Director: Francis Ford Coppola Starring: Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits Distributed By: Columbia Pictures Release Date: November 1992 ----------------------------------------------------------------
The definitive version of the most famous Vampire of them all; this movie is intensely erotic and filled with mysterious longing as Gary Oldman's Dracula seeks out his desires. Jonathon Harker is a likable character and Keanu Reeves tries his best to make him gallant and thoughtful during his ‘house arrest’ although I would imagine he had a fairly pleasant time filming the scenes as he is overwhelmed by Dracula’s three brides! Unfortunately his accent does make me laugh at times; which is something that he probably did not intend! Winona Ryder is quite lovely as Mina and her scenes opposite Gary Oldman have great chemistry as she tries to remain a virtuous member of society. I also like the fact that she is the perfect example of purity as opposed to Lucy’s insatiable approach to the opposite sex and her pursuit of them! Sadie Frost gives a very vibrant and convincing portrayal of Lucy as she falls under the Count’s spell and gets to enjoy one of the most blood soaked scenes! I absolutely love Cary Elwes performance as Arthur, his mannerisms and pronunciations alone are brilliant! Richard E. Grant is very enjoyable as Jack and Tom Waits is excellent as the disturbed Renfield. The two stars of this are undoubtedly Gary Oldman who gives a strong performance as Dracula and goes through some incredible visual looks throughout the movie and Anthony Hopkins who gives a very faithful performance as the great Van Helsing, it’s just a shame that they don’t share more screen time. The movie is beautifully filmed, has plenty of action and extreme Gothic sensuality but it doesn't quite match the urgency that’s captured in the book, particularly during the thrilling chase back to Transylvania which remains a classic and chilling read; however it's still one of the best adaptations on screen to date. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Burton Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Christopher Walken Distributed By: Paramount Pictures Release Date: November 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------- Tim Burton's chilling take on this tale is great fun! Beautifully filmed and cleverly told, this story finds Johnny Depp's charming Ichabod as a noble and intelligent man trying to discover the identity of the headless horseman. Christina Ricci gives a lovely performance throughout as Katrina and I also really enjoyed watching Michael Gambon and Miranda Richardson who are both very charismatic as Katrina's parents! The film's supporting cast all have moments to shine and appear to have great fun amid the chaos. Christopher Walken looks brilliantly terrifying as the horseman in the fleeting glimpses that we see of him with his head and the CGI is very good, I particularly like the scenes as he emerges from the tree and as he finally reclaims what he's been seeking! All the scenes on horseback are impressive and the whole look and feel of the movie is infused with a hefty dose of Gothic romance and mystery which continues to add to its appeal. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joe Johnston Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, Geraldine Chaplin, Art Malik Distributed By: Universal Pictures Release Date: February 2010 -------------------------------------------------------------- I really like this dark and atmospheric tale that brings the dreaded werewolf back onto the big screen. Anthony Hopkins gives a very understated performance that almost whispers "deadbeat dad" as he roams around his unkempt estate, physically and emotionally keeping his distance from those that try to be close to him. Emily Blunt is elegant and charming as Gwen and brings some much needed tender femininity into the film and Hugo Weaving brings cool intellect as he tries to unravel the mysterious identity of the Blackmoor attacker. Benicio Del Toro is excellent as Lawrence as he deals with all sorts of emotions as he too becomes a victim of circumstance and the chemistry between Lawrence and Gwen is believable and honest. The scenery is at times breathtaking and the effects throughout, particularly the werewolf transformations which can often be tricky and unrealistic are very well done. Filled with eerie moments and fair amounts of gore, this is a nice addition to the werewolf genre and is perfect viewing material for a cold moonlit night! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Tim Burton & Mike Johnson Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley, Albert Finney Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures Release Date: September 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------- This is really quite sweet. Both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter bring sensitivity to the characters of Victor and Emily. The story is enjoyable and the animation is darkly beautiful and inspiring. Director Tim Burton is a master at this sort of movie and this is a lovely visual treat with rousing music by the talented Danny Elfman and a host of wonderful actors contributing to the voice cast. Whilst the sense of the macabre is woven throughout this tale, it also gives off a magical quality that makes it ultimately charming! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Joanna Hogg Starring: Kathryn Worth, Tom Hiddleston, Mary Roscoe, David Rintoul, Emma Hiddleston, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Harry Kershaw, Michael Hadley Distributed By: New Wave Films Release Date: February 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most realistic movies I’ve ever seen, this is at times uncomfortable and even cringeworthy viewing, but it’s also the sort of movie that you can’t tear yourself away from. Joanna Hogg's direction is so brilliantly authentic it feels as though you’re actually on holiday with these characters viewing their day to day activities and problems from just a few feet back. I found that despite their flaws I began to like them even though at times I felt embarrassed on their behalf, particularly regarding Anna as the movie is mainly seen through her eyes. I think most people would agree that a family and friends’ holiday is often an awkward occasion for all involved and this movie displays that with ease and I especially liked that a lot of the scenes were obnoxiously loud and the conversations were cut off as the characters dealt with each other. Kathryn Worth gives an excellent performance as Anna and it really seems like she is just tagging along, not really being a part of either group. When she does find her place I felt happy for her and as she falls for Oakley she portrays the absolute perfect example of almost crushing vulnerability and a longing for something that would make her feel some self-worth. I’ll admit her character did start to grate on me towards the end, but I think this is due to her honest portrayal of a woman who is very unhappy and is finally facing up to what she has become and what she wants. Tom Hiddleston gives a very enjoyable performance throughout as Oakley who has the carefree arrogance and charm of youth. His argument with his father played by David Rintoul is intensely uncomfortable and very convincing and I was surprised by his maturity regarding Anna’s betrayal. I always enjoy it when actors who are real family members also portray this on film and Emma Hiddleston gives a likable and understated performance as Badge. I really enjoyed all the supporting roles and again loved that it was very realistic as they travelled through the City. I am so glad that I’ve seen this movie, which is an honest and important piece of drama that can speak to us all about how we deal with our nearest and dearest and how we all show different sides of ourselves, but in the end have to live with our decisions. ~~Nikki~~
Director: Julie Taymor Starring: Helen Mirren, Felicity Jones, Djimon Honsou, Ben Whishaw, Alfred Molina, Chris Cooper, David Strathairn, Alan Cumming, Russell Brand, Reeve Carney Distributed By: Touchstone Pictures/Miramax Films Release Date: December 2010 --------------------------------------------------------------- Julie Taymor makes her adaptation of Shakespeare's magical play a visual wonder. Filled with beautiful scenery and striking imagery the cast effortlessly bring Shakespeare's beautiful poetry to life. I really like the changing of Prospero as a father to Prospera as a mother and Helen Mirren gives an excellently fierce portrayal as she seeks to right the wrongs imposed on her. Felicity Jones is very likable as Miranda and her scenes with Reeve Carney's gentle Ferdinand are warm and believable. David Strathairn, Alan Cumming and Chris Cooper are all enjoyable as they discover the Island for themselves and Alfred Molina and Russell Brand are very funny as Stephano and Trinculo Helen Mirren really does impress and Djimon Hounsou and Ben Whishaw are wonderful to watch as Caliban and Ariel. Ben Whishaw's Ariel in particular has some impressive scenes and really looks amazing and I really enjoyed the relationship formed between him and Prospera which seems more heartfelt on screen whilst Djimon Hounsou's performance is very powerful as Caliban and he brings real emotion to his scenes. I love to read Shakespeare but seeing his plays either on screen or in the theatre is the best way to embrace his work and this adaptation of The Tempest a fine example! ~~Nikki~~
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
