• Review Index
  • About Me
  • Suggestions

vinnieh

~ Movie reviews and anything else that comes to mind

vinnieh

Tag Archives: Eric Roberts

Final Analysis

24 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

1990's, Eric Roberts, Final Analysis, Kim Basinger, Neo Noir, Paul Guilfoyle, Phil Joanou, Richard Gere, Thriller, Uma Thurman

Film Title

Final Analysis

Director

Phil Joanou

Starring

  • Richard Gere as Isaac Barr
  • Kim Basinger as Heather Evans
  • Uma Thurman as Diana Baylor
  • Eric Roberts as Jimmy Evans
  • Paul Guilfoyle as Mike O’Brien

A twisting neo-noir that alludes to the works of Hitchcock, Final Analysis is a good enough thriller that although derivative and more than a little flawed manages to keep the attention with glossy style and cast.

Isaac Barr is a dedicated psychiatrist in San Francisco who is treating a strange patient by the name of Diana Baylor. Final AnalysisThe unusual young woman is plagued by traumatic dreams that seem to stem from her childhood, but every time Isaac gets close to getting to the bottom of it, Diana somehow switches off and refuses to talk. Wanting to get to the root of Diana’s case, Isaac contacts her older sister Heather in the hopes of possibly discovering something. What Isaac gets is something he least expected. The gorgeous Heather captures his attention immediately and he feels for her because she is locked in a loveless marriage with Jimmy Evans, a hotheaded gangster who controls her every moved and exercises complete domination over her. Richard Gere Final AnalysisSoon enough, Isaac and Heather have entered into a steamy affair after the stunning Heather secures him, despite the implications of him going against medical ethics. Yet while their affair is dangerous, there is also the matter of a strange condition that Heather suffers from. If she consumes even a tiny bit of alcohol, she flies into a violent and uncontrollable rage after which she can’t recall any of her actions. Events for the unsuspecting Isaac get more complicated when the vicious Jimmy is killed by Heather during what appears to be one of her violent episodes. Put on trial for murder, Isaac acts as a help to her because of his desire for her and tries to aid her in getting off through his friendship with her defence attorney Mike O’Brien. Yet as the case begins to open, several things begin to test Isaac’s faith in Heather as he starts to suspect she may not be the vulnerable and abused woman she appears to be. Mystery and deception meet as Isaac digs into the twisting case that is not what it seems on the surface.

As aforementioned, Final Analysis owes a lot to the movies of the masterful Alfred Hitchcock. And while it can be neat counting the references to his work, especially Vertigo, it can grow a bit bothersome as it is a film that is never going to be put in the same category as his work. Kim Basinger Final AnalysisRegardless of that, director Phil Joanou keeps things very stylish and moving along nicely, and it’s not hard to see that he knows how to frame an enticing shot for this neo noir. Good examples of these skills are the opening credits that provide vignettes of what is to come being illuminated by a searching fog light, a tight close up of the haunted Diana recounting her dream and later a stormy climax at a rickety lighthouse. Derivative as Final Analysis may be, it still is sure as hell an entertaining mystery. Final Analysis Love SceneThe writing is good for the most part, yet while it builds a sense of unease in the beginning, it starts to squander it in the middle by revealing a bit too much information and throwing in some very incomprehensible twists. Thankfully, the tense climax makes up for the floundering middle half with panache and thrills. A string heavy score delightfully recalls the work of Hitchcock regular Bernard Herrmann with its romantic undertones and sense of passionate danger.

Richard Gere is very good as the unsuspecting Isaac, whose confidence in his beliefs and love for Heather are sorely tested as the case opens up. Gere successfully makes Isaac a character who finds himself caught in a web and tries to navigate his way out, only to uncover more deception. The beautiful and talented Kim Basinger sizzles as the mysterious Heather, who is by turns sad, beguiling and extremely seductive. Basinger brings energy to the part as we like Isaac, begin to witness how the afraid surface she projects may in fact hide something a lot more deadly.Final Analysis Uma Thurman A young Uma Thurman projects a haunted and almost ghostly quality to the role of the traumatised Diana, who may know more than she is letting on as the web of deceit intensifies. Eric Roberts may only be on screen for a short amount of time, but when he’s there he exudes an animalistic intensity and thuggish demeanor as Heather’s ultimately ill-fated husband. Paul Guilfoyle is very amusing as Isaac’s best friend and lawyer who showcases humour during the trial.

Flawed but still very entertaining, Final Analysis has enough visual flourishes and contributions from a game cast to make it watchable. It may not be going down as the best thriller out there, but it is still well done and effectively directed by Phil Joanou.

