Billy Elliot ReviewsBilly Elliot
THE LIFE OF 11-YEAR-OLD BILLY ELLIOT, A COAL-MINER’S SON, IS FOREVER CHANGED ONE DAY WHEN HE STUMBLES UPON A BALLET CLASS DURING HIS WEEKLY BOXING LESSON. BEFORE LONG, HE FINDS HIMSELF DEMONSTRATING THE KIND OF RAW TALENT SELDOM SEEN BY THE CLASS’ EXACTING INSTRUCTOR.Foursquare in the gritty-but-heartwarming tradition of Brassed Off and The Full Monty comes Billy Elliot, the first film from noted British theatrical director Stephen Daldry. The setting is County Durham in 1984, and things “up nor
Rating:  List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 6.98 Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 06/02/2009 Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Pg13Partly inspired by 1948′s The Big Clock and its nominal 1987 remake No Way Out, the Denzel Washington thriller Out of Time is quite enjoyable if you ignore its implausible plotting. Like those earlier films, this reunion of Washington and his Devil in a Blue Dress director Carl Franklin is about a man–in this case the police chief (Washington) of sleepy Banyan Key, Florida–who falls into a trap set by others, sinks
Rating: List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 6.99
|
(out of 274 reviews)
(out of 127 reviews)
Review by Chris Lund for Billy Elliot
Rating:
Beginning with an exuberant title sequence, this charming, offbeat, coming-of-age story revolves around Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell), the younger of two sons of a widower coal miner (Gary Lewis) near Newcastle in Northern England. It’s 1984, and the National Union of Mine Workers is engaged in a long, bitter strike, marked by street battles with riot police and protests against the busloads of scabs crossing the picket lines. Following the family tradition, Billy is expected to learn boxing at the Everington Boys Club where, instead, the 11 year-old becomes enthralled by the girls’ dancing class, led by a chain-smoking teacher (Julie Walters) who soon recognizes his raw talent. He loves watching Fred Astaire in old movies and is instantly drawn towards the ballet class, but when his macho father and rabble-rousing brother (Jamie Draven) discover he’s taking ballet classes, they ridicule Billy – “Lads do boxing and football and wrestling, not friggin’ ballet!” – forcing him to hide his slippers under the mattress and sneak off to class. Then come the auditions for the Royal Ballet School and Billy’s defiantly joyful, foot-stompin’ “I Want to Boogie” sequence. What makes this heartfelt English import such a gem is the collaboration of screenwriter Lee Hall, cinematographer Brian Tufano (“Trainspotting”) and former stage director Stephen Daldry (“An Inspector Calls”), who – despite the simplistic predictability of the plot – create eccentric, lovable characters and evocative imagery. One haunting sequences focuses on a little neighborhood girl dragging a stick along a brick wall, which dissolves into a phalanx of plastic police shields. Another involves the father grimly chopping up Billy’s mother’s beloved piano for needed firewood. While some of the authentic, heavily accented dialogue may be indecipherable to some, the musical soundtrack, combining classical and pop, is terrific.In the title role, newcomer Jamie Bell embodies awkward determination, juggling grim reality with a surreal fantasy world, explaining, “Just because I like ballet doesn’t mean I’m a pouf!” As Billy’s father, Gary Lewis (“My Name is Joe”) is tough-yet-tender, and Julie Walters (“Educating Rita”) scores as Billy’s crusty yet compassionate teacher. (“I feel like a sissy,” Billy tells her. “Well, don’t act like one,” she retorts.) Jamie Draven and Stuart Wells lend strong support. Jean Heywood is touching as Billy’s senile grandmother, whom he tenderly cares for and who repeatedly recalls, “I could have been a professional dancer.” While the bleak setting, in the 1984 miners’ strike in northeastern England, is reminiscent of “The Full Monty,” the energetic mood evokes “Flashdance” – and it was a bit hit at both the Toronto and Cannes Film Festivals. On the `Lund Movie Scale’ of 1 to 10, “Billy Elliot” is an exhilarating 9. Combining comedy and poignancy, it’s all about being able to express yourself.
