SOUTH EAST

The Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Kirsten Dunst, Don Cheadle, Daniel Craig

The Director: Neil Jordan

The Screenwriter: John Daws

Will Daniel Radcliffe be able to have success after the run of HARRY POTTER films? This is something that remains to be seen, and the jury is still deliberating on.

Needless to say, the premise is a solid one for this film. It uses a lot of old clichés like “bad boy scared straight” and “love almost lost”, but does so in a clever and ingenious way, that the story concept does not appear stale or lackluster. Thumbs up to John Daws’ writing ability on this one, and deserve serious consideration at Awards time.

The only real problem that I have in the casting is Daniel Craig. Although I am a big fan of the actor (I positively loved CASINO ROYALE), I don’t think that Daniel Radcliffe’s “youthful appearance” will meld well with the “rugged charm” of Daniel Craig’s, but that is more from an aesthetics point of view. But many times, screen chemistry will overshadow the physical presence.

So I’m going to watch this one.

My first reactions on SOUTH EAST…

Originality of Screenplay

Interest of Storyline

Casting

DAKOTA NORTH

The Cast: Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Ryan Gosling

The Director: Clint Eastwood

The Producer: Brad Pitt

The Screenwriter: Jack Hammer

This film uses the same basic theme that is prevalent in so many films of the “western-genre”… revenge. It worked well for so many films, and Director Clint Eastwood knows this genre all to well. I don’t think that I could have placed this film in any, more capable hands than his.

Personally, I love the overall casting in this film. Although I am not a particular fan of Angelina Jolie, and I am personally getting tired of the Pitt-Jolie tabloid-based “Branjelina” references, there have been some films that I have seen, that I can honestly say that I couldn’t see anyone else cast in.

DAKOTA NORTH is just one of those films. The casting choices are… phenomenal and insightful.

Screenwriter Jack Hammer has a potential classic in the making with the film, and he, as well as Clint Eastwood may strike gold at Awards time.Here are my first reactions on the film, DAKOTA NORTH…

Originality of Screenplay

Interest of Storyline

Casting

And now… a little bit of “follow-up”, from my previous previews…

I wasn’t surprised here with this film, as I had said previously… there was nothing particularly original about this motion picture. It was pretty much a remake of the film THE ROSE. It just tried to add a little bit of comedy in the mix. It wasn’t particularly successful, to say the least.

Well, the movie going public has spoken… and although there was some initial interest, this film would have probably done better as a “straight to DVD” release.

The musical score wasn’t really captivating. The screen chemistry was never really there.

My choice, when PIECE OF MY HEART is released on DVD…RENT IT!


Personally, I still feel that this film was far better than the box office story told. This is still a good, quality picture. Anthony Hopkins’ performance is as masterful as ever, and I still personally feel that this film is a “must see” for the avid movie fan.

Just remember that box office ticket sales do not always translate in to Awards Gold. Does any one remember THE ENGLISH PATIENT?

My choice, when THE LIBRARY is released on DVD… BUY IT!

Until next time, so long from Misterbaldy, and…

SEE YOU IN THE MOVIES!!!