HiFi’s Film Reviews

353 Films have been rated or reviewed by HiFi.

Rachel Getting Married (2008): Hathaway\'s great & avoids the Helen Hunts. Real star is Declan Quinn\'s docu–style camera. Unfortunately the faces of the people of colour function only as part of the production design – merely decorative, never allowed to become real characters.
Right Stuff, The (1983): Thrilling, funny, awestruck, ironic. This pretty much captures the tone of Wolfe\'s book. Seamlessly integrates original footage (that's the real Grissom and Shepherd just before Freedom 7's blastoff). Excellent cast. A feast.
Existenz (1998): Subtly effective production design, score and cinematography. Perfect performances. Involving, disturbing and darkly humorous.
Play It Again, Sam (1972): This is the one I keep going back to. For me his most satisfying comedy. Interesting that it was scripted but not directed by him.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984): Wonderful. It\'s simply and effectively put together, the excellent cast are having a ball, the music\'s perfectly integrated, and Eilbacher gets to play a female character who\'s neither feisty cliche nor dolly bird.
Sunset Boulevard (1950): Very modern in its pitch–black humour and cynical view of humanity. The cinematography and design perfectly evoke an atmosphere of decay. Stunningly written and performed, it\'s one of Wilder\'s best and a personal favourite.
Sabrina (1954): \'As close to heaven as you could get on Long Island\'. Wonderful–looking and wickedly droll, with a brilliant cast, but the romantic resolution always leaves me a little cold – isn\'t Bogart a little old? Still, Audrey\'s best, IMHO.
Be Kind Rewind (2008): Wonderful, almost Capra–esque, premise. The movie reshoots are hilariously inventive, but the (seemingly) improvised dialogue can get a little wearying. Heart\'s in the right place, but.; DVD ~~$19.95~~ $14.95
Frost/Nixon (2008): Great stuff. Is Langella\'s Nixon more layered and sympathetic – human – than the man himself? Anyway, it\'s a stunning performance. My only quibble: it\'s a shame the wonderful Rebecca Hall didn\'t get more to do. Riveting indeed.
Green Hornet, The (2011): Gondry swaps lo–fi quirk for hi–tech anonymity. Chou, Diaz–feisty; Waltz–wasted; Rogen\'s shambolic persona and delivery (he co–wrote)–overused. Amusing \'Big Trouble in Little China\' spin on hero/sidekick dynamic, but overall a bit pointless.

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HiFi’s Film Reviews