Dark, and Bloody Brilliant!

Rating: 9/10 (5 June 2004)

No, I haven't read the books; I am more of a Thomas Pynchon reader, but I actually adore these films while I detest mainstream cinema. The direction in this film is much more thoughtful than the previous two. The camera angles are highly effective at setting the mood and intensity of the scenes, and the cinematography is more organic creating a ambient magical realism. The acting is brilliant, to state the obvious and expected, and there is a bit more humor and emotion in this version.
While I hear this is a less faithful adaptation, it is the best of the three as far as the film making and storyline goes. Pure Cinematic escapism. It certainly has a little more of an indie aesthetic to it rather than that glitsed and polished Hollywood style of the previous two. A very soulful presentation. Perhaps a little intense for the little munchkins, but nothing too terrible. Buy them an ice cream afterwards, and they'll forget all about the spooks. God bless Gary Oldman! After seeing this, rent a copy of the Goonies. I think the director had this film, among others i.e. The Frighteners, Lord of the Rings, maybe Fellini (not for the kiddies), in mind.