My exams start soon, so I've been busy with revision, but I've seen 7 films this month, so here's a quick update.
From Paris With Love
I haven't seen Pierre Morrel's hit revenge thriller, Taken, but if From Paris with Love is anything to go by, I doubt I'll bother catching it, because this is a mediocre action film saved only by some winning action scenes and a bizzare performance from John Travolta. The convoluted chalk and cheese agents story gets a neat spin as its set in Paris (who would've guessed?), with Travolta and annoying sidekick Jonathon Rhys Meyers trying to track down gun lords and terrorists. It's difficult to explain what this film is about considering the non-existent plot, but if you're looking for some Friday night thrills, this delivers to moderate success. The action is insanely hyperkinetic, with Morrel obviously inspired by the "skills" of Tony Scott. The big problem with a lot of the main action sequences is the fact the camera whirls so much, you can't see who's shooting at who; at one point, I swear Travolta got killed, but no, he sprung back to life. Travolta obviously put everything into this role with his over the top zaniness, and considering he can't seem to find any good roles, you can see why. Rhys Meyers is an unsympathetic lead, and that is probably due to the script which is awful, and this film is misogynistic, racist and it glorifies drugs and violence. However, as a brainless shoot em up, this is passable trash.
5/10
Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore's documentaries are always interesting and deserve acclaim, but the biggest problem for his films is Moore himself; he can be overly smug and simplistic in his views, despite the obvious sympathy he shows for his interviewees. Here, he's less annoying and less prominent in this documentary on how capitalism and the Wall Street Crash has affected the real people of America. This is a worthy film that deserves to be recognised for its message, and the harsh realities of the economic climate are explored in the most minute of details. The people who are interviewed tell of such devastating stories, it's often difficult to focus on what the film is saying as you're still thinking about certain storylines. The story of the workers who locked themselves in the bosses' factories until they were paid compensation and their wages after the company collapsed is particularly gripping. But as entertainment for anyone under the age of 30, this will probably not excite that many of this age group. I know my mind strayed a lot despite some strong moments, but I would suggest a rental for this as you can focus on the story in short bursts, instead of over 2 hours of real life devastation.
5.5/10
Crazy Heart
With superb performances, beautiful cinematography, sharp writing and an excellent original score, it's no wonder that Crazy Heart has been a dominant force this Awards Season. Jeff Bridges, the latest recipient of the Best Actor Oscar, gives a tour de force performance as Bad Blake, an alcoholic country singer who's fallen into obsecurity and been overshadowed by his much younger protegees. Already resigned to the fact that he'll be spending the rest of his days singing in southern hotels, Bad gets a shock when a young single mother (Maggie Gyllenhaal) attempts to set him back on to the path of glory and sobriety, whilst also teaching him why life is so precious. The film's overfamiliar storyline and tone marr what is in fact a deeply moving portrait of a man far beyond self-destruction. Bridges is the perfect choice for this worn down character, with his sly wit and charm, but also his achingly real pain at events that affect so many of us; loneliness, the loss of loved ones and the struggle to find happiness. What sets Crazy Heart apart from a similar comeback tale, The Wrestler, is that here, we are with Bad as he experiences the trials and tribulations of life, wheras with the Wrestler, we were outsiders looking on at Mickey's Rourke's Randy. This doesn't mean Crazy Heart is better (Scott Cooper's occasionally lazy direction doesn't help matters), but it is much more involving.
7/10
I love you, Phillip Morris
Jim Carrey is on fine form as con artist Steven Russell, a former police officer who after being involved in a nasty pile up decides to change his life, so moves to LA and "becomes the queer he always wanted to be." To support this rich lifestyle, he becomes a fraudster, but this life catches up with him and he's sent to jail, where he falls in love with Phillip Morris (an excellent Ewan McGregor) and goes to any means necessary to make sure they stay together. Some of the lengths Steven does to are ridiculous, and they are unbelievably truth. The acting is excellent, the script hilarious and poigant in equal measure, with lots of knowing black humour and matter of fact truths that the audience will really respond to. The biggest problem with the film is the ending. I don't want to spoil it, but in the end credits, it says what a disgrace the events that happen in the end are to the Government system for what Steven did for love, which makes it seem like the producers favoured Steven's side of events, and that's why he comes off as the nice guy who does bad things. This ruins what was such a fantastic film.
8/10
Green Zone
Fact and fiction merge in this pulseating thriller from Paul Greengrass about the mystery of the WMDs in Iraq, the supposed reason for the war. Army chief Roy Miller (Matt Damon) thinks not, and with the help of a Wall Street Journalist (Amy Ryan) and a CIA agent (Brendan Gleeson) he tries to discover the truth. The characters' back stories remain as mysterious as the plot, so it's difficult to attach emotionally with anyone, which could've made this an unwatcheable experience. Luckily, Matt Damon and the rest of the cast are on form, if underused and underdeveloped. The action isn't so shaky that we can't tell who's been beaten the hell out of and making the audience feel sick, which is strange as it doesn't mirror the shaky groundings of the situation. But the stunts are expertly done, as they should be, and finally, Hollywood has listened to our pleas and used REAL helicopters. Rejoice! The script is appalling, that's true, but there's so much to be entertained and intrigued by, that you'll go along for the ride regardless of its flaws.
8/10
Alice in Wonderland
The combination of Lewis Caroll and Tim Burton fits perfectly with this creepy, visually arresting take on the author's classic novel. Burton may not focus so much on storytelling as the stunning visual effects, but there's no doubt that this is an exceptionally intriguing, surprisingly thoughtful take on the return of Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) to Wonderland, the mysterious, vibrant land inhabited by the weird and the wonderful. Adament that this is just another one of her ever reccuring nightmares about strange creatures, Alice attempts to take control of the situation having followed a white rabbit into the rabbit hole. Instead of finding a way home, she must instead help the wacky Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) and his pals defeat the malicious Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), and her revolting fiend, the Jaberwocky. Following the path of destiny, Alice discovers that some decisions you must make yourself even in a strange world. This is where Alice in Wonderland succeeds; it doesn's shy away from the harsh reality of Alice's situation, and makes it clear that despite all the help she's recieved from her new friends, in the final battle, she will be all alone. This thoughtful, knowing take on events allows Tim Burton to let us understand his characters, particularly the Mad Hatter; Depp's outstanding performance (is there any other kind?) captures the madness of the character, and makes him both vulnerable, heart breaking but terrifying all at once. The plotting is slightly haphazard in places, but Burton's visual style, excellent writing, great performances and the superb 3D effects makes this one date you musn't be late for.
8/10
Shutter Island
It's difficult to question the ability of Martin Scorsese's work, as this film genius has a sparkling back catalogue of classic gems like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas. While Shutter Island is a lesser addition to his CV, it's nonetheless a mystifying psychological thriller harking back to the B-movies of the 1950s. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is investigating the mysterious disappearence of a patient from Shutter Island, a facility off the coast of Boston for the criminally insane. There, he and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) discover the sinister goings on that make this hospital so notorious. However, Teddy struggles to pull himself together as the hallucinations of his dead wife appear to him, and he seems to be losing control of his mind, with the constant fear that he may never get off the island. The exuberant cinematography blends in well with the charcoal like colour of many scenes throughout the film, and the bold musical score only emphasises Scorsese's inspiration from classic thrillers half a century ago. DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley stand out from the cast as the emotionally conflicted Teddy and hard nosed, secretive head psycholgist at the facility. And of course, Scorsese is wonderful behind the camera with lots of sublime aerial shots that will make you whirl in wonder. Shutter Island only fails in it can't grasp the complexity of Dennis Lehane's source material. With time restraints, this was always going to be a problem, but the limp narrative threads doesn't tie up the necessary storylines efficiently, so the ending becomes a bit of anti-climax. But this is one film that will certainly make you think.
In case I don't immediately get back to writing the reviews for them, I saw Kick Ass and Exit through the Gift Shop on April 1, and loved them both. Kick Ass challenges for my favourite film of the year. It was crazyely awesome! 9/10 Exit through the gift shop is less crazy, but still awesome, and very funny (though not as funny as Kick Ass- which was crazely awesome by the way!)7/10
Friday, 2 April 2010
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Top 49 films of the year (Jan 1- Jun 20)
I've seen 43 films this year so far, so thought I give the rundown of best to worst films of the year.
