London (2005)

A New Light

I titled the review the way I did becuase the mvie does a good job at shedding new light on several of it's lead actors, and it does it in a way where you get to see range and depth not previously shown.

The movie at heart is a broken-love story. Guy has beautiful girl; guy loses said girl; guys spends majority of movie trying to convince himself and others the girl was the on for him. Not unfamiliar territory, but here it's done in a way that many teen/young adult dramas don't---they push some boundaries. From Jason Statham's character being into kinky sex to watching these good looking seemingly well menaing young adults snort coke like their lives depended on it--you definately don't feel like you're in "another teen/young adult movie" (some get the jest!).

At best, the movie is a character study. You get the background of the relationship between Syd and London. And, you get to see it's eventual demise in expertly edited flashbacks. You actually get pulled into their relationship and even feel for it as it plummets.

The supporting characters add the splshes of color needs to paint the story and make it more fulfilling than watching a couple bicker at each other.

It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, as several monologues are a bit out there, and the coke snorting permeates the entire movie. However, if one can get past that some of the musings about religion and relationships are quite well written. And, you also get to watch Chris Evans give a performance that's nothing like his superhero the Human Torch. July 31, 2008

Intense and Moving

If you have ever experienced an intense break-up after a passionate love affair, you will marvel at how realistically this film exams that experience. It is a bit dark and a downer and the the drugs and sex will offend some. However, it is not one of those neat little Hollywood packages where the ending is trite and perfect. It is very true to life. This is not a simple black and white ending. The film looks at the shades of grey we all have to live with from time to time and the ending reflects the fact that sometimes the best we can hope for is to learn to live without a resolution. May 16, 2008

Very good drama with life tales in it

Many seem to really criticize this film but i happened to be pleasantly surprised when I saw it. I thought the actors were all well cast even though it may be different from some of their previous work but they filled the roles well.

The whole movie is basically about how complicated love can be and is shown through the eyes of Syd and how his relationship slowly but undeniably fell apart with London. Most of the movie is shown in a bathroom but the issues talked about amongst Syd and Bateman were some of the most interesting things that I have heard. I have had discussions with my friends just like that and this is why I probably enjoyed the movie. They discuss about God, Love, Life, Drugs, Sex, and many other unsolved mysteries that everyone on this planet in one way or another has a different view point on. This movie teaches you that love in not like a fairy tale, it shows us that it is more like a roller coaster with ups and downs and if your not careful, it can get the better of you. One of the most realistic love stories that I have seen in a movie; at least out of my personal experiences; but the movie allows you to open your mind. When I finished the movie I was not depressed as some other's seemed to be but enlightened to see what problems in love could be and that by seeing these problems we can potentially decrease them. Watch it! March 25, 2008

Just plain bad

Title character London (Jessica Biel) is the ex-girlfriend of Sid (Fantastic Four's Chris "Human Torch" Evans), aspoiled, egomaniacal coke fiend who spends a majority of the film in the bathroom of an ultra upscale New York loft. He converses with his dealer/friend Bateman (a seriously miscast Jason Statham, with what appears to be a seriously bad hairpiece) among others, as he ponders going downstairs to say his goodbyes to his beloved ex before she leaves town. First off, it should be well noted that there is hardly anything edgy to be found with London, as it is mostly a showcase for the whining talents of Chris Evans. Evans himself I don't mind, but the philosophical musings and ponderings, combined with the mountains of cocaine that are ingested during the film's running time (seriously, there's enough here to kill Tony Montana) just make London more annoying and boring than anything else. The cast also features Joy Bryant, Isla Fisher, and comedians Dane Cook and Louis C.K. as well; but none of them really appear to do a whole lot with their screen time. If anything at all, London should be seen as a warning that drug addiction won't turn you into a hideous fiend, but instead a whiny, pretentious moron. Other than that, do yourself a big favor and avoid London at all costs. December 29, 2007

An under-appreciated movie

I took a chance on this movie one night and was very pleasantly surprised. To be honest I'm not sure why it has gotten such bad reviews both on here and with critics. I felt that it was successful on a number of levels and you don't have to be a drug addict to enjoy it. I was engaged the entire time and felt for the characters. Chris Evans performance was very strong and I hope he does more movies like this. No need to mention how great Jessica Biel is. Sure the plot line is thin and not a whole lot really even happens but the acting is strong and it is certainly entertaining. December 13, 2007

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