I was all set to pick The Birdcage but then I stopped and thought there are many films out there to pick, I'll choose some odd ones. Don't forget to check out what
Wandering Through the Shelves picked, the blog that started Thursday Movie Picks.
Interview
Part of a trio of films that were originally made by Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh, Steve Buscemi's remake was the first to be released. I had the privilage to go the UK premiere and to a masterclass with Buscemi, I was in heaven. I even got up the nerve to ask a question (big deal for me). It was the first time I went to the BFI festival in 2006, this year will be my 10th year attending. The film is about a disgruntled political journalist who is told by his editor to interview a soap actress. I enjoyed the film, it was like watching play and it's Steve Buscemi directing and starring, two pluses.
Wild Target
I was going to pick another French to English adaptation but decided to go with this black comedy adaptation of
'Cible émouvante'. Good story, mediocre outcome. Usually I enjoy a good hitman film but there was something a bit too wishy-washy about this film. The story itself about a brilliant hitman who doesn't finish a job becuase he basically falls in love with his target and takes on an apprentice. The favourites of British acting talent are on display and are quite good but don't really lift the story off the ground. Contraband
This was meant to be one of my first original vs remake posts but I couldn't find the Icelandic film, 'Reykjavík-Rotterdam' for ages. But now I know where to seek it out, that post may still be out there. I'm not usually one for the typical Mark Wahlberg action films but this felt a little different. Plus it was £2.99 with any purchase at HMV one day. Ex-smuggler Chris, now family man with own security business is dragged back into the world he thought he left when his brother-in-law is forced to throw away drugs he was smuggling when his frieghter is inspected. The mobster is charge threatens Chris' family unless he is paid back the money lost. Chris decides to raise the money by running contraband.
