Fracture
Dir: Gregory Hoblit
2007
***
Although the story in Gregory Hoblit's 2007 film Fracture was intriguing and entertaining throughout, the unpredictable twist ending was actually fairly predictable. I don't mean the twist itself was predictable, just that the viewer knows that there will be an unpredictable ending. Anthony Hopkin's character was smug throughout but you just knew just what would happen to his character from the beginning, it just seemed a bit too formulaic, even though I actually quite liked the ending. Unfortunately he was also a lot like a less charismatic (and less hungry) version of Hannibal Lecter, he was good in the role but another actor would have been less distracting. It's hard to review the film without giving anything away, I liked it, it just needed a little kick, something out of the blue and unexpected to give it a little spice. It's average and a little forgettable but it's the sort of thing I'm sure I'd be happy to rediscover in a few years time.
Hart's War
Dir: Gregory Hoblit
2002
**
Hart's War really burdens itself with sentimentality and trying to tell too many stories at once. The performances are all good, as are the intentions I'm sure, but the situation and story just doesn't work, add in the court room element, the who done it and the race issue, it just comes across as a contrived mess. There is enough there to enjoy but it is very difficult to take too seriously, which is a shame and a bit awkward, given the setting.
Primal Fear
Dir: Gregory Hoblit
1996
****
On the whole, Primal Fear is an average thriller/court room drama. The relationship between Richard Gere and Laura Linney adds a little spice to the proceedings but generally it is nothing we haven't seen before. However, it is the brilliant performance from a young Edward Norton that pushes the film into above average territory and into solid original entertainment. The mid 90s is littered with films with great twist endings and although Primal Fear came after the big two (Se7en & The Usual Suspects) it's ending is just as powerful.
