Films I Really Wish I Could Love...

I find myself really torn in the case of Sherlock Holmes. When I first saw it, I was really unsure of what I'd just seen. I couldn't truly pinpoint what its strengths and flaws were. Therefore, I shelled out another $15 to go see it again about a week later. And still, I couldn't make up my mind about it.

I want to love it. I loved Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, and I loved Jude Law as Watson. I loved a number of the set-pieces, and the musical score was absolutely amazing. It even scored an Oscar nomination.

On the other hand, there's a distinct lack of substance. More than that, the story is deadly dull, and Sherlock picks up clues without the audience knowing he picked up said clues. Why couldn't Sherlock reveal his findings to Watson and, thus, the audience? Because of this oversight, when Sherlock reveals all of the evidence he collected, you'll probably be left thinking "Thanks, Sherlock. But you know, I would've loved to have taken that ride with you...". It would indeed have been more fun if a viewer had the chance to connect the dots.

I can watch this movie. I own it on DVD. But the above flaws are unforgivable. Even putting aside my instincts as a critic, I cannot fully enjoy this movie.

I saw A Christmas Carol at the very zenith of an Aussie summer in glorious 3-D with one of my best mates. To an extent, I enjoyed it. The animation is undoubtedly exquisite, and the very "flavour" the film emanates is very persuasive, if that makes sense. I admit it has heart and it's enjoyable, but there's one fatal flaw that always hinders my enjoyment of it...

Every time a character opens their mouths, the dry, dull dialogue is a deal-breaker. Clearly, Zemeckis wanted to produce a truly faithful version of Dickens' story, yet that's not the only thing he aimed for – he also aspired to make a flashy extravaganza that appeals to audiences young and old. Thus, Scrooge is capable of over-the-top stunts, and action is played up wherever possible.

I keep trying to tell myself I can overlook the dry dialogue, but it's impossible to do so. It's like somebody made Finding Nemo using the dialogue of an old Shakespeare play. If Zemeckis had only revised the script a few more times before getting started...

I know I've written a rather scathing review of Godzilla, and I stand by it. However, there's just something about Godzilla that ensures I will never bring myself to completely hate it. Maybe it's because the design of the creature is so fucking awesome. But probably because I saw it as a kid, so it does hold some nostalgic memories. And yeah the movie is kind of fun...

I remember being insanely psyched about this movie a few weeks before its release. A person who read the script described it as "Michael Clayton meets Jason Bourne". Compelling drama and plotting mixed with delicious action? Count me in.

But the film just suffers from bad structuring, and filmmaking that's too middle of the road. It's only sporadically thrilling. I wish it was done better...

Yeah, this movie is pretty fun, I admit it. It has some good set-pieces, and its light-hearted tone means it only becomes boring in places.

But it's still a badly-written, badly-acted piece of shit. Plinkett's infamous review proves that the film has unforgivable flaws. If only the much-anticipated Star Wars prequel was good...