Post by Dale on Sept 4, 2009 15:23:11 GMT -5
Bridges in Paradise Review
I'm gonna start by saying, this was a big step up from the Fighting Irish. Whilst that was kind of all over the place, plot wise, character wise, “Bridges in Paradise” seemed more focused. The story, and effort put into it was far stronger than Indy’s last few film efforts and a much needed step up. I’ve felt apathetic following films such as “Electric Boogaloo”, “The Fighting Irish” and “Check.” I know Indy can do better, we’ve seen he can with Point. But for some reason, his talents don’t seem to shine in his films.
I was pleasantly surprised by “Bridges in Paradise”, it was a much more together story, the characters had more depth to it and the dialogue was far superior to his last films. Marco’s monologues especially.
Whilst this film is a step up, and is certainly Indy’s best film in a long time; it doesn’t quite manage to escape being mediocre. It has some fine moments; the ending especially was very well written and provided a moving final image. But there aren’t enough of those moments.
The characters, those of Rick and Marco are far better developed than Nathan Jack and any ill conceived F-word spouting abominations from the Fighting Irish. And I say that with a fair amount of venom, because by the fifth page, I just wanted them all to blow up in one of the over the top action sequences. “Bridges to Paradise” tones down the action scenes, focuses more on the characters and lets them drive the story. The movie is better for it. Rick, the cynical, pessimistic, fed up with his existence and sick of trying to make a difference is relatable, in an almost sickening way. I believe Casa said he’s an Anti-Hero, I’m not sure I would even class him as a hero. He doesn’t do anything particularly heroic, from shooting pickpockets on the streets for one reason, to lambasting the establishment with his quick wit but nevertheless, he’s a character we can feel for and even root for.
The writing, as stated was a big step up from previous efforts. Indy focuses his plot, delves deeper into his characters and delivers a much stronger film as a result. The film is still largely plagued by “fucks” which I could have done without. I know, I could be labelled as a hypocrite as “19th Road” etc. Is littered with them and it’s something I’m guilty of myself. However; here they just didn’t fit with the tone of the film for me.
Overall, “Bridges in Paradise” is a good film. It strives to be better, but just falls short. I’m sure it will be remembered by myself and others who read it for a short while to come, but ultimately I feel it will get lost in the pack of good films we have here. This is the type of film “The Fighting Irish” should have been, and I hope Indy builds upon this step and follows up with that great film I know I’ve been waiting for ever since “Shattered Illusion”.
** ¾ out of ****
I'm gonna start by saying, this was a big step up from the Fighting Irish. Whilst that was kind of all over the place, plot wise, character wise, “Bridges in Paradise” seemed more focused. The story, and effort put into it was far stronger than Indy’s last few film efforts and a much needed step up. I’ve felt apathetic following films such as “Electric Boogaloo”, “The Fighting Irish” and “Check.” I know Indy can do better, we’ve seen he can with Point. But for some reason, his talents don’t seem to shine in his films.
I was pleasantly surprised by “Bridges in Paradise”, it was a much more together story, the characters had more depth to it and the dialogue was far superior to his last films. Marco’s monologues especially.
Whilst this film is a step up, and is certainly Indy’s best film in a long time; it doesn’t quite manage to escape being mediocre. It has some fine moments; the ending especially was very well written and provided a moving final image. But there aren’t enough of those moments.
The characters, those of Rick and Marco are far better developed than Nathan Jack and any ill conceived F-word spouting abominations from the Fighting Irish. And I say that with a fair amount of venom, because by the fifth page, I just wanted them all to blow up in one of the over the top action sequences. “Bridges to Paradise” tones down the action scenes, focuses more on the characters and lets them drive the story. The movie is better for it. Rick, the cynical, pessimistic, fed up with his existence and sick of trying to make a difference is relatable, in an almost sickening way. I believe Casa said he’s an Anti-Hero, I’m not sure I would even class him as a hero. He doesn’t do anything particularly heroic, from shooting pickpockets on the streets for one reason, to lambasting the establishment with his quick wit but nevertheless, he’s a character we can feel for and even root for.
The writing, as stated was a big step up from previous efforts. Indy focuses his plot, delves deeper into his characters and delivers a much stronger film as a result. The film is still largely plagued by “fucks” which I could have done without. I know, I could be labelled as a hypocrite as “19th Road” etc. Is littered with them and it’s something I’m guilty of myself. However; here they just didn’t fit with the tone of the film for me.
Overall, “Bridges in Paradise” is a good film. It strives to be better, but just falls short. I’m sure it will be remembered by myself and others who read it for a short while to come, but ultimately I feel it will get lost in the pack of good films we have here. This is the type of film “The Fighting Irish” should have been, and I hope Indy builds upon this step and follows up with that great film I know I’ve been waiting for ever since “Shattered Illusion”.
** ¾ out of ****