Review by R. Penola for Billy Elliot
Rating:
If you love intimate, moving character films like Cinema Paradiso, you will love love love Billy Elliot. A small, rousing British film with cleverly written characters, this movie is both sentimental and expertly crafted. The performances, particularly from Julie Walters as the dance instructor, and that winsome, melancholy but excpetionally gifted boy as Billy, will truly steal your heart. The simple premise is instantly grabbing — an artistic boy, only 11, is unfortunately the most forgotten element in a fractured, sad little family, which includes a pre-Alzheimer’s grandmother, an angry older brother and a defeated, sad and tense father. While Dad and bro are on strike, money is tight – the year is 1984 at the height of British strike/tensions. Billy is sent to boxing lessons, where, by happenstance, he discovers a true vent for his budding creativity — and especially his joy in dancing. Filled with infectiously appealing pop and light-classical music, this film is part Rocky, part Hollywood musical, part Flashdance and part Cinema Paradiso. The chance that these disparate, unlikely approaches might actually add up to something compelling are unlikely, but you must experience this movie to understand how exciting, moving and intensely gratifying it can be. Painted in bold, creative colors and shot with a springy exuberance, Billy Elliot is terrific.
Review by Jose R. Perez for Billy Elliot
Rating:
Jamie Bell is pure magic in this wonderful coming-0f-age film that tells the story of a working class English lad who takes up ballet as a way to hone his boxing skills. In the process, he discovers himself, learnes some valuable life lessons, and fills a deep void left by the death of his beloved mum. Despite his family’s strong objections (and financial straits) Billy ends up studying dance from a local teacher (the effervescent Julie Walters, who won an Oscar nomination for her work here). Her lessons – both technical and moral – serve as the basis for a devastatingly real connection between Billy and his disgusted macho father. What ensues is a dramatic comedy that inspires us at every turn without condescension or pity. The heartening interaction that develops between father and son is truly evocative, especially so for anyone who ever followed (or didn’t) their dreams despite their family’s objections. Not only does Billy “Dance!!” for his supper…he befriends the local outcast gay teenager and copes with questions about his own sexual orientation – heady topics for a movie about a dancing teen. All of this is handled in a mature, thoughtful manner, which makes the film a visceral, haunting experience. You can take or leave it’s many messages, but theere is no denying its emotional core.It’s rare for a movie to challenge social mores and values by focusing on the dominant male principals. But “Billy Elliot” succeeds on more levels than other underdog-come-from-behind flicks. First, its based on a true story and resonates with truth, integrity and spirit. And, Bell’s brash, authentic portrayal is pure magic. His feet literally take over his soul…he dances in the street, mimmicking Gene Kelly, and in the process taps his way into your heart. The performance is so accomplished it’s a wonder Bell didn’t receive an Oscar nomination. Even Russell Crowe – who won the 2000 BAFTA and Oscar for “Gladiator” – admitted Bell deserved the BAFTA Prize instead. Having resisted “Billy Elliot” at the movies, I finally caught it recently on HBO and was taken in immediately. This is a film your entire family can and should enjoy…if they don’t, perhaps a little side trip to an English coal-mining town will help them appreciate this wonderful heartwarming film. Seriously, in this day and age, every one of us could use more Billy Elliots and fewer Scorpion Kings. A keeper!
Review by Mark Lee for Billy Elliot
Rating:
Billy Elliot is an 11-year-old boy played by Jamie Bell. On his way to a boxing lesson, he happened upon a ballet dancing class. Soon he discovered that he was very good at ballet, and he then wanted to become a dancer despite his family’s wishes. This is a really touching and inspirational film about achieving dreams that will leave you cheering!This is easily one of the best movies I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a few considering that I’m only 14. “Billy Elliot” is very similar to “October Sky”, which is another great movie. (Even the kid’s dad is a coal miner!) But it is also very different in the way that it is much more complex and subtle. I have noticed that because this is a British movie, it seems to be a lot more daring than most American movies, with a lot of things that Americans might consider extraneous. But that’s what I like about it; Every character is so well developed even if they have a very small role (e.g. Billy’s supposedly gay friend). These little aspects of these minor characters add a really nice touch to the already powerful story. Also, DON’T let the R-rating fool you. THIS IS A FAMILY MOVIE. This movie is NOT pornographic, or violent, or chock-full of coke-sniffing. It just contains some language that little kids shouldn’t use. Even so, the profanity is used very maturely. It is never gratuitous or unnecessary, it’s just how these British people speak. And the film never seems to glorify the use of such language. This film was WAY overlooked at the Oscars. It’s definitely better than “Gladiator”. “Gladiator” may have cool combat actoin, but it’s got a very straightforward plot which doesn’t make you think. I have NO IDEA why Jamie Bell wasn’t nominated for his act. He has a very auspicious start in his filom career with this movie!If there’s one thing to criticize about this movie, it’s the fact that the dialogue is spoken with heavy British accents, making it hard to understand at times. But that’s not enough to keep me from saying that this is one of the best movies I have ever seen! Watch “October Sky” first, to give you an idea of how an American movie tells a dream, then watch “Billy Elliot” for a more sophisticated British idea.
