Contents
Star Ratings:
* * * * * Excellent
* * * * Very Good
* * * Good
* * OK
* Abysmal
Film Reviews
STAR WARS - SPECIAL EDITION TRILOGY
Dir: George Lucas
Starring: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill * * * * *
Twenty years on and the Star Wars trilogy looks as good as ever, which is amazing when you consider how much special effects have advanced since then.
George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars has taken advantage of these advances to update ce rtain scenes in the trilogy, spending $10 million on Star Wars alone, plus a similar amount on Empire and Jedi. That's about the same as it cost to make in the first place! Luc as wanted to ensure that the films were still relevant and exciting for the new generation of children who have not yet seen them.
So, if you want to get your fill of Star Wars creatures - Banthas, Dewbacks, Rontos, Scurriers and Wampas, or you yearn to listen to Rapper, Joh Yowza and Sy Snootles performing for Jabba the Hutt, don't miss your chance to see this larger than life Special Edition Trilogy on the Giant screen at the Edge Maxvision Cinema.
THE SAINT
Dir: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Val Kilmer, Elisabeth Shue * * *1/2
Australian director Phillip Noyce took on a difficult job when he decided to bring the 60s television's The Saint to the big screen.
But forget all comparisons, this film is totally different to the TV series and needs to be enjoyed on its own merits. The hero, Simon Templar, named himself while suffering in an orphanage in the Far East, after a biblical magician and a Middle Ages order of crusading monks. His characters are all named after Catholic saints.
He uses his aliases to score a series of lucrative heists, until he is called upon to use his powers for good to help Shue's cold fission nuclear scientist.
This is the basis for a good solid spy thriller. True, gadget ridden spy movies are not original, but this is a good example of the genre and the chemistry between Kilmer and Shue is tangible and helps to ignite the plot and make it believable. The Saint is well worth a viewing.
EXTREME MEASURES
Starring: Hugh Grant, Gene Hackman * * * *
The foppish Hugh Grant as an action hero? It's true, and even more amazing, it's actually in the realms of credibility!
Grant plays Dr Guy Luthan, a British doctor working in a New York hospital (lucky, huh? He doesn't have to attempt an American accent as well.)
This is a good medical thriller addressing several pertinent questions - what is happening to a stream of homeless men who have gone missing from the hospital? Why does Guy's boss seem to want to make trouble for Guy? What is the agenda of the brilliant but sinister neurosurgeon Dr Lawrence Myrick (Hackman)?
As Guy dodges bullets, is chased by the baddies and tries to get to the truth, it becomes increasingly obvious that Myrick must have had his fingers crossed when he took the Hypocratic oath.
THE 5TH ELEMENT
Dir: Luc Besson
Starring: Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich * * * * *
This film has state of the art special effects that all future sci-fis will be trying to copy. That's fitting really, since The 5th Element is a homage to all of the great sci-fis that have gone before. Look closely to see Blade Runner, Star Wars, Star Trek and Total Recall.
The action never stops and Bruce Willis is perfect in the lead. It's a bit of a satire, which those who don't appreciate it don't seem to have realised. Go to be entertained to the max by a visually stunning, action-packed movie.
Fast Track!
The Edge Cinema's new giant screen format movie is called Super Speedway. Buckle up for the ride of your life at 370kph! Delve into the death-defying drama of Indy Car racing with world champion Mario Andretti.
Directed by acclaimed director Stephen Low, Super Speedway puts you into what has previously been the domain of a handful of professional racing drivers.
The season starts on 5 June and is showing exclusively at the Edge.
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