49. It's Complicated
48. Astro Boy
47. Seraphine
46. The Wolfman
45. From Paris with Love
44. Capitalism: A Love Story
43. It's a Wonderful Afterlife
42. Four Lions
41. The Brothers Bloom
40. Killers
39. Streetdance 3D
37. The Infidel
37. Ponyo
36. Did you hear about the Morgans?
35. Crude
34. The Lovely Bones
33. Mugabe and the White African
32. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
31. Clash of the Titans
30. 4.3.2.1
29. Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll
28. Micmacs
27. Daybreakers
26. Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire
25. Robin Hood
24. Agora
23. Crazy Heart
22. A Single Man
21. Nine
20. Exit through the Gift Shop
19. Youth in Revolt
18. The Princess and the Frog
17. Erasing David
16. The Book of Eli
15. The Joneses
14. I Love you, Phillip Morris
13. Green Zone
12. The Losers
11. Alice in Wonderland
10. Shutter Island
9. Iron Man 2
8. Lebanon
7. She's out of my league
6. Date Night
5. How to train your dragon
4. The Road
3. The Ghost
2. Kick Ass
1. Up in the Air
* All these films were released in the UK in 2010.
49. It's Complicated
48. Astro Boy
47. Seraphine
46. The Wolfman
45. From Paris with Love
44. Capitalism: A Love Story
43. It's a Wonderful Afterlife
42. Four Lions
41. The Brothers Bloom
40. Killers
39. Streetdance 3D
37. The Infidel
37. Ponyo
36. Did you hear about the Morgans?
35. Crude
34. The Lovely Bones
33. Mugabe and the White African
32. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
31. Clash of the Titans
30. 4.3.2.1
29. Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll
28. Micmacs
27. Daybreakers
26. Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire
25. Robin Hood
24. Agora
23. Crazy Heart
22. A Single Man
21. Nine
20. Exit through the Gift Shop
19. Youth in Revolt
18. The Princess and the Frog
17. Erasing David
16. The Book of Eli
15. The Joneses
14. I Love you, Phillip Morris
13. Green Zone
12. The Losers
11. Alice in Wonderland
10. Shutter Island
9. Iron Man 2
8. Lebanon
7. She's out of my league
6. Date Night
5. How to train your dragon
4. The Road
3. The Ghost
2. Kick Ass
1. Up in the Air
* All these films were released in the UK in 2010.
Monday, 1 March 2010
The Lovely Bones and Mugabe and the White African Reviews
Here are two more reviews, for The Lovely Bones and Mugabe and the White African.
THE LOVELY BONES
Alice Sebold's dramatic, insightful source material is wasted with The Lovely Bones, a film so confused about what it should be it turns into a big mess, but a powerful, imaginative one too.
Saoirse Ronan plays 14 year old murder victim, Susie Salmon, a young girl who finds herself in the 'in-between', a place between Heaven and Earth, where she watches over her devastated family and her rapist killer (Oscar nominatedStanley Tucci) come to terms with events, whilst dealing with the situation in their own way. While the film boasts an incredibly poetic flare or direction from Peter Jackson, some excellent performances and an interesting premise, the weak adapted screenplay, a shocking lack of character development and over the top visual effects dig a massive hole around the film. Yet it's biggest problem is the fact it has no idea whether it's a drama, thriller, horror or even comedy in places. Sadly, the audience will know no better either. Yet the film's enchanting, uplifting tale successfully shows us what Susie has been through, and this is never a dull watch. The acting is excellent from the main cast (despite underdeveloped, and underused roles for Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberb and Susan Sarondon as Susie's grieving mother, devastated father and alcoholic grandmother), with Ronan proving what a star she is after her incredible performance in Atonement. Overall, this is a very jumbled picture that sadly fails to live up to its potential.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN
This Oscar nominated documentary is shockingly effective and a real wake up call to the world that the white African farmers in Zimbabwe need to be helped or they will all be killed. Following Ben Freeth and his father as they sue the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, for racial discrimination over the act that means white farmers can have their land overtaken by anyone in the country at any time is a truly absorbing tale that is just as shocking. As Ben's family faces daily terror from the locals, with violent attacks on their many workers every week, the family remain incredibly defient against the thugs who want them out of the country. Let's start of with an obvious point; this is a truly tough watch. It may have a safe certificate for watching (12A in the UK, equivelant to a PG-13 in the US) but there are some gruesome scenes of the aftermath of violence on the farm. You will definitely not forget the final act, which will shake you to the core, no doubt about it. Despite this, the film is very uplifting, with the family never deterred away from their desperation to make Mugabe realise his wrongs and stop this tyrannical rage at the White Farmers who live peacefully in Zimbabwe. And don't expect a happy ending, as Mugabe and the White African may shock you. This is a superb film, but often too hard to watch, and that's not the kind of cinematic experience you want. It really does open your eyes to the horrors occuring in Zimbabwe, and I highly reccommend it to be seen, but one viewing may be too much in itself.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
The next reviews will be for The Wolfman, MicMacs, The Crazies and From Paris with Love.
THE LOVELY BONES
Alice Sebold's dramatic, insightful source material is wasted with The Lovely Bones, a film so confused about what it should be it turns into a big mess, but a powerful, imaginative one too.
Saoirse Ronan plays 14 year old murder victim, Susie Salmon, a young girl who finds herself in the 'in-between', a place between Heaven and Earth, where she watches over her devastated family and her rapist killer (Oscar nominatedStanley Tucci) come to terms with events, whilst dealing with the situation in their own way. While the film boasts an incredibly poetic flare or direction from Peter Jackson, some excellent performances and an interesting premise, the weak adapted screenplay, a shocking lack of character development and over the top visual effects dig a massive hole around the film. Yet it's biggest problem is the fact it has no idea whether it's a drama, thriller, horror or even comedy in places. Sadly, the audience will know no better either. Yet the film's enchanting, uplifting tale successfully shows us what Susie has been through, and this is never a dull watch. The acting is excellent from the main cast (despite underdeveloped, and underused roles for Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberb and Susan Sarondon as Susie's grieving mother, devastated father and alcoholic grandmother), with Ronan proving what a star she is after her incredible performance in Atonement. Overall, this is a very jumbled picture that sadly fails to live up to its potential.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
MUGABE AND THE WHITE AFRICAN
This Oscar nominated documentary is shockingly effective and a real wake up call to the world that the white African farmers in Zimbabwe need to be helped or they will all be killed. Following Ben Freeth and his father as they sue the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, for racial discrimination over the act that means white farmers can have their land overtaken by anyone in the country at any time is a truly absorbing tale that is just as shocking. As Ben's family faces daily terror from the locals, with violent attacks on their many workers every week, the family remain incredibly defient against the thugs who want them out of the country. Let's start of with an obvious point; this is a truly tough watch. It may have a safe certificate for watching (12A in the UK, equivelant to a PG-13 in the US) but there are some gruesome scenes of the aftermath of violence on the farm. You will definitely not forget the final act, which will shake you to the core, no doubt about it. Despite this, the film is very uplifting, with the family never deterred away from their desperation to make Mugabe realise his wrongs and stop this tyrannical rage at the White Farmers who live peacefully in Zimbabwe. And don't expect a happy ending, as Mugabe and the White African may shock you. This is a superb film, but often too hard to watch, and that's not the kind of cinematic experience you want. It really does open your eyes to the horrors occuring in Zimbabwe, and I highly reccommend it to be seen, but one viewing may be too much in itself.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
The next reviews will be for The Wolfman, MicMacs, The Crazies and From Paris with Love.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Ponyo and Percy Jackson reviews
These reviews for Ponyo and Percy Jackson show what a mixed bag both these films are.