Review by David G. Smith for Billy Elliot
Rating:
My son dressed up like Beauty(Belle from Beauty and The Beast…not the concept of beauty) for halloween. He dressed like the Mother Superior when we took him to the sing-along Sound Of Music. The other day he got a superman toy and was putting a Barbie Shoe on it. I am living in the world of the unique child.And I know there will be a day where someone will try to change my son…….. This is why I cried in Billy Elliot……This is a beautiful film about being different in an uncompromising world. It is a film about economics and society, and how art is developed through frustration and need…but with all that aside it is a truly entertaining and fabulous film. Stephen Daldry, the reknowned theatre director, makes his debut here. The direction is the thing that gives this it’s guts. This is a much better film than it needed to be. And the performances….Julie Walters, Jaime Bell and Gary Lewis(such an amazing performance as the dAd)…Just check this out. The movie goes places that you don’t expect, and thankfully, places you do. I have just been thinking about the end of the film, and how it is an ugly duckling story…the coolest thing about it is that more than Billy turn into a swan. It seems like the entire community turns swanish. Art and individuality can do that. I was the quasimodo of ducks before my som came along.
Review by K. Jump for Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Rating:
“Out of Time” is the story of Banyan Keys chief of police Whitlock (Denzel Washington), a man in the middle of a divorce he does not want. Whitlock turns to his old high-school sweetheart, Ann Harrison (Sanaa Lathan) for solace, only to learn that she has terminal cancer and cannot afford the alternative treatment that might be her only hope. Whitlock can’t just watch Ann die, so he steals a large chunk of money he bagged in a drug bust from his own department and lets her have it. But then Ann and her abusive husband Chris (Dean Cain)go up in smoke in an apparent arson, triggering a legal fallout that leaves Whitlock struggling to tie up all the loose ends as his life unravels around him. “Out of Time” is a somewhat formulaic but still successful mystery/suspenser that slowly pulls the viewer into the web along with Chief Whitlock until there’s no escape. Fans of this kind of movie will see a lot of familiar set-ups and plot devices, but the strong cast makes the story work as a whole even if you think you’ve got it all figured out. Washington’s hapless cop is unfailingly appealing, even if he is guilty of some terrible lapses in judgment (but then aren’t we all from time to time?). Cain and Lathan likewise do well with their roles, and Eva Mendes is a standout as Whitlock’s estranged wife, a homicide detective in her own right who slowly discovers more than she wants to about her husband’s role in the Harrison case. Will Whitlock be able to put the puzzle together in time to save his skin from a looming murder rap? And will Mendes help pull him out of the fire, or push him all the way under? You can’t stop watching til you know the answers.The film’s seedy, noirish atmosphere is a great plus as well, and if it’s not original “Out of Time” is still entertaining. Overall it’s worth 3.5 stars, and certainly a movie you want to watch at least once if you like mystery or suspense films. Like many of its kind, however, it may not hold up to multiple viewings once you’ve learned the secrets, so it may be one to rent rather than buy. Either way, it’s a great way to energize a lazy evening.
Review by M J Heilbron Jr. for Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Rating:
This is probably the most Hitchcockian thriller to come down the pike in a decade or so. You have the flawed man unjustly accused. You have a femme fatale who may or may not be dead. Thorny relationships with women. Atmosphere by the bucketload. Sexy, slightly violent, a tad morbid, bundles of wit and humor.
This was a sadly ignored film during its’ theatrical run. Denzel does his canon proud with another strong performance. While it’s not flashy or subtle, it’s exactly what the film demands. It fits.
The women are, putting it bluntly, absolutely smoking hot. Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan are fine actresses, and do nice work here. But in often skimpy clothes in that Miami wet heat, they could recite the phone book and most males would be entranced.
Dean Cain is terrific as “the bad guy”. His scenes with Denzel show him stepping up to the plate admirably. You’d expect Washington to blow him off the screen…and he doesn’t. At all.
The screenplay has some nice twists and turns. A veteran moviegoer will recognize or anticipate a few of them, but I guarantee there will be several scenes or lines that’ll raise everyone’s eyebrows. It’s not perfect; there are some clunky lines sprinkled here and there.
Carl Franklin is a talented director, no question, and this simply will add to his reputation. Again, not flashy, but this story will perfectly told.
A special mention is necessary on behalf of John Billingsley. This movie will have people sitting up saying, “who IS this guy?” He’s an absolute laugh riot. Every time he’s on the screen he’s hysterical. His lines have the same improvisatory feel that Bill Murray’s did in “Tootsie” (which most were, apparently).
This is a perfect movie for adults interested in an awesome crime thriller.
