# is for... [part 2]

The director/producer team that created Trainspotting turn their dynamic cinematic imaginations to the classic science fiction scenario of the last people on Earth. Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma to find London deserted--until he runs into a mob of crazed plague victims. He gradually finds other still-human survivors (including Naomie Harris), with whom he heads off across the abandoned countryside to find the source of a radio broadcast that promises salvation. 28 Days Later is basically an updated version of The Omega Manand other post-apocalyptic visions; but while the movie may lack originality, it makes up for it in vivid details and creepy paranoid atmosphere. 28 Days Later's portrait of how people behave in extreme circumstances--written by novelist Alex Garland (The Beach)--will haunt you afterward. Also featuring Brendan Gleeson (The General, Gangs of New York) and Christopher Eccleston (Shallow Grave, The Others). (synopsis provided by Amazon.com)

directed by Danny Boyle

released 2002

Shallow Grave [1994]

Sometimes the most interesting stories – are those where you just throw money into an equation between several people – and see what happens. Strangers become instant enemies – enemies become friends – and best of friends will rip each others throats out.

When three friends rent out a spare bedroom to a man who ends up dead with a suitcase full of money under his bed – greed and paranoia drives them apart.

This is kind of like the story of the three bears – you’ve got uptight over protective daddy bear played by Chris Eccleston, you’ve got middle of the road momma bear played by Kerry Fox who’s both practical and not against rolling on the floor and having fun with the immature fun-loving baby bear played by Ewan McGregor. Together their personalities really play off each other well – and even though they may have started off as friends out of necessity to rent an apartment – they have learned to live together like the above described family.

These well defined outer personalities – all lend themselves perfectly to how they end up breaking down to their base personalities once the money is introduced. And just as the analogy of the three bears plays out – you’ve got to determine who’s got it “just right” in order to survive and keep the money.

This is Danny Boyle’s first feature film – at times feels like an audition tape for his follow-up film Trainspotting. Even from the very beginning of his career it’s apparent that Boyle’s got a talented eye for composition, framing, pacing and storytelling – all things Boyle has proven time and time again in his films that he does quite well.

It would only take a jacket and a scarf to imagine Eccleston at this point in his career to see him taking on the role of Dr. Who – and plays his part with the right amount of tension. The first feature-starring role for Ewan McGregor – who shows flashes of greatness – and his heavy personality really steals several scenes. Kerry Fox is quite adept in her role – and is able to hold her own against these two future stars – and keeps you interested in her character though doesn’t really shine.

All three of the characters portrayed by Eccleston, McGregor and Fox are especially cold – and also play on a common theme that Boyle puts into several of his films regarding the often empty spiritual condition of the youth in the 90’s. Making this and some of Boyle’s follow up films very much a film of it’s time – which can make it seem rather dated in my eye – but works well never-the-less.

I don’t really have any complaints about the film other than the story is a tad bit lacking in some areas for my own tastes. I’ve seen the movie several times before – and sometimes it’s all that I can ask for – and sometimes it’s not and like I said sometimes it feels a bit dated. My last viewing I gave it a 4 out of 5 – other nights I would give it a full 5.

Let me count the ways I loved Ewan McGregor

Strangers on the street keep approaching me asking me what I thought of ‘Angels & Demons’. I keep having to tell everyone – that I haven’t seen it – and wasn’t really planning on seeing it. Not to say it looks terrible – but I’m just not interested.

They then remind me that Ewan McGregor is in it – and they go on to remind me about the “goal” I had set for myself of seeing every Ewan film. I have to reason with them – that I made that goal 10 years ago – during The Phantom Menace excitement – and I can’t be held responsible for my actions back then. Well, that – and I don’t feel he’s done much lately that’s peaked my interest acting wise – I still think he’s a good actor – but his film choices haven’t spoken to me in a while.

So, how about I list off my top Ewan movies – and you can get your fix on my take of Ewan McGregor - instead of me sitting through ‘Angels & Demons’. Sounds fair – right?

8 – Rogue Trader [1999] – Not really an “important” film – or on many people’s radar – but an interesting film none-the-less. I often think of this film when I hear about the current US economy.

7 – A Life Less Ordinary [1997] – A pulpy trash kind of love story – directed by Danny Boyle – that’s just a lot of fun to watch.

6 – Nightwatch [1997] – Much like A Life Less Ordinary – this is a pulpy trash crime drama is just fun to watch.

5 – Stay [2005] – I like this film – even though someone who never saw it told me it’s “bad”. Strong performances and an interesting story really make the film.

4 – Down With Love [2003] – I realize this is a remake and has Renee Zellweger in it and is completely formulaic – but it’s still quite fun.

3 – Shallow Grave [1994] – This Danny Boyle directed tale about how money stands between even the closest of friends – plays out like a Twilight Zone episode.

2 – Velvet Goldmine [1998] – It’s the tale of when Maxwell Demon (a thinly veiled David Bowie stand in) fell in love with Zakk Wylde (thinly veiled Iggy Pop) – with Ewan playing Iggy. Told in the style of Citizen Kane – this film has star power to spare and the classic rise and fall of power and fame – as well as one of the best soundtracks of any film I know.

1 – Trainspotting [1996] – Also directed by Danny Boyle – isn’t that amazing? Maybe Ewan needs to get Danny on the phone, huh? Anyway - sometimes the craziest people aren’t the ones on drugs. A solid cast – great pacing and outstanding soundtrack made this film my favorite of all time for a long time – and it still stands as Ewan’s best film.

“Hey! You can’t have a top 8 – that doesn’t make sense! Just add a couple films and make it a top 10!”

“No! I’m not going to put in something that I don’t truly like just to fill in the list. I’ve seen Brassed Off, Little Voice, Eye of the Beholder, the Star Wars prequels, Black Hawk Down (which would go down but he’s got such a small role), Big Fish, The Island and several other films – that I’m not putting them on MY list to fill space. Go make your own if a “top 8” makes you uncomfortable.”