PONYO
Hayao Miyazaki returns after such masterpieces like Spirited Away with a rather unspirited spin on The Little Mermaid, telling of a young fish, Ponyo (dubbed by Noah Cyrus) desperate to become a human. When a young boy, Souske (Frankie Jonas) saves Ponyo from near death, she makes it her mission to become a human and get back to Souske and prove her love for him. This description makes Ponyo sound like a deep, intellectual film for all ages, when in fact, it's Miyazaki's most kid friendly picture date. Obviously aiming for a younger crowd than his usual devotees, the legendary Japanese director fails to add any of the knowing humour for the adults to enjoy this as much as previous films. The only reason it's getting the great reviews is because it's a hand drawn animation, and reviewers want people to continue to think that they like these artsy- fartsy pictures. While Ponyo is not overly arty, many points that make it a disappointment have not been picked up on; the fact that the script is appalling in places, and the supporting characters are not fleshed out well. And there's the huge problem with the pacing; between the epic sea battles and tender moments between Sosuke and Ponyo, the film is ridiculously slow. Miyazaki prides himself on focusing on the whole film, but here he faulters by not making this entertaining or dramatic enough. Having completely bashed Ponyo, I'm going to contradict myself completely, and say it was completely adorable, funny and very cute a lot of the time. And the casting of Cyrus and Jonas is just brilliant, especially considering their siblings' past! Overall, this is an odd, cold film that has flashes of genius. Not Miuyazaki at his best.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTINING THEIF
I am a huge fan of the books, mainly because it was a fantastic alternative to Harry Potter. Rick Riordan is brilliant at fleshing out his characters, and making the action exciting; it bursts off the page ina flurry of hyperkinetic madness, making for an exhilarating read. Despite the film's attempts at exciting action and tender moments, much of the book's warmth is lost in an utterly cliched, predictable kid's offering that has some of the worst pacing since...well, Ponyo. The story of Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman, a good replacement for Daniel Radcliffe) learning he is the son of Posideon, and then, along with demigod friends Annabeth and Grover (Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T Jackson) embarking on a quest to both prove he did not steal God of the Gods, Zeus' bolt, and also to save his mother from the Underworld. The books are certainly not second rate material to Harry Potter, but this film is. The look, direction, stars, plot and everything else looks so similar to the first two Harry Potters (also directed by Chris Columbus, doing a moderate job here, but showing no enthuasism over the material) and audiences will not be pleased with this; I know I wasn't. The heart to heart moments are hilarious, and the action scenes pathetic to begin with. They improve greatly towards the end, as does the narrative structure and background design (sadly not the script or acting), and the film is very enjoyable, there's no doubt about it. It's just shame how disappointing it is.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
PONYO
Hayao Miyazaki returns after such masterpieces like Spirited Away with a rather unspirited spin on The Little Mermaid, telling of a young fish, Ponyo (dubbed by Noah Cyrus) desperate to become a human. When a young boy, Souske (Frankie Jonas) saves Ponyo from near death, she makes it her mission to become a human and get back to Souske and prove her love for him. This description makes Ponyo sound like a deep, intellectual film for all ages, when in fact, it's Miyazaki's most kid friendly picture date. Obviously aiming for a younger crowd than his usual devotees, the legendary Japanese director fails to add any of the knowing humour for the adults to enjoy this as much as previous films. The only reason it's getting the great reviews is because it's a hand drawn animation, and reviewers want people to continue to think that they like these artsy- fartsy pictures. While Ponyo is not overly arty, many points that make it a disappointment have not been picked up on; the fact that the script is appalling in places, and the supporting characters are not fleshed out well. And there's the huge problem with the pacing; between the epic sea battles and tender moments between Sosuke and Ponyo, the film is ridiculously slow. Miyazaki prides himself on focusing on the whole film, but here he faulters by not making this entertaining or dramatic enough. Having completely bashed Ponyo, I'm going to contradict myself completely, and say it was completely adorable, funny and very cute a lot of the time. And the casting of Cyrus and Jonas is just brilliant, especially considering their siblings' past! Overall, this is an odd, cold film that has flashes of genius. Not Miuyazaki at his best.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTINING THEIF
I am a huge fan of the books, mainly because it was a fantastic alternative to Harry Potter. Rick Riordan is brilliant at fleshing out his characters, and making the action exciting; it bursts off the page ina flurry of hyperkinetic madness, making for an exhilarating read. Despite the film's attempts at exciting action and tender moments, much of the book's warmth is lost in an utterly cliched, predictable kid's offering that has some of the worst pacing since...well, Ponyo. The story of Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman, a good replacement for Daniel Radcliffe) learning he is the son of Posideon, and then, along with demigod friends Annabeth and Grover (Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T Jackson) embarking on a quest to both prove he did not steal God of the Gods, Zeus' bolt, and also to save his mother from the Underworld. The books are certainly not second rate material to Harry Potter, but this film is. The look, direction, stars, plot and everything else looks so similar to the first two Harry Potters (also directed by Chris Columbus, doing a moderate job here, but showing no enthuasism over the material) and audiences will not be pleased with this; I know I wasn't. The heart to heart moments are hilarious, and the action scenes pathetic to begin with. They improve greatly towards the end, as does the narrative structure and background design (sadly not the script or acting), and the film is very enjoyable, there's no doubt about it. It's just shame how disappointing it is.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
Saturday, 20 February 2010
The Princess and the Frog, Astro Boy and A Single Man reviews
Despite the half term break, I seem to have more work than before, but I couldn't ignore the great selection of films out at the moment, and managed to see The Princess and the Fro, A Single Man and Astro Boy, which turned out to be a relatively good batch.
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Although the 2D animation takes a while to get used to (all the CG glut makes you forget about old school hand drawn animation!), the storyline is more charming than many other films of its ilk for Princess. Telling of a young waitress' struggle to try and buy her own resteraunt in 1920's New Orleans is a different storyline for a Disney Princess Story, and finally gives a female character some true gravitas- Tiana (voiced and sung superbly by Dreamgirls' Anika Noni Rice) can stand on her own two feet, and is ready to get her hands dirty. It's not the colour of her skin that makes this a new page for Disney, but the fact that this princess has a brain. Of course, all those plans must be put on hold when she kisses a prince, who is cursed to be a frog. The two must find a way to return themselves to human form, but that will involving taking on the slimy Shadow Man and his voodoo cronies.
The charming, funny script, as well as an eccentric voice cast makes this is a thoroughly entertaining hour and a half, as well as a reminder that Disney can make fantastic animations just as well as Pixar. Admittedly, the storyline is very predictable, whilst the music doesn't stand out in the way that a picture like Up does, but this is a welcome return to form for Disney. John Lasseter really is the saviour of Disney.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
ASTRO BOY
Oh Dear. Despite the fantastic year that the film industry has been having (practically everything I've seen has been good this year), some hideous animaton wanders in to ruin things. While Astro Boy has some neat slapstick moments, it's nothing that hasn't been done before by other, superior animations. Borrowing heavily from films such as The Iron Giant and The Incredibles (the ending is a complete rip off of the latter), David Bowers simply doesn't direct with any oomph during the all important uplifting speechs. His standard, flat direction only lifts during the odd, mildly entertaining action sequence. And despite the odd fun moments, the henious dialouge, horrendous voice cast (someone really needs to adjust Nic Cage's meds) and the downright rubbish animation (my eyes are still trying to recover) ruins what is a fun television classic for many young kids across the world, myself included. An absolute monster failure, but for the kids, they may be entertained by this origin story of how a young boy is killed, only to be brought back to life, and then thrown away, as a robot. My sister (4 years younger than me) loved it, but younger children left perplexed by the odd, manic story plotting and weird humour. A mixed bag.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.5/10
A SINGLE MAN
This is more like it; a proper, tour de force performance that lifts a B grade film into the A class. Colin Firth is simply astonshing as a college professor preparing to finish his life as he suffers to cope in 1960s America after his gay lover's death. Though the taught dialouge helps, Firth's face does all the talking. The scene where he recieves the news of his partner's death is a masterclass of acting ability. The anguish, pain and devastation is etched all over him, and that torterous stance is held throughout this simply gorgeous directional debut from fashion director Tom Ford. While his camera floats over the lush cinematography, and the swooning, classic esque soundtrack, it's the incredible art direction that makes this such a tantalising watch. The clothes, make up and hair are perfect for thhis American era, capturing the elegance we see every week on Mad Men, the team who also work on this film. Julianne Moore once again shines, but this is Firth's show. He manages to carry the whole film, even the horribly overlong ending. A possible classic in the future.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
As about 471 films came out this week, I'm going to try and get as many as possible done this week. Expect reviews for Ponyo, Percy Jackson, The Lovely Bones, Invictus, Mugabe and the White African, The Wolfman and Valentine's Day by next weekend.
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
Although the 2D animation takes a while to get used to (all the CG glut makes you forget about old school hand drawn animation!), the storyline is more charming than many other films of its ilk for Princess. Telling of a young waitress' struggle to try and buy her own resteraunt in 1920's New Orleans is a different storyline for a Disney Princess Story, and finally gives a female character some true gravitas- Tiana (voiced and sung superbly by Dreamgirls' Anika Noni Rice) can stand on her own two feet, and is ready to get her hands dirty. It's not the colour of her skin that makes this a new page for Disney, but the fact that this princess has a brain. Of course, all those plans must be put on hold when she kisses a prince, who is cursed to be a frog. The two must find a way to return themselves to human form, but that will involving taking on the slimy Shadow Man and his voodoo cronies.
