November Slate

Here's a quick sum up of the films I've seen in November:

9: Although the story is creative and the visuals stunning, there's no denying this film is as flawed as they come. The gaping plot holes which encave this film into one massive crater are so clear to see, but that doesn't stop the film from being fantastically entertaning and beautifully crafted by the obviously talented director, Shane Acker. But be warned; this is violent, and not for younger children.
OVERALL TOTAL: 7.5/10

Michael Jackson's This is It: I am a massive fan of Michael Jackson, and there is no denying that he was still talented, as this film displays. Sadly, I found this a horrible cash in on his death, which director Kenny Ortega should not have done so soon after Jackson's death. Regardless of how much he professes that this was to allow the fans to enjoy his last moments, it's nothing more than a quick money spinner for him. The music and set designs are great, but it's very unsettling watching Jackson dance; not because he's now dead, but because it's rather awful watching a 50 year old dad dancing with an 18 year old babe. Ugh. It sounds horrible, and I was intrigued by the film, but I can't help but feel Jackson was so pressured into doing this tour, and it's so very clear to see no matter how hard he worked, he was exhausted, and that makes This is It an uneasy experience.
OVERALL TOTAL: 4/10

Katalin Varga: An interesting Hungarian film from British director Peter Strickland, this is an intriguing, harrowing rape revenge thriller that posts some excellent performances from its cast of unknows. The use of animal imagery sounds ridiculous but works excellently, and the final result pays off well. It's a shame during the opening act that the film is so stoic, and Katalin Varga needs more showing that the constant telling. This is still an exciting watch though.
OVERALL TOTAL: 6/10

The Men who Stare at Goats: This looked hilarious from the trailers, with a fine cast. Sadly, this fails to charm throughout, despite many laugh out loud moments. Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges are on top form, whilst George Clooney seems slightly uncomfortable at times. The lack of plot hampers the film in a similar way to 9, and the lack of development in the supporting characters is annoying. Plenty of laughs keep this ship afloat.
OVERALL TOTAL: 6/10

Bright Star: Jane Campion is a legend thanks to The Piano, and this is in fact, much better in my opinion. The plot never really drags, although this may be thanks to the wonderful performances from Abbie Cornish and Ben Wishaw in the leading roles in this biopic of the last two years of the poet John Keats' life. The cinematogarphy is breathtaking, and Campion proves what a superb director she is. This film is far too long winded as it nears its climax, but pulls it back with emotional heft right at the end.
OVERALL TOTAL: 6/10

A Christmas Carol: Jim Carrey is one of my favourite actors (alongside Will Smith and Robert De Niro), and he gives a great performance (s) as basically every character in this latest attempt from Robert Zemeckis to make the public fall in love with this motion capture technology. And although this animation has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, it is still creepy and dead eyed that spoils the emotional impact of this classic story. Also, the film relies on noise to make you jump with the 3D and 'scares' which is just silly, and makes for a draining experience. The film does get a lot better in the last 45 minutes, and is very enjoyable, but not nearly as good as it should have been.
OVERALL TOTAL: 6/10

The Fourth Kind: I am no horror fan, but I am always interested in psychological thrillers, and The Fourth Kind, although not original, sparked some interest from me. I was hooked on the storyline from start to finish, and was never bored. Although this may not be real, it sparks off an intriguing debate as to whether aliens exsist or not, and I love when films make you think. It is true that the supposedly massive hyped up finale doesn't pay off, but the rest of the film is interesting. I actually enjoyed Milla Jovovich performance, as it's creepy. The film is NOT scary at all though; the only thing that is weird is the real Dr Abigail Tyler's horrificly long face. Ah!
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10

2012: This in all is a hideous film. Terrible script, way over the top performances and a weirdly sadistic feel. You'll also have a headache for the entire three hour duration of this film. This is a very long haul, but the payoff is well worth it, as this turns out to be an intense, not too dumb movie with some stunning special effects and a good story that is executed well enough to allow the film to be classed as entertainment in a good way. Chiewtel Ejiofor gives a dedicated performance, whilst Roland Emmerich has an assured direction. Despite all the flaws, this is a great disaster movie, and thought- provoking, whilst not too oversentimental, with some knowing nudges to the audience.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10

Taking Woostock: Ang Lee is a fantastic director, but damn is he a depressive! Lust Caution, Brokeback Mountain, it's all tears and death and ahh! Taking Woodstock should have been a relief to the viewer, but it turns out to be a nightmare. The music and a solid performance from Imelda Staunten save this from complete disaster, and the storyline is semi- interesting, but it is so rose tinted and too hippy to connect with anyone who doesn't moan that the 60s were the best days of your life, and now everything is just too modern. This means the film just won't connect with anyone under the age of about 45, so being 15, I wasn't keen on the film. Most of it seems to be some made up crap, which doesn't help the already snail like pace. A bit of a disaster, but undemanding.
OVERALL GRADE: 4/10

Rachel Getting Married: I missed a load of the Oscar pictures from earlier this year, so I'm catching up a little. This has to be one of my favourite Oscar pictures, mainly for the brilliant performance from Anne Hathaway, who should've won Best Actress for this great portrayal of Kim, the drug addled sister of bride to be Rachel, played with gusto by Rosemarie DeWitt. Jonathon Demme directs with flare, and this is very funny, and dramatic in equal measure. Had I just been accounting for the first hour of the film, this would be in my top five of the year, but it all comes crashing down mid way, as the film's pace goes rapidly off course with too much melodrama. It's pulled back with ferocity at the end though, making for an enjoyably uplifting, career defining piece for the entire cast and crew.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10