Sunday, March 6, 2016

Movie Review … Gods Of Egypt

Even before its release, ‘Gods of Egypt’ sparked furious debate.  Not about quality but for the mainly white cast playing Egyptians.  Whilst this sort of thing was acceptable in the early to mid 20th Century, such blight is now frowned upon.  Adding to its faded lustre is ‘Gods of Egypt’s dud screenplay. Derivative of other sword and scandals epics, it fails to add much new.  But in Hollywood there’s no such thing as bad publicity with the curious sure to view this white-washed disaster no matter its low quality.

Set (Gerard Butler) is the Egyptian God of Darkness who savagely takes over the throne of the Egyptian empire.  Ruling with an iron fist, not many dare to confront him. One who does is Bek (Benton Thwaites) who teams with Egyptian God Horus (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) to defeat him.  On a mission to save the world, Bek stops at nothing to rid Egypt of Set’s unrelenting terror.

Entertainingly bad, ‘Gods of Egypt’ is a train-wreck of a movie.  From the over the top acting, dodgy CGI and diabolical dialogue, hardly anything works.  Director Alex Proyas has done much better as ‘The Crow’ and ‘Dark City’ attests.  ‘Gods of Egypt’ sees him on auto-pilot, showing no imagination in telling a compelling story in a very by-the-numbers effort.  Whilst the action scenes are completely ridiculous in a fun way, the script’s mechanical nature exposes the film’s cynical heart.

Seeing local actors Bryan Brown and Geoffrey Rush playing Egyptian priests adds to the illusion of unreality. Although ‘Gods of Egypt’ is meant to be a fantasy, it wouldn’t have hurt to have had Egyptian actors involved.  This white-washing raises the uncomfortable spectre of the ‘Black and White Minstrel Show’ from the ‘70’s.  There’s no excuse for this although this simply adds another bad mark against a typically bloated and grotesque slice of Hollywood excess.

Every decade has its expensive cinematic follies with ‘Gods of Egypt’ taking this year’s crown.  Despite it being amusing in a bad way, it’s an exercise in celluloid folly one hopes isn’t repeated even if such mis-fires have been mainstays in Tinsletown’s wayward history.



Movie Review Rating out of 10:  1

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.



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Movie Review … Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

When Jane Austen wrote her famous 1813 novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’, it’s doubtful she would have imagined zombies invading her space.  In an era where new twists are spun on classic stories, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ marks its own ghoulish spot.  Amidst the pomp and circumstance of genteel nobility, the undead rise to ravage Austen’s characters.  What follows is mostly fiendish fun even if Austen scholars will most likely disapprove of such spectral antics.

In 19th century Britain, a mysterious plague blights the land.  Soon overrun by the living dead, the denizens of Britain’s high society decide to fight.  One is Elizabeth Bennett (Lily James) an expert in martial arts and weaponry.  Along with suitor Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley), she aims to rid her country of the zombie menace even while wearing the tightest of corseted garments.

‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ utilises its gimmicky mash-up of Austen and Zombies to its fullest effect.  Most of the time it works a treat as deadly earnest dramatics amongst characters wonderfully clash with zombie horrors.  Whilst enjoyable the central conceit tends to quickly run out of steam as does its sense of humour.  This is meant to be a ridiculous movie diving into the concept with glee, which it only occasionally does.

The cast rise above such niggles with aplomb.  Riley and James ensure their characters embody the chemistry Austen’s prose brought.  They do the ‘star-crossed lovers’ thing well even when battling grisly Ghoulies.  Burr Steers ensures his direction isn’t too heavy-handed showing stylish flair with well-staged action sequences.  The gloriously kept old English buildings are always pleasing on the eye with 19th Century vividly brought to life by stunning cinematography.

Less fun than it should have been, ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ still offers diverting viewing.  It will be interesting seeing what other classic novels can be twisted around with Shakespeare’s works surely next in line to merge with modern genre staples.




Movie Review Rating out of 10:  6

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.



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Movie Review … The Lady In The Van

Some performers can read from a phone book and still receive accolades.  Such are their thespian abilities, how they elevate the written word can enhance even the stodgiest of productions.  ‘The Lady in the Van’ certainly isn’t terrible by any means but it benefits from Maggie Smith’s esteemed presence.  Her role is one she has done on stage and radio and successfully transplants to film.  Watching her act is very easy as once again she inhabits a persona differing from her usual screen image.

When her van is hit by a motorcyclist, elderly homeless eccentric Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith) decides to park it in the drive-way of budding playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings).  Befriending this strange woman, Alan allows her to stay – an arrangement lasting 15 years.  As the years pass he learns more about her past with both finding inspiration from each other in facing the slings and arrows life offers.

Based on true events, ‘The Lady in the Van’ is a moving comedy drama.  Its best aspect is the humour which rises naturally from situations. None of it is forced as Alan and Mary share a strange relationship.  Without realising it, they rely on each other for inspiration in tackling life. For Alan, Mary’s existence provides him with an odd muse in which to spur his creativity.  Mary relies on Alan for companionship and also to face past demons.

Under Nicholas Hytner’s steady direction, ‘The Lady in the Van’ becomes engrossing viewing.  Whilst some aspects of the screenplay don’t quite gel in terms of the character’s backgrounds, the strong performances aids immeasurably in its viewing enjoyment.  Smith and Jennings delve deep into their roles successfully showing their character’s strong connection.  Co-stars and stark cinematography enhance the quirky world in which the film conveys with gritty authenticity highlighting the reality of the character’s plight.

You can’t go wrong with a Maggie Smith performance with ‘The Lady in the Van’ adding another feather to her cap.  A warm-hearted movie without being saccharine sweet, it’s worth seeing for her fans and lovers of well-made British films.



Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.



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