The charming, funny script, as well as an eccentric voice cast makes this is a thoroughly entertaining hour and a half, as well as a reminder that Disney can make fantastic animations just as well as Pixar. Admittedly, the storyline is very predictable, whilst the music doesn't stand out in the way that a picture like Up does, but this is a welcome return to form for Disney. John Lasseter really is the saviour of Disney.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
ASTRO BOY
Oh Dear. Despite the fantastic year that the film industry has been having (practically everything I've seen has been good this year), some hideous animaton wanders in to ruin things. While Astro Boy has some neat slapstick moments, it's nothing that hasn't been done before by other, superior animations. Borrowing heavily from films such as The Iron Giant and The Incredibles (the ending is a complete rip off of the latter), David Bowers simply doesn't direct with any oomph during the all important uplifting speechs. His standard, flat direction only lifts during the odd, mildly entertaining action sequence. And despite the odd fun moments, the henious dialouge, horrendous voice cast (someone really needs to adjust Nic Cage's meds) and the downright rubbish animation (my eyes are still trying to recover) ruins what is a fun television classic for many young kids across the world, myself included. An absolute monster failure, but for the kids, they may be entertained by this origin story of how a young boy is killed, only to be brought back to life, and then thrown away, as a robot. My sister (4 years younger than me) loved it, but younger children left perplexed by the odd, manic story plotting and weird humour. A mixed bag.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.5/10
A SINGLE MAN
This is more like it; a proper, tour de force performance that lifts a B grade film into the A class. Colin Firth is simply astonshing as a college professor preparing to finish his life as he suffers to cope in 1960s America after his gay lover's death. Though the taught dialouge helps, Firth's face does all the talking. The scene where he recieves the news of his partner's death is a masterclass of acting ability. The anguish, pain and devastation is etched all over him, and that torterous stance is held throughout this simply gorgeous directional debut from fashion director Tom Ford. While his camera floats over the lush cinematography, and the swooning, classic esque soundtrack, it's the incredible art direction that makes this such a tantalising watch. The clothes, make up and hair are perfect for thhis American era, capturing the elegance we see every week on Mad Men, the team who also work on this film. Julianne Moore once again shines, but this is Firth's show. He manages to carry the whole film, even the horribly overlong ending. A possible classic in the future.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
As about 471 films came out this week, I'm going to try and get as many as possible done this week. Expect reviews for Ponyo, Percy Jackson, The Lovely Bones, Invictus, Mugabe and the White African, The Wolfman and Valentine's Day by next weekend.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Roundup- Films I've seen in the last few weeks
I've been busy with school work, but I've managed to see a good amount of films recently. Here's the reviews.
SERAPHINE
While the tory of French Artist Seraphine being discovered by a German art collecter is very engaging and holds your attention throughout, the film rests solely on lead actress Yolande Moreau, and sadly, she isn't up to scratch. Small quirks aside, she is a plain heroine, and her bonkers transition by the end of the film feels forced and completely rushed. This is a big problem too; despite the lenghthy running time of 134 minutes, the film is never fleshed out enough to give the viewer a real insight into what made this woman who she is, as the trailer so strongly suggested. A disappoointment then, but engaging nonetheless.
OVERALL GRADE: 5/10
SEX & DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL
As a massive Ian Dury and Andy Serkis fan, I was expecking SDRR to be a great film. A whilst it is very well directed by Mat Whitecross and sports one of Serkis' greatest performance, the shift in tone is incredibly uneven, skipping from certain events without ever giving any reason for its importance, and without a reason as to why it's there. The end is also dramatically different to the rest of the film, and feels out of place. And Dury is not presented in a good light at all, and doesn't make for the greatest anti-hero is this biopic of his rise to fame with his band, The Blockheads. Fine turns, excellent music, an insightful script and strong pacing keep the film afloat, but some more depth was needed to make this feel real.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
YOUTH IN REVOLT
Michael Cera once again continues to allow himself to be typecast in Youth in Revolt; for the most part. In this humourous account of 16 year old virgin Nick Twisp, Cera gets to play Nick's bad alter ego, Francois Dillinger, who forces him to go to great depths to make sure that Nick stays together with his one true love, trailer park queen Sheeni (a star turn from Portia Doubleday.) Overall, the film slots into the same category as Adventureland; not laugh out loud funny, but with more humanity and a greater grip on what makes a film memorable; it resonates with its target audience. Nick's antics and the saucy goings on will make this the dream film for all adolescent males out there, and the girls will be entertained as well. Yet despite his fine turn (aided mainly by a super script) this really should be the final time Cera portrays the geeky but loveable teen; for someone so talented, it would be a shame if he fell into the horrific man- child group that ruined Paul Rust, and doesn't find a fresher role.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE
To put it mildly, Precious is a very tough watch. Bolstered by powerful turns from a talented cast, and handled well (if a little too gleefully) by Lee Daniels, this story of Clarieece 'Precious' Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an illiterate, dangerously obese black girl living in 1987 Harlem with her monsterous mother tells of how she finds salvation in the alternative school she attends, and a light blinks at the end of the tunnel, as Precious may have found her way out of this horrendous life. Daniels whirling camera captures every moment of the anguish Precious faces, and particularly shocking scenes (you won't forget the baby scene any time soon) are what he has perfected most. Yet the sinister close up rape scenes are little too much, and Daniels pushes it a little too far with his message. And of course, the film is no ray of sunshine, which makes any humour better in the film. The cast are the ones to be applauded most for Precious' success. Paula Patton and Mariah Carey are strong in slightly thin roles, whilst Sidibe and Mo'Nique (as Precious' mother) shine brightly, most notably in a terrific end. Don't go in thinking Precious is original though; there have been many stories like this before, but not nearly as well handled. A triumph.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
SERAPHINE
While the tory of French Artist Seraphine being discovered by a German art collecter is very engaging and holds your attention throughout, the film rests solely on lead actress Yolande Moreau, and sadly, she isn't up to scratch. Small quirks aside, she is a plain heroine, and her bonkers transition by the end of the film feels forced and completely rushed. This is a big problem too; despite the lenghthy running time of 134 minutes, the film is never fleshed out enough to give the viewer a real insight into what made this woman who she is, as the trailer so strongly suggested. A disappoointment then, but engaging nonetheless.
OVERALL GRADE: 5/10
SEX & DRUGS & ROCK & ROLL
As a massive Ian Dury and Andy Serkis fan, I was expecking SDRR to be a great film. A whilst it is very well directed by Mat Whitecross and sports one of Serkis' greatest performance, the shift in tone is incredibly uneven, skipping from certain events without ever giving any reason for its importance, and without a reason as to why it's there. The end is also dramatically different to the rest of the film, and feels out of place. And Dury is not presented in a good light at all, and doesn't make for the greatest anti-hero is this biopic of his rise to fame with his band, The Blockheads. Fine turns, excellent music, an insightful script and strong pacing keep the film afloat, but some more depth was needed to make this feel real.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
YOUTH IN REVOLT
Michael Cera once again continues to allow himself to be typecast in Youth in Revolt; for the most part. In this humourous account of 16 year old virgin Nick Twisp, Cera gets to play Nick's bad alter ego, Francois Dillinger, who forces him to go to great depths to make sure that Nick stays together with his one true love, trailer park queen Sheeni (a star turn from Portia Doubleday.) Overall, the film slots into the same category as Adventureland; not laugh out loud funny, but with more humanity and a greater grip on what makes a film memorable; it resonates with its target audience. Nick's antics and the saucy goings on will make this the dream film for all adolescent males out there, and the girls will be entertained as well. Yet despite his fine turn (aided mainly by a super script) this really should be the final time Cera portrays the geeky but loveable teen; for someone so talented, it would be a shame if he fell into the horrific man- child group that ruined Paul Rust, and doesn't find a fresher role.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL 'PUSH' BY SAPPHIRE
To put it mildly, Precious is a very tough watch. Bolstered by powerful turns from a talented cast, and handled well (if a little too gleefully) by Lee Daniels, this story of Clarieece 'Precious' Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), an illiterate, dangerously obese black girl living in 1987 Harlem with her monsterous mother tells of how she finds salvation in the alternative school she attends, and a light blinks at the end of the tunnel, as Precious may have found her way out of this horrendous life. Daniels whirling camera captures every moment of the anguish Precious faces, and particularly shocking scenes (you won't forget the baby scene any time soon) are what he has perfected most. Yet the sinister close up rape scenes are little too much, and Daniels pushes it a little too far with his message. And of course, the film is no ray of sunshine, which makes any humour better in the film. The cast are the ones to be applauded most for Precious' success. Paula Patton and Mariah Carey are strong in slightly thin roles, whilst Sidibe and Mo'Nique (as Precious' mother) shine brightly, most notably in a terrific end. Don't go in thinking Precious is original though; there have been many stories like this before, but not nearly as well handled. A triumph.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
Saturday, 6 February 2010
The Book of Eli review
Denzel Washington returns to badass form as Eli, a lone warrior who holds the key to finally pull the world out of the post apocolyptic world it's because. As he strives to achieve his goal, he discovers that one man will threaten his quest for his own personal gain. It's Eli's job to protect the Book that will save Earth.