Review by for Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Rating:
I really enjoyed this movie! There was thrill, suspense, romance, and excitement. I would recommend this movie to any movie lover. Denzel, Sanaa, Eva, and Dean were all HOT in this movie! I loved the whole story line. There were a few parts that may be too explicit for young children, so beware parents!!! I have seen this movie on several occasions and it is like the very first time everytime I see it. This one is a classic, it should be a new addition to everyone’s movie collection. I suggest this movie to anyone, especially Denzel lovers, he looked great in this one LADIES!!! Trust me! Check it out for yourself I’d like to hear what anyone has to say about it!!!
Review by for Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Rating:
Denzel Washington desperately trying to stay one step ahead of being discovered by the authorities was strongly reminiscent of Kevin Costner attempting the same in “No Way Out”. I must say that, overall, this film was better than the Costner film.
Still, it was underwhelming; much of it was predictable. Also, if the viewer who might be rooting for Denzel’s character steps back for a minute, what he sees is a corrupt cop who doesn’t deserve a happy ending. Just because he’s Denzel and we all like Denzel (as we all like Tom Hanks and a few others) doesn’t mean we should be sympathetic to his character (likewise John Billingsley’s character, who was quirky and funny — but also unethical and immoral).
As long as I’m nitpicking, here’s my favorite scene: Denzel’s sexy ex-wife, kicking in the locked door to the men’s room with the high heels that she wore with her tight skirt and the rest of her professional detective outfit. Yeah — that’s realistic.
Review by B. Marold for Out of Time (+ Widescreen DVD) [Blu-ray]
Rating:
`Out of Time’, a Denzel Washington thriller showcase directed by Carl Franklin is an object lesson in how to put a character into a bad situation, then turn up the heat until it seems he cannot escape his predicament, and he feels the pressure all the more so because it was created to a great extent through his own mistakes. It is easy to put heroic people into desperate situations, subject to terror and the brink of death, yet their entire predicament is for a just cause. The feeling you have, for example, for Frodo and Samwise on the slopes of Mount Doom surrounded by lava is quite different from the feelings you have for Washington’s character. This is true not the least because it is so much easier to associate with a person bound in a web of his own mistakes than it is with a hobbit bound in the web of a giant spider.
This is the stuff that tragedies are made from, except that instead of being destroyed by the situation of his own making; the hero does manage to make it out in the nick of time. The best part of his ultimate liberation is that it is brought about by the help of a very good friend who covers for him on two critical points in the story without even being asked and with an assist from his estranged wife who also happens to be a police officer working on the case which drives the plot.
Washington is the chief of police for a small town on a small Florida key island, very similar to his role in his earlier movie `The Mighty Quinn’. His recently separated wife is a homicide lieutenant in some much larger, overlapping jurisdiction, possibly the Miami / Dade police force. Washington’s best friend is the local medical examiner. In the opening of the movie, it is revealed that Washington is having an affair with an extremely attractive local dental technician married to a former NFL football player who is currently employed as a security guard at the local hospital. It is also revealed that Washington has about 450 thousand dollars in cash in his office safe confiscated from a recent drug bust.
The main action of the story is set in motion when Washington’s mistress talks Washington to accompany her to her oncologist who reveals that an earlier malignancy has reoccurred and is in an incurable state. After the expected distress, compounded by what is believed to is an abusive husband, the woman signs a 1 million-dollar life insurance policy over to Washington as beneficiary. Washington, thinking the drug money will be tied up in court procedures for months, turns it over to his girlfriend in order to get expensive experimental treatment for cancer. Shortly thereafter, bodies of girlfriend and husband are found in the ruins of their house set on fire by arson shortly after a witness sees Washington running away from the victims’ house.
All this easily adds up to evidence against Washington, giving him clear means, motive, and opportunity. The pressure mounts as Washington’s wife is assigned the case and sets up shop in the town’s little police station, right outside Washington’s office. The pressure gets turned up as the head of the Miami DEA office calls Washington for the drug money and wants it `yesterday’. So, the second act is largely Washington desperately working at staying one step ahead of both his wife and the DEA.
The average viewer will figure out part of the mystery with little trouble, but I won’t spoil the fun by revealing it here. The full story, however, is not revealed until the very end. And, the construction of the problem for Washington and his being able to resolve it at the very last minute makes great entertainment spiced up by the very believable situation. There is an almost dreamlike quality to Washington’s predicament. No matter what he does, things just seem to get worse, without quite catching up to him.
The resolution between Washington and his wife after the case is closed seems a bit improbable, but I can live with that. This is by far the most excitement I have experienced with a PG-13 movie in quite a long time. The writers were even able to keep the body count down, limited to the immediate perps of the crime.
Highly recommended for all with reasonably good nerves.