Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Character information is sparse and disconnected, while the frequent and intrusive attempts at a light-hearted comic tone are brutally ineffective. The knowing wit evident throughout Raiders is replaced by ham-fisted sight gags, and this forms perhaps the weakest component of the film.
Rating: 3 starsHoopla Factor: 2.5 stars Continue reading Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Raiders of the Lost Ark

In the 27 years that have passed since the original release of Raiders of the Lost Ark there have been countless homages and rip-offs, and even a shot-for-shot copy made by a bunch of kids that brought them to fame. With the impending release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull it seems right to reflect on the original’s greatness.
Rating: 4 starsHoopla Factor: 4 stars Continue reading Raiders of the Lost Ark

Taxi Driver

Watching a ‘well-known’ movie for the first time is fraught – misapprehension may often lead to confusion in the viewers mind. If one can avoid the distraction of a thousand participants in ‘movieoke’, however, and focus solely on the incredible leading performance and striking depiction of one man’s developing insanity, Taxi Driver is well worth the effort.
Rating: 4.0 starsHoopla Factor: 3.5 stars Continue reading Taxi Driver