While the film almost feels preachy in its message (the whole film has religious undertones) and the multiple slow mo shots of Denzel, Gary Oldman (who plays lead villain Carnegie with ferocity and glee) and Mila Kunis (I'm not complaining there) become very distracting, and just add to the cliches that are so apparent throughout The Book of Eli. Yet surprisingly for this type of picture, the acting is what stands out most. Oldman and Kunis provide solid strength, whilst Washington recovers from the disappointing The Taking of Pelham 123 with an impressive performance as Eli. He may kick the hell out of anyone who gets in his way, but all the emotions are broadcast on his face; fear, pain, anger. The film itseslf has real heart, and is all the more enjoyable for it. Albert and Allen Hughes direct with supreme imagination. Every action sequence has been thought through really well, adding their familiar, stylised violence to proceedings, like they did with their gory 2001 Johnny Depp starrer, From Hell. The script isn't as risible as say 2012, but this isn't The Road. The cliches can be seen a mile off, and the inspirational speeches are present and correct too. This is still hugely enjoyable though, and a definite cinema experience, but don't go in expecting an Oscar calibre picture.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
While the film almost feels preachy in its message (the whole film has religious undertones) and the multiple slow mo shots of Denzel, Gary Oldman (who plays lead villain Carnegie with ferocity and glee) and Mila Kunis (I'm not complaining there) become very distracting, and just add to the cliches that are so apparent throughout The Book of Eli. Yet surprisingly for this type of picture, the acting is what stands out most. Oldman and Kunis provide solid strength, whilst Washington recovers from the disappointing The Taking of Pelham 123 with an impressive performance as Eli. He may kick the hell out of anyone who gets in his way, but all the emotions are broadcast on his face; fear, pain, anger. The film itseslf has real heart, and is all the more enjoyable for it. Albert and Allen Hughes direct with supreme imagination. Every action sequence has been thought through really well, adding their familiar, stylised violence to proceedings, like they did with their gory 2001 Johnny Depp starrer, From Hell. The script isn't as risible as say 2012, but this isn't The Road. The cliches can be seen a mile off, and the inspirational speeches are present and correct too. This is still hugely enjoyable though, and a definite cinema experience, but don't go in expecting an Oscar calibre picture.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
Monday, 1 February 2010
January Roundup
January had a good assortment of films of both commercial and speciality releases (far ahead of last year's wider appealing bunch.) Here's my roundup of the seven films I caught this month, and my opinions on them.
NINE
Though a complete financial flop (and not popular with critics), Nine is a well acted, engaging musical that boasts a stellar turn from Daniel Day Lewis as Italian director Guido Contini, a man struggling to cope with the pressure of making a film that is destined to fail, as well as trying to juggles the demands of the numerous women in his life. The singing is good, but the acting is better. Marion Cotillard shines most as Guido's long suffering wife, Luisa. Though the dialouge is not great in places, and the songs are forgettable, Nine is another flashy piece from Rob Marshall.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
DAYBREAKERS
Daybreakers is the perfect horror film; great storyline (vampires have taken over the world, but the blood supply is running out), good performances (Ethan Hawke finds a meaty role as lead research scientist Edward Dalton, looking for a blood substitute, or preferably a cure to the disease of being a vampire), super direction from Michael and Peter Spierig (look out for them in the future) and some good scares. For that, Daybreakers gets a 9/10 (the pacing is too flat in places.) As a personal preferrence, this isn't tops on my list, as I don't enjoy horror films much (too disgusting or too cliched, a bit of both with Daybreakers.) Still, this is the best horror film of recent times (if you don't count District 9, which I don't) and if you love horror, this is the film for you.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
IT'S COMPLICATED
Meryl Streep is a favourite of mine, but even she struggles to bring the laughs to It's Complicated, an overly sentimental, ridiculously boring "comedy" from the queen of perfecction, Nancy Meyers. Or so it should be. Streep plays Jane, an unhappily divorced woman who has a great life, nice house, good business etc. yet still wants more. After years of trying to avoid each other, Jane and her ex Jake (Alec Baldwin) reuinte and an affair begins. Things get complicated (haha) when Jane also falls for her architect Adam (a creepy Steve Martin.) The film is so unbelievable (everything in the world is beautiful, everyone has amazing skin etc.) and so misogynistic- can't Jane stand on her own two feet forever without a man? There are odd funny moments, and Streep and John Kraninski are very good as Jane and future her son in law. However, It's another pompous, overlong, tedious piece from Meyers. A waste of some good talent.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.5/10
UP IN THE AIR
I wasn't really looking forward to Up in the Air (mainly because Clooney disappointed in The Men who stare at Goats), but he excells with the super material here, playing Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer who is unwilling to let his flashy life go when his collegue, Natalie (Anna Kendrick) suggests they fire people over a conference call. Jason Reitman has mastered film making to perfection, and his knack of witty scripts is eveident with Up in the Air; he and Sheldon Turner give an observant, raw screenplay that reflects the human side of an inhumane job. His directions skills continue to improve (the aerial shots are particularly breathtaking), yet it's the cast who are the most worthy of the praise. Clooney is on exceptional form, and really deserves that Oscar, and Kendrick and Vera Farmiga also excell as the woman in Bingham's life. This is an absolute treat.
OVERALL GRADE: 9/10
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS?
As I labelled it on my review, this is entertaining trash; it's absolutely rubbish as a film (plot holes galore, cliches, pedestrian direction), yet it's very moderate entertainment. Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are both moderate as a couple who are forced into a witness relocation programme to make sure that they are not seen by the person who just murdered their client. Fish out of water antics ensure, as they learn what really made them fall in love in the first place, having had some big difficulties in the relationship. You know what will happen in the end, and it's not better than previous romantic comedies, but it isn't the worst either. It's not memorable, or particularly humorous, but the sarcastic feel is nice to see, and the cast look like they're having a ball.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
THE ROAD
Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit McPhee are excellent as the Man and the Boy, a father and son heading for the South Coast of the USA to escape the post apocolyptic wasteland that the world has become. They must fend of the gangs, cannibals and starvation to keep themselves alive and stay together. The source material from Cormac McCarthy is such a fantasticaly visual novel, and the film captures that essence to perfection. Dark, macabre and yet hopeful in equal measure, this is never more than a captivating, if almost unbearably devastating film to watch. The film is something to be respected more than enjoy, and one viewing will certainly be enough to take, but this is a very good piece of storytelling.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
CRUDE
This documentary follows the case against Chevron, a fuel company who were involved in a $27bn court case against the indigenious population in Edcaudor who wanted compansation for all the damage Chevron allegedly did to these towns. The one aspect that makes Crude a good documentary is that it isn't one sided. It's obvious who the filmmakers favour, but they give Chevron the chance to have their say and prove their case. The thing that makes it a bad documentary is they've picked the most awful people to for Chevron. The film also seems to veer off into other directions from the central point a lot of the time, and with so many people to get to know, it'a difficult to warm to any fully, as you don't really know them. But this is still very engaging and interesting to watch, as the trial continues today.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
Next month I plan to see Edge of Darkness, Precious, The Book of Eli, The Princess and the Frog, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Astro Boy, Invictus, Youth in Revolt, A Single Man, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Valentine's Day, The Wolfman, Ponyo, The Last Station, Crazy Heart, From Paris with Love, MicMacs and Leap Year.
