Dominatio Per Malum

Inside Man(2006) 8/10

Tautly crafted, Spike Lee’s Inside Man may well be his most commercially accessible work to date. Ostensibly a heist thriller, the true beauty lies not in the heist, but in the details. The slice of american life, the setting, the conversations, the acting. As far as heist films go, Inside Man is not as twist-ridden, not as action packed and probably way too talky for someone expecting another Ocean’s Eleven. But this is a Spike Lee film. You don’t watch it for the explosions.

Generally excellent performance all round, although i was very disappointed with Jodie Foster’s character, which was totally superfluous. I suspect her role was scripted in just to provide for a female lead, which is a waste of Foster’s talent. Other than that, i’d say Inside Man is the example of what a well crafted, well written and and well directed film should be, even if it is a tad verbose.

Basic Instinct 2(2006) 4/10

Sharon Stone still looks smouldering, but this time round, Basic Instinct 2 feels like a dilluted version of the original. The plot is as usual, quite ludicrous, but whereas the original was enjoyable inspite of the gaps in logic, the sequel is bland and uninspiring because of the gaps in logic. Furthermore, although Sharon Stone still manages to steal the show as Catherine Trammel, the author who lives life on the dangerous lane, her co-star David Morrissey simply boring. There is no chemistry between Morrissey and Stone, unlike the Michael Douglas-Sharon Stone pairing in the original.

Given the bland characters and weak plot, Basic Instinct 2 is unimpressive and at time didactic.

The Edukators(2004) 7/10

A slice of youthful idealism greets you in the Edukators, a delightful film from germany. It is most original, and to say more would be to spoil the film. But here is what others have to say about this smart, and thoughtful film. While i do not agree with the anti-capitalist message of the film, it is still a remarkable work of filmmaking.

“This year’s most articulate statement on film about the current disillusion with politics among young people everywhere in the Western world.”- New York Observer

“Ambling drama shows an exasperating lack of economy and a weakness for diatribe dialogue, but becomes progressively more involving after a laborious start.”- Variety

“Captures the frustration of those who sense something deeply dysfunctional in the political and economic status quo but feel impotent do anything about it.”-Arizona Republic

Natural City(2003) 4/10

While visually impressive (at least by Korean and Asian film standards), Natural City is distant and looks like a rip-of of better films such as Blade Runner. Compunded by awkard action sequences, uninteresting characters and a predicatble plot, the only brownie points i can give is for visuals. Beyond that, Natural City is a film of immense medocrity.