I thought it was wonderful that the director asked the original Grimethorpe Colliery Band (which was the isnpiration for the film's Grimley Colliery Band) to record the soundtrack and act as the rest of the band alonside the main characters. And all the pieces from the soundtrack were recorded in one take! Wow. There is a nice little romance between Andy (Ewan's character), a miner and member of the band, and Gloria, the newcomer originally from Grimley. The band is taken with her and accepts her wholeheartedly into their formerly all-male ensemble, but unbeknownst to the band, she inadvertently works for the management that is trying to close their pit (coal mine). It is about the struggle of the working class, the beauty of the humanity within music, and strength in the face of economic troubles. Geez, you'd think I like the movie or something after all that.


OK, next movie. (About da*n time, huh?) Blue Juice, my first thought about this movie, perhaps when I read the back of the VHS sleeve, was: There are surfers in the UK? Huh? That just goes to show you how uneducated I am when it comes to Great Britain, much less the world of surfing. Essentially four friends (one of which is Ewan) reunite, much to the chagrin of the lead character and his girlfriend, to have some fun "like old times". Each of these guys have some problem to do with their lifestyle, girlfriend, and/or job. Through some interesting events they (unintentionally or otherwise) try to solve those problems. They are all really different, and Ewan is the screw-up slacker user guy who is trying to do better this time around, but in the process alienates some of those closest to him. It all works out pretty well and is a fun film in its own British way.


Ah, yes, A Life Less Ordinary. A funny, bizarre, and enjoyable romance-under-weird-circumstances comedy, this movie is more than likely one you've already seen if you are a McGregor fan. I loved Ewan's role of Robert, he makes him seem incredibly endearing despite his own terribly planned inept kidnapping of Cameron Diaz's character. I don't normally have a high toleration for Diaz, but she is perfect in this role as a snobbish spoiled brat with promise. You feel incredibly bad for Robert when things continue to go badly for him, but love seeing the humor running amuck all the same. Don't worry, this isn't depressing. And hey, he wears a kilt (this role allows him to embrace his wonderful Scottish heritage), and there is a singing scene! Somewhere, beyond the se-ee-ea, somewhere waiting for meeeee... And he dances on top of a bar in a beautifully not-so-graceful I'm-not-a-dancer, Ewan manner. That scene in itself makes the movie worth seeing. Probably his first well-known American role.


Skipping Nightwatch and Velvet Goldmine just because I haven't seen them in a while and am not in the mood to write their reviews right now (don't think I didn't enjoy them though)...


Little Voice. A wonderful discovery I stumbled across in my summertime movie perusal. I hadn't continued my trek across Ewan's film career in a while and didn't recall this title. Am I glad I rented it or what? This is a very touching, emotional, sometimes humorous, several times musical little film. It is not purely lighthearted on any level, just so you know. I adore Ewan's character here. He plays a telephone company repair guy, Billy, and is very quiet and shy-ish with his own dorky passion: homing pigeons. He spends half his time being preoccupied with worry over his best bird, Dwayne, who apparently goes astray during his competitve trip at the beginning of the film. I rewound and listened to Mcgregor's shriek/cry of surprise and puzzlement when he finally spots him because it is probably the silliest inflection I have heard pass from his lips in any film: Dw-AYNE?!! His voice jumps a notch in pitch on the second half and it just makes me roll on the floor laughing with pure glee at the cute nerdiness that abounds right then. His is such an endearing character, with an amusing obsession with his birds and a concerned tentative friendship with the lead character, LV. Jane Horrocks carries the film stupendously as the talented recluse LV. And yes, that is actually her singing everytime LV opens her mouth and stuns you with her voice. I believe the film was based on a stage production written for Horrocks to showcase her extremely amazing vocalizations and renditions of famous singers such as Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe. This is ultimately about finding your voice despite those around you and in spite of hidden talents. Unfortunately the movie ends with the viewer thinking, "Don't end now!" It is a sudden ending, nice and sweet, but it sort of felt as if the editors got tired and said, "Uh, okay let's stop here for the day." and then left it at that. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this emotional upheaval of a mother/daughter relationship. Rent it. Rent it now. And tell me you don't think Horrocks' renditions are amazing! Enjoy the great nerdy/sweet Billy, he makes me wish I could find more like him in real life.


Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Do I actually have to dignify this with a response? Can't you tell what I think? I mean Obi-freaking-Wan Kenobi! Need I say more? Come on, my site is practically dedicated to his rendition of the ill-fated young Jedi! Okay, okay. Fine I'll say something. Finally we get see what fully Temple-trained Jedi are capable of. Look at the master and apprentice dynamic during battle! Splendid, I tell you. The conservative, dry-humored padawan is a stunning characterization of a young Ben. McGregor didn't get to flesh out his character fully because the storyline was meant to be led by Liam Neeson, who did a da*n good job, if I might add. Good stuff. Obviously, or this site wouldn't have been posted. Maybe some day I will post a more complete picture of my thoughts on Ep. I and II. But not now.


I have finally seen Eye of the Beholder! It captivated me. We watch this technological spy, the Eye, view a terrible crime while doing his observative job. As he tails the criminal he eventually becomes obsessed with her. And our story develops from that idea. A stunning visualization of obsession. I have more to say. But not right now, OK?


I just saw Nora last night. I'm not quite sure what my thoughts are about it yet. I usually need some processing time before I can make a clear-headed review. It is a film that delves into a portion of the tempestuous life-long relationship between James Joyce, the well known author of Ulysses, and his common-law wife Nora. There is a nice chemistry between the two leads. Ewan again shows of his lovable singing voice. A large portion of the story takes place in Italy, and I must say Ewan's Italian pronunciation is quite good. I of course loved that, and those of you who know me better will know why. More later about this when my head is more clear about my feelings about the film.


Ah. Moulin Rouge. Wondrous experience. You have suspend reality and just believe. Musicals are often very cheesy if you think about it, and that inlcudes many live and film musicals. So to enjoy them you must suspend belief and just fall into the spectacle. Obviously based on the popularity of this one, not as many people had a hard time doing that as one might think. I love this movie. Loved it the minute I saw it. What a ride. Hysterical, entertaining, fast-paced at times, wild and raucus, passionate and sad. Our hero, Christian, begins his tale in a saddened voice telling us that the woman I loved is dead. So we know there will be a saddness and sense of tragedy to part of this story immediately. But it doesn't ruin the excitement and joys of the film. If you haven't seen this and you even remotely thought you'd like it, crawl out from under your rock and go rent it. He sings! He dances! His heart breaks and yours does too. Lovely. More from me later about this movie.


I have a lot to say about Attack of the Clones, just not today. Do you get the feeling I am not up for this today? Well I'm not. So there. Thanks for understanding.


More reviews coming soon!