NINE
Though a complete financial flop (and not popular with critics), Nine is a well acted, engaging musical that boasts a stellar turn from Daniel Day Lewis as Italian director Guido Contini, a man struggling to cope with the pressure of making a film that is destined to fail, as well as trying to juggles the demands of the numerous women in his life. The singing is good, but the acting is better. Marion Cotillard shines most as Guido's long suffering wife, Luisa. Though the dialouge is not great in places, and the songs are forgettable, Nine is another flashy piece from Rob Marshall.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
DAYBREAKERS
Daybreakers is the perfect horror film; great storyline (vampires have taken over the world, but the blood supply is running out), good performances (Ethan Hawke finds a meaty role as lead research scientist Edward Dalton, looking for a blood substitute, or preferably a cure to the disease of being a vampire), super direction from Michael and Peter Spierig (look out for them in the future) and some good scares. For that, Daybreakers gets a 9/10 (the pacing is too flat in places.) As a personal preferrence, this isn't tops on my list, as I don't enjoy horror films much (too disgusting or too cliched, a bit of both with Daybreakers.) Still, this is the best horror film of recent times (if you don't count District 9, which I don't) and if you love horror, this is the film for you.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
IT'S COMPLICATED
Meryl Streep is a favourite of mine, but even she struggles to bring the laughs to It's Complicated, an overly sentimental, ridiculously boring "comedy" from the queen of perfecction, Nancy Meyers. Or so it should be. Streep plays Jane, an unhappily divorced woman who has a great life, nice house, good business etc. yet still wants more. After years of trying to avoid each other, Jane and her ex Jake (Alec Baldwin) reuinte and an affair begins. Things get complicated (haha) when Jane also falls for her architect Adam (a creepy Steve Martin.) The film is so unbelievable (everything in the world is beautiful, everyone has amazing skin etc.) and so misogynistic- can't Jane stand on her own two feet forever without a man? There are odd funny moments, and Streep and John Kraninski are very good as Jane and future her son in law. However, It's another pompous, overlong, tedious piece from Meyers. A waste of some good talent.
OVERALL GRADE: 4.5/10
UP IN THE AIR
I wasn't really looking forward to Up in the Air (mainly because Clooney disappointed in The Men who stare at Goats), but he excells with the super material here, playing Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer who is unwilling to let his flashy life go when his collegue, Natalie (Anna Kendrick) suggests they fire people over a conference call. Jason Reitman has mastered film making to perfection, and his knack of witty scripts is eveident with Up in the Air; he and Sheldon Turner give an observant, raw screenplay that reflects the human side of an inhumane job. His directions skills continue to improve (the aerial shots are particularly breathtaking), yet it's the cast who are the most worthy of the praise. Clooney is on exceptional form, and really deserves that Oscar, and Kendrick and Vera Farmiga also excell as the woman in Bingham's life. This is an absolute treat.
OVERALL GRADE: 9/10
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS?
As I labelled it on my review, this is entertaining trash; it's absolutely rubbish as a film (plot holes galore, cliches, pedestrian direction), yet it's very moderate entertainment. Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker are both moderate as a couple who are forced into a witness relocation programme to make sure that they are not seen by the person who just murdered their client. Fish out of water antics ensure, as they learn what really made them fall in love in the first place, having had some big difficulties in the relationship. You know what will happen in the end, and it's not better than previous romantic comedies, but it isn't the worst either. It's not memorable, or particularly humorous, but the sarcastic feel is nice to see, and the cast look like they're having a ball.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
THE ROAD
Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit McPhee are excellent as the Man and the Boy, a father and son heading for the South Coast of the USA to escape the post apocolyptic wasteland that the world has become. They must fend of the gangs, cannibals and starvation to keep themselves alive and stay together. The source material from Cormac McCarthy is such a fantasticaly visual novel, and the film captures that essence to perfection. Dark, macabre and yet hopeful in equal measure, this is never more than a captivating, if almost unbearably devastating film to watch. The film is something to be respected more than enjoy, and one viewing will certainly be enough to take, but this is a very good piece of storytelling.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
CRUDE
This documentary follows the case against Chevron, a fuel company who were involved in a $27bn court case against the indigenious population in Edcaudor who wanted compansation for all the damage Chevron allegedly did to these towns. The one aspect that makes Crude a good documentary is that it isn't one sided. It's obvious who the filmmakers favour, but they give Chevron the chance to have their say and prove their case. The thing that makes it a bad documentary is they've picked the most awful people to for Chevron. The film also seems to veer off into other directions from the central point a lot of the time, and with so many people to get to know, it'a difficult to warm to any fully, as you don't really know them. But this is still very engaging and interesting to watch, as the trial continues today.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
Next month I plan to see Edge of Darkness, Precious, The Book of Eli, The Princess and the Frog, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Astro Boy, Invictus, Youth in Revolt, A Single Man, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Valentine's Day, The Wolfman, Ponyo, The Last Station, Crazy Heart, From Paris with Love, MicMacs and Leap Year.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
The Road review
Based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize winner novel of the same name, The Road is an immediately gripping, instantly horrific film that will make you think about what lies ahead in the future; and how far you'd go to protect your family.
Viggo Mortensen gives a superb performance as the Man, desperate to ensure his son, the Boy, survives the apocolyptic world that surrounds them, whilst making sure that his son knows how to protect himself when he dies. Filled with cannabilism, murderous gangs and little food remaining, the two 'carry the fire' in a attempt to reach the south coast, where salvation may lay.
The Road sounds horribly depressing, and while the outlook is bleak throughout, what makes the film so special is the relationship between father and son. Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee are excellent as the Man and the Boy, both wishing that the world would change so they can finally live safely. It's the smaller scenes when they try to realise whether their the good guys or not anymore that really pack emotional heft. Strong support is provided from Charlie Theron, Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce, in small but telling roles that are sufficient enough to make you care about them too.
John Hillcoat directs with flare, and the black world that he presents is as morbid and macabre as McCarthy's novel presents it as. The visual impact is astounding, especially considering the limited budget of the film ($30M, practically nothing for a post apocolyptic film.) The scenes were we really see how this devastating, unknown event has changed everyone is heartbreaking, and genuine divert-your-eyes moments.
The Road plays well as a thinking man's 2012. This isn't about the cheesy explosions and the fun of watching $200M spent on 3 hours of popcorn fun. This is a bleak, alomst realistic look at a world where everything has gone. The writing and narration add to this real feel by not piling on the cliches and inspirational speeches, but instead focusing on that vital father-son relationship.
A mild quibble would be that some scenes feel uncomplete (particularly the flashback sequences) and some dragging moments.
The real reason behind The Road's failure at the Box Office though, is the fact that although this is an absolutely fantastic film that should be getting more Oscar Buzz than it is now, it's so depressing that no one will want to see it more than once, so the repeat business goes out of the window. Yet The Road is uplifting in equal measure, with the two main protaginsits showing that the human spirit is a beautiful thing, and the film deserves to be respected just as much as the equally excellent novel. This isn't a road well trodden these days, but in this case, it's worth coming down this path.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
Viggo Mortensen gives a superb performance as the Man, desperate to ensure his son, the Boy, survives the apocolyptic world that surrounds them, whilst making sure that his son knows how to protect himself when he dies. Filled with cannabilism, murderous gangs and little food remaining, the two 'carry the fire' in a attempt to reach the south coast, where salvation may lay.
The Road sounds horribly depressing, and while the outlook is bleak throughout, what makes the film so special is the relationship between father and son. Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee are excellent as the Man and the Boy, both wishing that the world would change so they can finally live safely. It's the smaller scenes when they try to realise whether their the good guys or not anymore that really pack emotional heft. Strong support is provided from Charlie Theron, Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce, in small but telling roles that are sufficient enough to make you care about them too.
John Hillcoat directs with flare, and the black world that he presents is as morbid and macabre as McCarthy's novel presents it as. The visual impact is astounding, especially considering the limited budget of the film ($30M, practically nothing for a post apocolyptic film.) The scenes were we really see how this devastating, unknown event has changed everyone is heartbreaking, and genuine divert-your-eyes moments.
The Road plays well as a thinking man's 2012. This isn't about the cheesy explosions and the fun of watching $200M spent on 3 hours of popcorn fun. This is a bleak, alomst realistic look at a world where everything has gone. The writing and narration add to this real feel by not piling on the cliches and inspirational speeches, but instead focusing on that vital father-son relationship.
A mild quibble would be that some scenes feel uncomplete (particularly the flashback sequences) and some dragging moments.
