Post by Dale on Sept 4, 2009 15:57:31 GMT -5
Ufology
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I guess I’ll start by saying it’s a very different film from Ramirez' "Captain Scarlet" series, and anything he has written previously. It’s a drama film, with a little bit of a twist. I had the pleasure of reading the film before its release and was blown away by it, going as far as to say Max, and Dr. Connelly where two of my favourite original Movie Reels Characters in history.
The movie introduces Max in a very interesting way and immediately catches our intention with his sarcasm and wit. It uses voice over’s effectively, simulating diary entries which are important to the overall story and play in nicely as events unfold. The film’s first act does a terrific job of setting up the story, each character is clearly defined in a very precise way and we know each and every one of their motivations.
The Ufology aspects of the script are very well done. You could easily replace Ufology with any other cult or religion you could think of. And I think that’s what’s great about it, the fact it could have been almost anything. It’s the characters and their reasoning’s for investing in this one particular idea that makes it come off so strongly. The characters drive the thing, not the idea. And I love me some character driven films
.
That being said, "Ufology" is not without its flaws. In the earlier parts of the film, Max is seen drawing quite a few times. But his drawing habits are all but forgotten about by the latter portions. I would have like to have seen this trait carry on, or maybe play a little into the finale. There was also some interaction with Dr. Connelly’s Ufology calendar that is presented as rather important in the two or three times it’s shown, but ultimately doesn’t really amount to anything once the film’s final twist is unravelled. And as mentioned by others, the character of Emma’s has little involvement towards the end of the second act and is almost completely absent in the third. It would have been nice to have see her more often as she provided a solid anchor for Max and their interaction together only made the film better.
There were also some vast improvements from the version I first read. Little moments that just fleshed the film out, and lead into other things. Ramirez has a knack for not letting a single moment or thing seem important. I remember a candlestick sitting by a throne that was merely mentioned in passing then later used as a weapon in “Captain Scarlet 3”. That same attention to detail is present here, from scratching a rash on an arm or an innocent conversation as to why Helena and her father do not have a phone. It all comes into play and wraps up nicely. It’s what separates Blags from other writers, and it’s why people (at least in my mind) regard him as one of the best writers here.
Overall "Ufology" is a step outside Ramirez comfort zone, and it was well worth taking that step. "Ufology" is an endearing film with a great ending, fantastic characters and repeat reading value. You can’t ask for more than that really. Undoubtedly, ne of this year’s best.
*** ¾ out of ****
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I guess I’ll start by saying it’s a very different film from Ramirez' "Captain Scarlet" series, and anything he has written previously. It’s a drama film, with a little bit of a twist. I had the pleasure of reading the film before its release and was blown away by it, going as far as to say Max, and Dr. Connelly where two of my favourite original Movie Reels Characters in history.
The movie introduces Max in a very interesting way and immediately catches our intention with his sarcasm and wit. It uses voice over’s effectively, simulating diary entries which are important to the overall story and play in nicely as events unfold. The film’s first act does a terrific job of setting up the story, each character is clearly defined in a very precise way and we know each and every one of their motivations.
The Ufology aspects of the script are very well done. You could easily replace Ufology with any other cult or religion you could think of. And I think that’s what’s great about it, the fact it could have been almost anything. It’s the characters and their reasoning’s for investing in this one particular idea that makes it come off so strongly. The characters drive the thing, not the idea. And I love me some character driven films
.That being said, "Ufology" is not without its flaws. In the earlier parts of the film, Max is seen drawing quite a few times. But his drawing habits are all but forgotten about by the latter portions. I would have like to have seen this trait carry on, or maybe play a little into the finale. There was also some interaction with Dr. Connelly’s Ufology calendar that is presented as rather important in the two or three times it’s shown, but ultimately doesn’t really amount to anything once the film’s final twist is unravelled. And as mentioned by others, the character of Emma’s has little involvement towards the end of the second act and is almost completely absent in the third. It would have been nice to have see her more often as she provided a solid anchor for Max and their interaction together only made the film better.
There were also some vast improvements from the version I first read. Little moments that just fleshed the film out, and lead into other things. Ramirez has a knack for not letting a single moment or thing seem important. I remember a candlestick sitting by a throne that was merely mentioned in passing then later used as a weapon in “Captain Scarlet 3”. That same attention to detail is present here, from scratching a rash on an arm or an innocent conversation as to why Helena and her father do not have a phone. It all comes into play and wraps up nicely. It’s what separates Blags from other writers, and it’s why people (at least in my mind) regard him as one of the best writers here.
Overall "Ufology" is a step outside Ramirez comfort zone, and it was well worth taking that step. "Ufology" is an endearing film with a great ending, fantastic characters and repeat reading value. You can’t ask for more than that really. Undoubtedly, ne of this year’s best.
*** ¾ out of ****
