On my watch list
Yeah we loved it as well. Cracking film. The dog had me absolutely crying with laughter
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I was so amazed by how many cameos and jokes they managed to crank out with so very little repetition.
Probably my favourite after the first.
Yeah that hideous dog was histerical!
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Has anyone here seen the Napoleon film by Ridley Scott? Here is a short review I wrote a few months ago:
First of all, “Napoleon” is not a war film even though several battles are depicted. So in that sense, “Napoleon” is in the same vein as other films like “Barry Lyndon” and “The Duellists”. If you have seen those two films you will know what I’m talking about. In contrast, the 1970 film “Waterloo” is indeed very much a war film because the battle is front and center and the focus of the plot.
As far as I could tell, there are two distinct driving dramatic narratives in “Napoleon”. Firstly you have the big picture covering the politics and military campaigns and secondly you have the tumultuous relationship between Napoleon and Josephine. In fact the very final frame of the film closes out the latter narrative in a very poignant and compelling manner.
Let’s talk about the battles. What’s in the film and what isn’t that maybe should have been? The film has amazingly well shot and choreographed set-pieces for the Siege of Toulon, Battle of Austerlitz, Battle of Borodino and naturally, Battle of Waterloo. There was about a 10 minute sequence covering Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt but it felt a bit rushed to me and the Battle of the Pyramids felt more like a dramatic beat for the story than any recreation of the battle. What’s not in the film which maybe should have been is the entire naval aspect. No Trafalgar, no Copenhagen, no Nile, etc. There was also not even any mention of the Peninsular campaign. In the end though, I need to realize that this was a 2.5 hour film and only so much can be covered so I keep my criticism on this aspect to a minimum.
Concerning the performances, I really do think Joaquin Phoenix should at least get an Oscar nomination for his performance. He was compelling in every way imaginable. The on-screen gravitas was there in spades. I also liked the actor who portrayed the Duke of Wellington since the writer was faithful to history in that respect. Wellington certainly came across as a crotchety, formal and emotionally distant Englishman. Vanessa Kirby was also quite compelling as Josephine. I didn’t know much about this actress beforehand but she was very well cast for the role.
On a scale of 1-10 I give the film an 8. Some of the historical inaccuracies bugged me a bit but the bottom line for me is that the story was dramatically compelling. I actually found myself feeling some sympathy for Napoleon in the final few minutes of the film (if you know the history you’ll understand why) but I think it was really Joaquin who sold it me with his amazing performance. In one scene he would be a total ■■■■■■■ and in another scene he would have me inspired. That to me, is the truest sign of a great actor.
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Currently watching and liking this epic
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Completely agree that Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor, but IMHO he was totally let down by this movie… and I expected a million percent better from Ridley Scott.
It wasn’t just the historical inaccuracies, it all came together to produce something that I really didn’t like, except for the cinematography.
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Disclaimer: I am a fan of Ms. Johansson and not just for obvious reasons, I also happen to think she is a damn fine actor who absolutely steals the show in this one.
IMHO she elevates it from what could have been a fun but mediocre fictional backstory to the Apollo 11 mission into something worth watching… I’m glad I did.
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Want some eye rolling comedy that’s supposed to be a serious military action/thriller flick? Have I got a treat for you. I won’t give it away- just go watch it.
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Russell Crowe has fallen on hard times.
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Sure looks that way.
IMHO Rusty peaked with Gladiator… but he gets a pass from me for 3.10 to Yuma and Nice Guys.
His best performance will always be as Hando in Romper Stomper… or maybe his ‘cameo’ in South Park 
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But it has two Hemsworths and a Rusty. It surely should be titled ‘Land of Good’? 
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I think he was also very good in LA Confidential.
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Forgot about that one…
Ooooh there’s the other one were he’s a fat psycopath in a SUV that literally terrorizes and stalk a woman and her children, Unhinged.
I didn’t really like the movie- but his performance was AMAZING!
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Umm…Jack Aubrey. And “Are you not entertained” has to be among the top five lines ever in the history of English film. So, with that body of work I’ll give him a pass on the occasional turd.
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OMFG How could I ever forget Master & Commander!
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Master & Commander is a fantastic film indeed and the entire cast was great and totally believable as an early 19th century naval crew.
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OK. And Unhinged, and Master & Commander, and LA Confidential…
Now if you will excuse me, I have a hat I need to eat.
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Gah! Just remembered another one that I didn’t mind… Proof of Life.
Nothing Oscar worthy, but a realistic (for Hollywood) portrayal of 3rd World hostage rescue.
Looks like I will be following up that delicious main course of hat with a slice of humble pie.
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What can I get you to drink with that? Don’t want ya choking. 
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