The real reason behind The Road's failure at the Box Office though, is the fact that although this is an absolutely fantastic film that should be getting more Oscar Buzz than it is now, it's so depressing that no one will want to see it more than once, so the repeat business goes out of the window. Yet The Road is uplifting in equal measure, with the two main protaginsits showing that the human spirit is a beautiful thing, and the film deserves to be respected just as much as the equally excellent novel. This isn't a road well trodden these days, but in this case, it's worth coming down this path.
OVERALL GRADE: 8/10
Did you hear about the Morgans? review
The horrendous reviews won't let up for Morgans?, saying it's unoriginal, unfunny, and their is zilch chemistry between lead stars Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. And they're right. The film isn't original (a fish out of water tale about a partially seperated couple who witness a murder and must travel to Wyoming to make sure that the killer doesn't find them, and discover that life without their cell phones is alright, a lot of it isn't funny (despite Grant and Parker's best efforts) and they do have little chemistry (to begin with...)
The thing about Morgans? is that it may be trash, but it's entertaining trash. I's completely nonsensical and utter rubbish for the most part, but as usual, it's always fun to see some physical comedy (where's that gone recently), and there's some good slapstick humour on offer here. Grant and Parker aren't at their best, but seem to grow in confidence and believability as couple loving to love each other again as the film progresses, which is something a similar screwball comedy, The Proposal, could not achieve.
Morgans? isn't as good as Proposal, but it's fun to watch. It's a mindless, harmless, fun film that's good to see in a month so far filled with films that make you think (Nine, Up in the Air, The Road etc.) The ending is horrific, the dialouge repetitive and it isn't funny, and those are obvious flaws for a romantic comedy. But still, this is light, bright and frothy fun.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
The thing about Morgans? is that it may be trash, but it's entertaining trash. I's completely nonsensical and utter rubbish for the most part, but as usual, it's always fun to see some physical comedy (where's that gone recently), and there's some good slapstick humour on offer here. Grant and Parker aren't at their best, but seem to grow in confidence and believability as couple loving to love each other again as the film progresses, which is something a similar screwball comedy, The Proposal, could not achieve.
Morgans? isn't as good as Proposal, but it's fun to watch. It's a mindless, harmless, fun film that's good to see in a month so far filled with films that make you think (Nine, Up in the Air, The Road etc.) The ending is horrific, the dialouge repetitive and it isn't funny, and those are obvious flaws for a romantic comedy. But still, this is light, bright and frothy fun.
OVERALL GRADE: 6/10
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Up in the Air review
Jason Reitman, you've made it 3 out of 3. Thank you for Smoking, Juno, now Up in the Air, which I finally got to see today. And I wasn't disappointed. Funny, charming, realistic and believable, it flies to the top of my list of best films of 2010 so far, and is also my new joint favourite Oscar picture. Sorry, The Hurt Locker, my loyalties are divided now.
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a guy contented with living out of a suitcase, as he fires people from their jobs because their bosses' don't have the bottle to do it themselves. He has no intention of marrying, having kids or living a normal, stable life; and he loves it.
All that changes when a young worker, Natalie Kenner (Anna Kendrick) comes up with the idea of firing people over a conference call. Ryan is determined not to let his lifestyle be dampened, and decides to show her that a human factor is needed for this heartbreaking job.
Up in the Air relies on Clooney, and he delivers one of his greatest performances. Emotionally unconnected yet suave at the same time, he brings everything to the table to make Bingham become a real person. That's where the film succeeds- it's very realistic. The economic downturn allows us it to feel raw and real, and it resonates more now than ever. Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner have given an observant, witty script that reflects our times. Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick provide strong support as Alex, the female version of Bingham, and Natalie, the naive but strong minded collegue. The Oscar nominations should be present for all three, and Clooney should win.
The direction is fantastic from Reitman, with lots of gorgeous arial shots and snappy movement. It works in the same way that Bingham lives his life- Up in the Air.
The cinematography is excellent aswell, with lots of great shots of Chicago, Manhattan etc. And the ending is incredibly strong too, and will draw you in so much that you don't want the film to end.
Yet the strongest point is the storyline. Because it reflects our times so much, it's utterly engaging, catching your attention from the off. And by allowing humour to be present too, this is a fun film to see too. A minor criticism is about a ten minute segment where nothing much happens, and you lose focus a bit, but this is a really excellent, two hour flight that you will definitely want to board again.
OVERALL GRADE: 9/10
George Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a guy contented with living out of a suitcase, as he fires people from their jobs because their bosses' don't have the bottle to do it themselves. He has no intention of marrying, having kids or living a normal, stable life; and he loves it.
All that changes when a young worker, Natalie Kenner (Anna Kendrick) comes up with the idea of firing people over a conference call. Ryan is determined not to let his lifestyle be dampened, and decides to show her that a human factor is needed for this heartbreaking job.
Up in the Air relies on Clooney, and he delivers one of his greatest performances. Emotionally unconnected yet suave at the same time, he brings everything to the table to make Bingham become a real person. That's where the film succeeds- it's very realistic. The economic downturn allows us it to feel raw and real, and it resonates more now than ever. Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner have given an observant, witty script that reflects our times. Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick provide strong support as Alex, the female version of Bingham, and Natalie, the naive but strong minded collegue. The Oscar nominations should be present for all three, and Clooney should win.
The direction is fantastic from Reitman, with lots of gorgeous arial shots and snappy movement. It works in the same way that Bingham lives his life- Up in the Air.
The cinematography is excellent aswell, with lots of great shots of Chicago, Manhattan etc. And the ending is incredibly strong too, and will draw you in so much that you don't want the film to end.
Yet the strongest point is the storyline. Because it reflects our times so much, it's utterly engaging, catching your attention from the off. And by allowing humour to be present too, this is a fun film to see too. A minor criticism is about a ten minute segment where nothing much happens, and you lose focus a bit, but this is a really excellent, two hour flight that you will definitely want to board again.
OVERALL GRADE: 9/10
Thursday, 21 January 2010
It's Complicated review
Nancy Meyers' fourth directional outing is her most mediocre to date. What Women want was moderately entertaining, Something's Gotta Give was very well acted and scripted whilst The Holiday featured Jude Law. Enough said.
It's Complicated is (like Something's Gotta Give) performed well and is observantly scripted. The difference here is the fact that it really isn't funny. In fact, it's borderline horrendous in places. Meryl Strep tries hard to inject humour into proceedings, giving a warm performance as Jane, a bakery owner who's life gets complicated when she begins an affair with her ex husband Jake (Alec Baldwin) but also falls for her architect Adam (Steve Martin.) Life gets worse when the two meet, and it's a battle of her gets Jane's love.
Nancy Meyers has again made a film about middle aged love, and it works fine, but once again, she makes these middle aged people gorgeous, with loads of cash, a nice house, great business and amazing skin. It's hard to sympathise with someone who has everything yet still wants more. Streep gives a solid performance (if not a patch on her performance in Julie and Julia) wholst Martin and Baldwin try hard with uneven roles. Baldwin comes off worse, as Jake is so unlikeable you just don't care about him. It's nice to see Martin get a role that isn't Inspector Clouseau, but he is presented as an obsessed, weeny man, and he has so little chemistry with Streep, whereas Streep and Baldwin have it in spades. This makes this part of the storyline less affecting.
The big problem here is the fact that nothing is very funny. John Krasinksi steals scenes with his role as the fiancee of Jane's daughter, but the jokes are spread so far that even he can't save face. And when did taking drugs become hilarious? Or nearly crashing your car? It's Meyers' lack of taste (and the fact that it's so unrealisitic and unlikeable) that makes It's Complicated so disappointing.
OVERALL GRADE: 5/10
It's Complicated is (like Something's Gotta Give) performed well and is observantly scripted. The difference here is the fact that it really isn't funny. In fact, it's borderline horrendous in places. Meryl Strep tries hard to inject humour into proceedings, giving a warm performance as Jane, a bakery owner who's life gets complicated when she begins an affair with her ex husband Jake (Alec Baldwin) but also falls for her architect Adam (Steve Martin.) Life gets worse when the two meet, and it's a battle of her gets Jane's love.
Nancy Meyers has again made a film about middle aged love, and it works fine, but once again, she makes these middle aged people gorgeous, with loads of cash, a nice house, great business and amazing skin. It's hard to sympathise with someone who has everything yet still wants more. Streep gives a solid performance (if not a patch on her performance in Julie and Julia) wholst Martin and Baldwin try hard with uneven roles. Baldwin comes off worse, as Jake is so unlikeable you just don't care about him. It's nice to see Martin get a role that isn't Inspector Clouseau, but he is presented as an obsessed, weeny man, and he has so little chemistry with Streep, whereas Streep and Baldwin have it in spades. This makes this part of the storyline less affecting.
