Hi there. This is m first movie review - so forgive me if I miss some of the finer points.
My wife won tickets to see the new Michael Caine movie 'The Statement'.
First off, its been awhile since I been to a theatre to see a movie ( couple years ). I must say the big mutiplexes leave alot to be desired. I hear alot of home video projector reviews using terms such as 'film like image'. Two minutes in to the movie ( luckily because it was the premier - I was spared the 20 minutes of commercials and promos before the movie ) and I was amazed at how little contrast there was in the blacks, and how many dust blobs and specs there were in the film. The projector actualy seemed to be shaking slightly for the first 15 minutes. I also noticed how much the 'Digital Soround Theatre' effect sonded like a needle dropping on an old LP record when ot started. And lastly, I really longed for a pause button near the end so that I could get rid of the $4.00 drink I drank too fast. Once I make the move to a home projector - I don't think I'll ever desire going back to the theatre again ( O.K. maybe for LOTR ROTK - I can't wait to see that one ).
So - Theatre ranting aside, here I go (I'll try not to spoil anything for you ).
The basis of the storey is the Michael Caine's caracter is guiltey of 'crimes against humanity' from back during the German occupation (for excecuting 7 jewish men) and has been on the run for about 45 years. He's nearing the end of his life and things are catching up to him. There are 2 investigators trying to find 'and bring him to justice' and also determine who's been helping him to remain at large and more importantly why. At the same time, others want him dead.
If you like films by Oliver Stone that investigate on the basis that there are people at the top who 'know all and are pulling the strings' - then you will like this movie. French politicians and the Roman Catholic Church are predominant in the Film.
I have not seen alot of Michael Caine films, but I consider him an impressive actor in all the rolls I've seen him in ( comedy and drama ). He convincingly potrays and man whom you almost pity during most of the film. A tired old man who has been running too long always looking over his shoulder - he's had no life to speak of for 45 years. He wants you to believe that the excecutions were him just following orders, and he was just wrapped up in somthing that was bigger than him. One mistake made one time. But......every so often - his true self becomes very clear. He is a very cold blooded, brutal man who just looking to save his own a**, and that is all. These 'cold' moments do not take up much of the film - but they are some of the most powerful moments of the film. Michael Caine has done a wonderful job in the role.
The story is good. It is pased well and its ends well.
This movie does not gain anything by being seen in the theatre - so I would wait to see on DVD. I look forward to listening to the audio commentary track because I'm sure there is alot of background that will be quit interesting ( eg : is this pure fiction or is some of this based on a real person and how much, etc ). I had no knowledge of this story before seeing the movie - so I do not know what if any of it is based in truth. The conspirecy itself does seem feasable - but the way it plays out is too 'Hollywood" to be true.
Anyway, that's my take on it. Its worth seeing, but wait for the DVD.
My wife won tickets to see the new Michael Caine movie 'The Statement'.
First off, its been awhile since I been to a theatre to see a movie ( couple years ). I must say the big mutiplexes leave alot to be desired. I hear alot of home video projector reviews using terms such as 'film like image'. Two minutes in to the movie ( luckily because it was the premier - I was spared the 20 minutes of commercials and promos before the movie ) and I was amazed at how little contrast there was in the blacks, and how many dust blobs and specs there were in the film. The projector actualy seemed to be shaking slightly for the first 15 minutes. I also noticed how much the 'Digital Soround Theatre' effect sonded like a needle dropping on an old LP record when ot started. And lastly, I really longed for a pause button near the end so that I could get rid of the $4.00 drink I drank too fast. Once I make the move to a home projector - I don't think I'll ever desire going back to the theatre again ( O.K. maybe for LOTR ROTK - I can't wait to see that one ).
So - Theatre ranting aside, here I go (I'll try not to spoil anything for you ).
The basis of the storey is the Michael Caine's caracter is guiltey of 'crimes against humanity' from back during the German occupation (for excecuting 7 jewish men) and has been on the run for about 45 years. He's nearing the end of his life and things are catching up to him. There are 2 investigators trying to find 'and bring him to justice' and also determine who's been helping him to remain at large and more importantly why. At the same time, others want him dead.
If you like films by Oliver Stone that investigate on the basis that there are people at the top who 'know all and are pulling the strings' - then you will like this movie. French politicians and the Roman Catholic Church are predominant in the Film.
I have not seen alot of Michael Caine films, but I consider him an impressive actor in all the rolls I've seen him in ( comedy and drama ). He convincingly potrays and man whom you almost pity during most of the film. A tired old man who has been running too long always looking over his shoulder - he's had no life to speak of for 45 years. He wants you to believe that the excecutions were him just following orders, and he was just wrapped up in somthing that was bigger than him. One mistake made one time. But......every so often - his true self becomes very clear. He is a very cold blooded, brutal man who just looking to save his own a**, and that is all. These 'cold' moments do not take up much of the film - but they are some of the most powerful moments of the film. Michael Caine has done a wonderful job in the role.
The story is good. It is pased well and its ends well.
This movie does not gain anything by being seen in the theatre - so I would wait to see on DVD. I look forward to listening to the audio commentary track because I'm sure there is alot of background that will be quit interesting ( eg : is this pure fiction or is some of this based on a real person and how much, etc ). I had no knowledge of this story before seeing the movie - so I do not know what if any of it is based in truth. The conspirecy itself does seem feasable - but the way it plays out is too 'Hollywood" to be true.
Anyway, that's my take on it. Its worth seeing, but wait for the DVD.
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