediately pick up me guitar - so it gets credit for being inspiring. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=797 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=798 An all star cast of limp wristed liberals lined up to have an over dramatic whinge about how Al Gore lost the 2000 election. The made for TV quality makes this seem more like a self parody at times (an over serious Spacey doesn't help), but the true life story is compelling watching as this was a fascinating historic event. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=798 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=799 Something entirely fresh in the British gangster genre. Colin Farrell in perhaps his best role. A witty script with dark comedic tones and cracking dialogue. I loved it. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=799 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=788 Christopher Nolan follows up his franchise revival with a lengthy rollercoaster ride where the visual distractions make it worth your time, but the destination is somewhat unfulfilling. Strong performances as expected from Bale and Ledger. See it on IMAX. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=788 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=779 Conceptually very good, but poor execution and a wayward storyline drag this modern superhero tale way down. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=779 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=780 Dark and alienating crime drama about an aspiring writer (Clive Owen) who attempts to write a novel about his night job as a croupier at a casino. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=780 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=781 Fun but forgettable popcorn film - I guess I was expecting more true to life characters after all those great Apatow films recently. Mila Kunis was the only real highlight. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=781 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=782 Sometimes I persevere through films that a clearly not going to offer a payoff. This dark satire on suburban life is a good example of this. Though interesting in concept, it fails to show sincerity and ends up exemplifying a Hollywood story that tries too hard to be indie. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=782 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=783 A team building weekend turns into a Eastern European slasher fest. Not a genre I love, and a bit of a wildcard in my viewing queue, but this one was watchable. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=783 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=784 Sidney Lumet is often hit or miss, but this one about a family heist drama has been dubbed a return to form. Generally great performances if you ignore Albert Finney. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=784 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=785 The comparisons with Wes Anderson's brilliant 'Rushmore' are inevitable (and even a little Harold and Maude), but this is a pale imitation. It's an ambitious effort and there is a lot to like, but it fades toward the end and just becomes another offbeat high school drama. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=785 http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=786 This is not an essential Wes Anderson film, but the elements are all there for fans of his work. Particularly of note is that this is the first time he has gone beyond emotional baggage to overtly explore spirituality (on some level) and will no doubt reward future viewings. Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:00:00 EST http://www.triplux.com/1001/filmlog.asp?fid=786