Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 27 April 2000

His wife’s sister-in-law, Lisa (Douglas), was an ex-hypnotic and challenges Tom to see if he can withstand her treatment.  He is entranced by her power but upon awakening, brings something back with him.  He can’t sleep, he always thirsty, and along with his 7-year-old son, he starts seeing ghosts and it’s up to him to solve the riddle of how to make them disappear.

Stir Of Echoes has its moments.  Suspense factor is high and Kevin Bacon does a good job in his creepy role.  What makes the film so frustrating to watch is the reactions from many of the characters and particularly his wife.  I don’t understand why her wife wouldn’t be concerned that her husband is clearly troubled.  It looks like she could hardly care.

There are sub-characters that don’t work and the son (played by Zachary David Cope) provides some curiosity that is left unfulfilled.  The film’s ending itself is evidence of the above criticisms.

The Sixth Sense did it a hell of a lot better and if you haven’t already seen it, save yourself the trouble with this film and check it out instead.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 20 April 2000

In the tradition of Sliding Doors, Me Myself I is the story of Pamela Drury.  She’s just celebrated her 30th birthday and panic is setting in - will she be going through her whole life without meeting the right man?  She still has thoughts of her dream guy from high school, Robert Dixon, but he’s long married and out of her reach.

That is until the switch.  Pamela suddenly finds herself in a whole new life - the one in which she did marry Robert all those years ago.  It’s gives her a unique opportunity to look at what her life might have been.

Philippa Karmel is a first time director having branched out from an editing career that included an Academy Award nomination for her work on Shine.  Pip is also wrote the script which is obviously influenced by prior films.

Rachel Griffiths brings charm to her persona in what is one of her first leading roles.  The rest of cast are reasonable but they don’t bring much life to the story, which is flimsy.  There are nice lighthearted moments but the film rehashes old and abused material by the bucketful which leaves few surprises or refreshment.

In a pleasant change, this film does not have an Australian feel to it despite its origins.  These days, you can tell an Aussie film from a mile off (ala The Craic, The Wog Boy).  Me Myself I has a strong American influence that doesn’t necessarily help the film but is a good experiment.

Likely to make a few bucks in Australia and please audiences with its idea, toilet humour and senseless nudity, this film isn’t up to the benchmark set by Sliding Doors (which I should add isn’t such a high mark).  Don’t worry, this idea of two different scenarios will be back soon I guarantee.  Until then...

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 27 April 2000

Undecided where is future lies, Billy takes the mound for what could be the final time.  It’s a nothing game for Detroit but victory will keep the New York Yankees out of the play-offs.  Yankee Stadium is packed and the stage is set.

As the game progresses, Chapel has flashbacks over his distinguished career.  He’s guaranteed to make the Hall of Fame, has made millions in endorsements but has a soft spot for one lady.  He met Jane Aubrey (Preston) whilst in New York and a relationship slowly developed.  It was great at first but then things changed.  As she tells Billy, you and ball are perfect for each other and you don’t need anybody else.

For Love Of The Game has a lot going for it.  I’m surprised that more sporting movies aren’t coming out of American given their recent popularity and success.  Kevin Costner knows when he’s on a winner and illustrates his baseball prowess having recently mastered the art of golf for Tin Cup.

Sam Raimi is behind the camera as the film’s director and does a wonderful job building the excitement and tension of the baseball game.  His use of blurred TV-like images, commentary and even the FOX logo and score in the top left corner give the movie some neat touches.  Sure the ending is formulaic but it’ll put feeling back into the heart of any sportsman who’s faced disappointment.  It’s got all the tension of a real baseball game.

On the downward flipside is the romance between Costner and Preston.  It works to an extent but as film flashes back and forward, you become annoyed at the frivolous stories and romantic moments he reflects back upon.  It overshadows the game, but then again there are some who will prefer the romance to the sporting action.

Baseball is not a well-known sport in Australia and you will need to understand a little about the game to appreciate just what is going on.  I wonder if Australian filmmakers will catch onto the bug and if soon we’ll see an AFL or rugby league movie.  Many of us play sport but what is it that draws us back week after week despite disappointment after disappointment.  For love of the game.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 20 April 2000

Word comes in of an emergency assignment and within hours they’re shipping out with a highly classified mission plan.  Upon departure, they find they are intercepting a German U-boat (the U-571) who has been disabled but not destroyed.  On board is a top-secret typewriter that will reveal the German’s encrypted code that has prevented the U.S. from understanding their radio transmissions.

Putting the plan into action goes smoothly until another German submarine arrives and destroys the U.S. sub.  This leaves a handful of men stranded on the German U-571 with no knowledge of the submarine’s operations or technology.  They must somehow manoeuvre the U-boat back home whilst under the threat of the approaching Germans.

On a positive side, U-571 has some solid action scenes that feature some great sound effects, cinematography and direction.  However, it tires quickly and the film’s intentions are compromised by poor dialogue and disgracefully corny subject material.  At least the story doesn’t claim to be based on a true story (ala Erin Brockovich).

I would have much preferred to see a more realistic viewpoint of these heroes.  War movies are a staple of the American public’s cinema diet and it’s a tough ask to follow the recent acclaim for Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line.  War films are about the passion and emotion of fighting for one’s country.  It is not about zany over-the-top action scenes.

So treat this film for what it is.  It’s just a simple action film with little story, little acting and little else.  U-571 is dedicated to the U.S. marines of World War II who fought and captured German intelligence material that helped win the war.  I’m sure those who actually were in the war would find this film one laugh after another.

Details

Written by Matthew Toomey

Created: 20 April 2000

Born into a life of poverty, Fanny Price (O’Connor) is given a special opportunity.  At the age of 10, her mother ships her off to Mansfield Park to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle.  However, at her new home she’s always had trouble fitting in and many see her simply as the old peasant girl in a class below the rest of the family.  

From the time she entered Mansfield Park there was always one she could trust and rely on, her cousin Edward (Miller).  They developed a strong bond and shared all their thoughts and feelings with each other.

Over time, Fanny became an excellent writer and established herself into a respectable young lady.  When a wealthy gentleman by the name of Henry Crawford (Nivola) stays for a short time at the Park, he is smitten with Fanny and asks the uncle for her hand in marriage who accepts the proposal.

Fanny wants no part of it.  She doesn’t believe Henry will be faithful to her and refuses to marry him.  Her uncle threatens to disband her from the household unless she accepts which leaves her in an impossible situation - either marry a man she does not love or be forced to return home to her life of destitution.

Frances O’Connor has bloomed as an actress over her short career and is set to make her mark in Hollywood.  O’Connor is wonderful in her role as Fanny Price and caught the attention of Steven Spielberg who has just cast her along side Jude Law and Haley Joel Osment in the new A.I. project.

Patricia Rozema’s direction is also well crafted.  The flashy camera movements and angles help keep the story upbeat and moving.  The language is kept simple and it all works for the benefit of the film and the genre.  So many are turned off by period pieces but film’s such as Mansfield Park are doing their best to take the movie to the public rather than the other way around.

Jane Austen’s works deserve the success they are receiving.  Her writings are in a class of their own - romantic tales 200 years ago that are still relevant today.  I’m sure William Shakespeare would have been a fan.

Not to be missed, Mansfield Park is an uplifting romantic comedy of love triumphing above adversity.  Austen fans can expect more of her works on the big screen rather soon I presume.  They’re certainly more entertaining than the current crop of romantic films being churned out by Hollywood writers.  Soak it up while you still can.