DOA: Dead or Alive

06 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

2000's, Action, Corey Yuen, Devon Aoki, DOA: Dead or Alive, Eric Roberts, Holly Valance, Jaime Pressly, Kane Kosugi, Matthew Marsden, Natassia Malthe, Sarah Carter

Film Title

DOA: Dead or Alive

Director

Corey Yuen

Starring

  • Devon Aoki as Kasumi
  • Holly Valance as Christie Allen
  • Jaime Pressly as Tina Armstrong
  • Sarah Carter as Helena Douglas
  • Kane Kosugi as Hayabusa
  • Matthew Marsden as Max
  • Eric Roberts as Donovan
  • Natassia Malthe as Ayane

Based on the popular video games, DOA: Dead or Alive is far from perfect, but delivers with its promise of fighting babes, techno score and someDOA Girls great CGI. The plot may be gossamer thin and the characters are never really developed, but Corey Yuen more than makes up for it in terms of the excitement generated from his stylish choreography and breakneck action.

DOA is a fighting competition, situated on an exotic island in which the winner earns $10 million. The people who partake are chosen for their abilities in martial arts or other combat techniques. Among those invited are Kasumi, a renegade ninja princess who is looking for the brother she has been told died whilst taking part a year earlier; Christie Allen, a sultry cat burglar with her eyes on cash who is locked in a love-hate relationship with the slimy fellow competitor Max; Tina Armstrong, a fierce wrestler out to prove her critics wrong;Helena Douglas, the daughter of the late founder of DOA and Hayabusa; a ninja charged with making sure Kasumi is safDOA Kasumie. The various fights in the competition are overseen by the mysterious Donovan, who has his own nefarious agenda for assembling the fighters to the competition. Initially rivals, the girls band together to get to the heart of Donovan’s plan. Cue for some fierce and kinetic fighting and kick ass ladies battling their way through DOA.

As I mentioned earlier the film is nowhere near a masterpiece. One reason for a flaw is the script which never delves into character’s motives and give us an idea of the reason for them taking part. The dialogue is also rather weak in places and could have been made much better in my view. Also, the frenetic editing, whilst particularly effective in early scenes, eventually becomes a little boring as the film progresses.

On the other hand, Corey Yuen directs some excellently constructed fight sequences, including one in the pouring rain and another in a large forest. The main trio of women; Devon Aoki, DOA ChristieHolly Valance and Jaime Pressly, all contribute athletic sex appeal to the proceedings and seriously kick ass in the numerous fights. Sara Carter is given little to do but manages to inject some excitement into her character. Eric Roberts chews the scenery as the villainous Donovan, but does have his fun moments. Kane Kosugi and Natassia Malthe, although not given much to do provide enjoyment as the protective Hayabusa and Ayane; a ninja whose job is to kill Kasumi for bringing dishonor to her clan. Matthew Marsden thankfully adds a dash of humour as the treacherous mercenary with the eye for money.

The music of the film adds to the overall kinetic and action-packed quality of the 87 minute running time by blending ancient Asian rhythms with a modern techno sound. The various uses of CGI also compliment the speed of the film. It might not be great but it’s certainly an unadulterated( or guilty pleasure way) of spending an hour and a half. So kick back and enjoy a film that doesn’t require much thought but heaps on the action fast.

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012

Categories

  • 007 thoughts and reviews
  • Adventures of Satrap
  • Announcements
  • Awards and Achievements
  • Birthdays and Tributes
  • Blogging Community
  • Blogging Questions
  • Creepy
  • Gif Posts
  • Humour
  • Movie and Television Trivia
  • Movie opinions and thoughts
  • Movie Reviews
  • Music reviews and opinions
  • Photography Discussion
  • Rest In Peace
  • Sport
  • Television Opinions
  • Television Reviews
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May    

Tags

007 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's 2000's 2010's Action Adventure Announcement Based on a true story Bernard Lee Bette Davis Birthday Blogs You Should Follow Cate Blanchett Comedy Crime Desmond Llewelyn Disney Drama Fantasy Foreign Language Film Gillian Anderson Halle Berry Happy Birthday Horror James Bond Judi Dench Julianne Moore Julia Roberts Liebster Award Lois Maxwell Madonna Maggie Smith Matthew Fox Meryl Streep Music Musical Mystery Natalie Portman Neve Campbell Period Drama Psychological Horror Psychological Thriller Rest In Peace Romance Romantic Comedy Science Fiction Spy Supernatural Horror Thriller

Top Posts & Pages

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3
Lyric Analysis - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Kylie Minogue: Where the Wild Roses Grow
A TV Show From My Childhood
Silent Hill
Walkabout
The Godfather Part II
The Godfather Part III
Conan the Destroyer
Who Is Your Favourite Character in The Godfather Trilogy?
The Babysitter
Follow vinnieh on WordPress.com

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • vinnieh
    • Join 3,764 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • vinnieh
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...