The Green Hornet

Directed by: Michael Gondry

UK / US Release date: Jan 14 2011

Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Tom Wilkinson, Christoph Waltz, Edward James Olmos, Cameron Diaz

IMDB Page

He said:

There are so many things that I could say about this film, but seeing as not one of those things would be constructive I will limit my bitter diatribe to this: Simply put The Green Hornet is a waste of time. The source material provided ample opportunity to produce a different type of hero film. Sadly those opportunities were overlooked and out right ignored in exchange for cheap visuals a very few good practical effects and a stumbling and often seemingly directionless plot.

This is not a comic book film adaptation, The Green Hornet like The Shadow , The Phantom and The Rocketeer before it were originally radio serials long before they were adapted to comics, and at the time were fantastic for their era. It wasn't until Van Williams and Bruce Lee portrayed the duo that our parents generation was introduced to them again.

One of the few nods worth mentioning in the film was a sketch of Bruce Lee in Kato's sketch book. If I am honest I am remiss to slam this film as much as I would have had I wrote this review directly after I left the cinema. It is obvious that Seth Rogen (who lost thirty pounds to portray Britt Reid and also co-wrote the film) really loved this character and attempted to do it's story justice, the sad truth is that he failed. I give this film {{{0.5 out of 5}}}

She said:

I knew this film was going to be awful as soon as I saw the trailer; an incompetently written piece of film puff trying to cash in on the current boom of superhero movies. This film fails to create any kind of affinity with the superhero loving crowd because there is simply no integrity or moral standing to The Green Hornet. This film is crass, offensive and to be honest down-right boring.

Forgetting about the terrible acting for a moment, the script itself was completely dire. There was no pacing (I thought it was going to end a long time before it did... but then again maybe that was wishful thinking) and the overarching story was obviously first draft nonsense. A rewrite or twelve at least may have giving someone on the production team a chance to realise that the film made no kind of ethical sense. And don't get me started on the distastefulness of Diaz's role and how she is treated.

The effects were alright but nothing to write home about. The 3D presentation with no 2D option just showed how desperate the filmmakers were to reel in some kind of return on this pitiful excuse for a film. I give this film {{{0.5 out of 5}}}

They said: Save yourself. Don't see it. If you are stuck on a plane and it is the only film available we suggest you have the nearest obese passenger smother you until you lose consciousness. We give this film {{{1 out of 10}}}

QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: WHAT IS THE WORST FILM YOU HAVE EVER SEEN?

The Holiday (Directed by Nancy Meyers)

Watched: 21st March
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law

IMDB link

He said
I have a soft spot in my heart for this film for the simple reason that the Jack Black character is one of the few realistically portrayed "Forever Friends" in recent history (In contrast to the film Just friends with Ryan Reynolds where the "forever friend" archetype grows up to be the forever heart breaking Ryan "Abs of a god "Reynolds)

Like Helen I think that this movie was enjoyable but could have explored other areas for greater impact. (The Winslet and Black relationship for example is almost completely ignored) The sub-plot With retired screen-writer Arthur is adorable and gives the films heart a healthy dose of needed compassion.

As an American in a relatively small English town, that has fallen in love with a British citizen, I think this film finds a place in my heart even more than it did when I first saw it in theatres and further cements it's place in my DVD collection. I give this film {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

She said

The Holiday was a cute film. It was one of those films that leaves you a little more fuzzy inside than when you started but it didn't blow me away. Although it was based on Meyer's typical humouros love dilemmas it moved away from her mid-life crises obsession (Something's Gotta Give, Father of the Bride, It's Complicated) to er... slightly-younger-crises.

I enjoyed the unlikely pairs (Kate Winslet and Jack Black... it worked but really shouldn't have) but my problem was the pace. The film dragged too long on certain scenes (the Diaz break-up scene wouldn't stop) and basically spent too long making us believe the inevitable wouldn't happen. Then guess what! The inevitable happens.

There was a subplot that was touching about honouring an old Hollywood script writer. The contrast between his quiet acceptance of his contributions contrasted to Diaz's in-your-face trailers, which she created as her profession. Diaz seeing her life as trailers was genuinely funny - I would have liked to see this used more.

I don't want to pick on this film too much. As I said, it was fun to watch, but it just didn't inspire me. I would have liked less of the ditzy character comedy and more of the light hearted sentiment that Meyer's is great at. If you like gentle rom-coms then give it a go. I give it {{{2.5 out of 5}}}

They said:
Contrary to our relatively low rating we do suggest that if you are wandering through the video rental store for something light-hearted and fun to watch that you pick this film up. We give it {{{6 out of 10}}}