Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall and more
Plot outline: A barber is framed for a crime he didn't commit by a judge who is after his wife. After many years in labour camp, Benjamin Barker returns as Sweeney Todd to take his revenge.
Everything about this movie screams Tim Burton, from the cast to the lighting to the make up and the story itself. This alone would be enough for me to adore it, but it is even more than just a Burton-Depp movie. I had never seen the musical prior to seeing the movie, and I was enthused by the music and lyrics, not to mention the acting accompanying that! I am completely taken from the first note in the opening credits, and the scene where Sweeney first enters Mrs Lovett's shop made fall instantly in love with the characters. After that , it's an almost two hours long fest of colourful characters and wonderful music. Another favourite added to my list!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408236/
Morgan Pålsson - Världsreporter
Cast: Anders Jansson, Johan Wester, Camilla Frey, Karim Rashed med flera
Plot outline: After an embarassing incident, reporter Morgan Pålsson and his cameraman are sent to a backwater African country called Matobo. A sudden coup d'état by an assumed-dead terrorist suddenly puts Matobo in the center of attention, and Morgan and Robert have to compete with the other reporters for the ultimate scoop.
Hilariously funny at times, and painfully embarassing at others, Morgan Pålsson - Världsreporter still remains one of the few enjoyable Swedish movies I have seen. Perhaps I would have liked it even more if my expectations hadn't been so high from his performances in "HippHipp!". On the other hand I wouldn't have known the character then, and he is half the reason this is funny. The other half is the (not so subtle) parody of corresponding reporters, and more specifically Åsne Seierstad (or Åse Seierland). I do think this is worth seeing, even though Morgan's characterisation is a bit over the top at times.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135941/
Stupid White Men
Author: Michael Moore
Year of publication: 2001
Plot summary: Moore tackles the U.S. of A and the many political and economical issues he sees.
Even though this book was highly entertaining, as usual when it comes to Moore, I was a little disappointed that he seemed to be repeating himself on many points. I realise I've done this in reverse, and watched his later movies before reading this book, but that would only mean he repeated himself in the movies. But you can't deny that he shoots off a lot of new ammunition as well, and as I've said before: critical as you may be when it comes to Michael Moore, what can you say when he bombards you with facts and statistics?
Some "jokes" I had trouble understanding because of lack of insight into American politics, but the major part is amusing to anyone who has read a newspaper on a weekly basis. So even though I think everyone should read it, I don't think everyone will enjoy it.
Arn - Tempelriddaren
Cast: Joakim Nätterqvist, Sofia Helin, Morgan Alling and more
Plot outline: When Arn becomes ill after an accident as a child, his parents promise to let him serve God as a monk if He spares his life. He is thus raised in a monastery, where he meets his love, Cecilia. Arn eventually becomes a Templar Knight.
Well, now, I found this half finished review in my archive, apparently forgotten, and my pedantic tendencies compelled me to finish it. But seeing as I saw the movie a few months ago, I apologize for any errors in the plot and whatnot.
I felt pretty neutral about it all when I exited the theatre. I had planned on reading Guillou's books, but more because it's a part of our culture than out of any particular interest. Seeing the movie didn't make me interested, but it didn't persuade me not to read them either. It was an interesting story with adequate actors and appropriate effects. Although I must give it some credit - this is a Swedish movie after all, and I think it outdid many of the movies produced in Hollywood quality-wise.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837106/