Adrian Mateljan

Adrian’s rating: 9
Last watched: 26th January 2009 (DVD, owned)

It is amusing how often the first of a succession of films is the one I enjoy the most - and The Bourne Identity is no exception. I have not read the book, so my opinion has not been influenced by it. I guess I just enjoy the polish of the film, the actors (and actresses), the action and the espionage/conspiracy elements of the plot. All these elements come together to create - while not one of my all time favourite films (otherwise I would rate it a 10) - a film that I thoroughly enjoy and hence has pride of place in our DVD colection.

Adrian’s rating: 8
Tilt: +1 Science Fiction / The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Last watched: 25th January 2009 (DVD, owned)

Slick, wacky, enjoyable - which manages to help keep the stupidity level beneath my tolerance level. Your mileage may vary - especially if you are not a science fiction and/or amateur Hitchhikers fan.

Adrian’s Rating: 8
Last watched: 1st Feb 2009 (DVD, owned)

My favourite of the Indiana Jones movies - it must be Sean Connery

Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 28th December 2008 (Cinema, VUE)

Adam Sandler toned down for a younger audience (its still rated PG though) keeps this fun for me, rather than grating. Still, not good enough to warrant membership in our collection.

Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, Blockbuster)

The only thing I remember of “Speed Racer” from my childhood is the theme tune. Unlike “Hancock“, the previews did not inspire confidence in the film - so Lou and I were not surprised when the general consensus seemed to be negative.

I was surprised that the film was actually quite fun. Once I had adjusted to the bright, colourful, psychadelic world the film is set in, I was able to enjoy the characters and over the top car races. Ok, this film won’t win any awards - and it is a far cry from the Wachowski Brothers‘ “The Matrix” - but I don’t think it is a total write-off. I can definately see, however, how it might be an aquired taste.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Adrian’s rating: 7
First watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, Blockbuster)
Tilt: +1 Superhero

I remember the previews looking good for this (which is always a worry) but Lou and I did not end up seeing it in the cinema - I think due to lacklustre reviews. Anyway, the first half is actually a lot of fun but is let down in the second half after the “plot twist” - where the film seems to lose direction and purpose. Or, maybe the rapid u-turn from comedy to tragedy just threw me and I never quite recovered.

Adrian’s rating: 8
Last Watched: 26th December 2008 (DVD, owned)
Tilt: +1 Indiana Jones

The original Indiana Jones adventure and the second best in my opinion. I do enjoy the mix of Nazis, the occult, archaeology and adventure which are the central themes of the franchise. I haven’t watched Raiders for quite a while and this time through I noticed just how much the music contributes to the film.

Adrian’s rating: 10
First watched: TBA (VUE, Reading)
Last watched: 25th December 2008 (DVD, owned)
Tilt: +1 comic adaptation

I loved this in the cinema and a second viewing on DVD hasn’t reduced it at all. If there is one flaw, it is the somewhat unimaginative use of a bigger, badder (but less intelligent) version of the hero as the main villain. Still, it does leave plenty of room for the sequel - as always I hope they don’t stuff it up. Robert Downey Jr is usually hit and miss for me too - but this is a spot on hit.

Disclaimer: I have never read an Iron Man comic, and what vague childhood memories I have of Iron Man cartoons never instilled in me any sense of connection or awe with the hero - unlike the film.

Adrian’s Rating: 8
First Watched: Sunday 21st December 2008 (DVD)

Between poor reviews and not having been inspired by Brendan Fraser lately, I wasn’t expecting much. Sometimes I wonder how much preconception and mood play in what I like and don’t like - I guess I will have to wait until I watch it again. First time through - this was simply fun to watch. That is the point right?

Adrian’s rating: 6
First watched: Saturday 20th December 2008 (DVD)

Nothing special here. Even though I enjoyed The Mummy and The Mummy Returns - I even enjoyed The Scorpian King - this was mostly tedious for me, and certainly the worst of the franchise (although, there is a sequel to The Scorpian King that I haven’t seen yet…) Even Indianna Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a better film. Doesn’t even warrant a Tilt: +1 The Mummy due to a number of reasons including the lack of Rachel Weisz as Evelyn (replaced by Maria Bello) and Yetis - don’t ask.

The highlights for me came pretty late in the film as the two undead armies faced off - some physical humour as a skeleton in the background turns around and accidentally knocks off a comrade’s head and later another skeleton acting visibly confused after losing his head to the enemy. As I said, nothing special.