The big problem here is the fact that nothing is very funny. John Krasinksi steals scenes with his role as the fiancee of Jane's daughter, but the jokes are spread so far that even he can't save face. And when did taking drugs become hilarious? Or nearly crashing your car? It's Meyers' lack of taste (and the fact that it's so unrealisitic and unlikeable) that makes It's Complicated so disappointing.
OVERALL GRADE: 5/10
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Daybreakers review
As a hater of all things horror, I was apprehensive about seeing whether Daybreakers would change my mind. I'm glad I saw it too; although the pacy is an occasional problem (and it's very grisly) the storyline, performances, script, and especially the direction is tight.
The year is 2019, and the world is dominated by vampires. The humans who remain are gathered up and farmed for blood to provide for the vampire's needs. Hemotoligist Edward Dalton (a mild Ethan Hawke) pities the humans, and when a shortage of blood supplies threatens the vampire population, he joins up with some humans who haven't yet been discovered- not to find a blood substitute for his boss (an excellent Sam Niell) but a cure, as he is desperate to be human once more.
Daybreakers is very successful mainly thanks to its fantastic premise. It holds your attention throughout, and is always going into areas you don't expect it to. The cast get better as the film progresses, Hawke and Niell especially. Willem Dafoe and Claudia Karvalan are also very good as the mysterious Elvis and assistant Audrey respectively. The sense of humour sustained is also so refreshing to see for what could have been a depressing film due to its bleak subject matter. The direction from the Speirig Brothers is flashy and hyperkinetic without being self endulgent and nasueating (take note Tony Scott), with lots of gorgeous shots of the Australian outback, and also the nightlife in this world, filled with gleaming skyscrapers and bats. The script is also good and clever, whilst the running time is fairly perfect. The odd moment at the beginning is a little self indulgent and slow, but the pace picks up (as well as the psychological aspect) in the middle. The scares are mainly from the first 45 minutes, but they catch you off guard in multiple places.
Overall, Daybreakers is engaging, enjoyable, but this wasn't too my taste due to the horrific gore in places. For horror fans though, this is an absolute must. For others, a rental is a safe choice.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
The year is 2019, and the world is dominated by vampires. The humans who remain are gathered up and farmed for blood to provide for the vampire's needs. Hemotoligist Edward Dalton (a mild Ethan Hawke) pities the humans, and when a shortage of blood supplies threatens the vampire population, he joins up with some humans who haven't yet been discovered- not to find a blood substitute for his boss (an excellent Sam Niell) but a cure, as he is desperate to be human once more.
Daybreakers is very successful mainly thanks to its fantastic premise. It holds your attention throughout, and is always going into areas you don't expect it to. The cast get better as the film progresses, Hawke and Niell especially. Willem Dafoe and Claudia Karvalan are also very good as the mysterious Elvis and assistant Audrey respectively. The sense of humour sustained is also so refreshing to see for what could have been a depressing film due to its bleak subject matter. The direction from the Speirig Brothers is flashy and hyperkinetic without being self endulgent and nasueating (take note Tony Scott), with lots of gorgeous shots of the Australian outback, and also the nightlife in this world, filled with gleaming skyscrapers and bats. The script is also good and clever, whilst the running time is fairly perfect. The odd moment at the beginning is a little self indulgent and slow, but the pace picks up (as well as the psychological aspect) in the middle. The scares are mainly from the first 45 minutes, but they catch you off guard in multiple places.
Overall, Daybreakers is engaging, enjoyable, but this wasn't too my taste due to the horrific gore in places. For horror fans though, this is an absolute must. For others, a rental is a safe choice.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.5/10
Sunday, 17 January 2010
What will be the biggest January Hit?
Daybreakers: DOMESTIC: $30M; INTERNATIONAL: $50M
Leap Year: DOMESTIC: $33M; INTERNATIONAL: $55M
Youth in Revolt: DOMESTIC: $16M; INTERNATIONAL: $25M
The Book of Eli: DOMESTIC: $70M; INTERNATIONAL: $120M
The Spy Next Door: DOMESTIC: $28M; INTERNATIONAL: $42M
Extraordinary Measures: DOMESTIC: $30M; INTERNATIONAL: $52M
Legion: DOMESTIC: $35M; INTERNATIONAL: $60M
Tooth Fairy: DOMESTIC: $60M; INTERNATIONAL: $95M
Edge of Darkness: DOMESTIC: $65M; INTERNATIONAL: $105M
The Lovely Bones: DOMESTIC: $45M; INTERNATIONAL: $80M
When in Rome: DOMESTIC: $40M; INTERNATIONAL: $75M
Leap Year: DOMESTIC: $33M; INTERNATIONAL: $55M
Youth in Revolt: DOMESTIC: $16M; INTERNATIONAL: $25M
The Book of Eli: DOMESTIC: $70M; INTERNATIONAL: $120M
The Spy Next Door: DOMESTIC: $28M; INTERNATIONAL: $42M
Extraordinary Measures: DOMESTIC: $30M; INTERNATIONAL: $52M
Legion: DOMESTIC: $35M; INTERNATIONAL: $60M
Tooth Fairy: DOMESTIC: $60M; INTERNATIONAL: $95M
Edge of Darkness: DOMESTIC: $65M; INTERNATIONAL: $105M
The Lovely Bones: DOMESTIC: $45M; INTERNATIONAL: $80M
When in Rome: DOMESTIC: $40M; INTERNATIONAL: $75M
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Film Review- Nine
As the reviews continue to pour in saying how atrocious the flop musical Nine, starring Daniel Day Lewis and Marion Cotillard among others, I knew I had to see what the fuss was about. And I'm glad I did, as Nine is actually quite good. Yes, the songs aren't especially memorable, but the acting and directing certainly is. The tale of Italian film director Guido Contini, who must relive his life to find a way forward as he fails to progress with his new film, is utterly engaging and Guido is played broadly by the annoyingly good Daniel Day Lewis. The real meat of the story comes from the relationship between Guido and wife Luisa, who is played so excellently by Marion Cotillard. It's realistic and believable, whilst breaking your heart at the same time. Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz all get their chances to shine as some of the women in Guido's life, whereas Kate Hudson and Fergie are unlucky to recieve little screentime (in fact, Fergie doesn't have one line at all except for the film's signature song, Be Italian.) The music is rather lacklustre and forgettable, but Fergie impresses, and Hudson's Cinema Italian is incredibly catchy. The direction from Rob Marshall is picture postcard perfect, with lots of gorgeous shots of 1965 Italy. The script that has been rehashed since the late Anthony Minghella's death is risible at times, but excellent at others. The key scenes work worst, as the language sounds innapropriate to the message that is being brought across (mainly about a man trying to win back the affections of his long suffering wife.) The best thing about Nine is how it draws you in. You learn about Guido, you understand (if not appreciate) his pain, you're their with him when everything goes wrong. Nine isn't a failure as everyone keeps saying. It's not a 9/10, but it comes close.
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
OVERALL GRADE: 7/10
Thursday, 7 January 2010
2009- Best to worst films
This is my list of the films I saw in 2009, in order of best to worst. Remember, I am in the UK so some releases may have opened in the US in 2008 or will open in 2010 there, so don't fret! This is my list of the films I enjoyed the most, so aren't neccesarrily the best films of 2009. (There are 125 films listed here, if you want to know.) Enjoy!
Star Trek
Terminator: Salvation
The Hangover
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Push
Mesrine: Killer Instinct
The Hurt Locker
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Where the Wild Things Are
Sherlock Holmes
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Avatar
Gran Torino
Up
Coraline
Fast and Furious
District 9
Duplicity
The Damned United
Glorious 39
Two Lovers
Slumdog Millionaire
Race to Witch Mountain
Seven Pounds
2012
Public Enemies
Angels and Demons
State of Play
Me and Orson Welles
The Ugly Truth
Moon
G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra
X Men: Origins: Wolverine
Adventureland
Julie and Julia
Rachel Getting Married
The Wrestler
(500) Days of Summer
Surrogates
Monsters vs. Aliens
Fantastic Mr. Fox
9
Bruno
Broken Embraces
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
The Invention of Lying
17 Again
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
The Boat that Rocked (Pirate Radio)
Coco Before Chanel
Bolt
An Education
Nowhere Boy
12 Rounds
I Love you, Beth Cooper
Fighting
Orphan
Zombieland
Religulous
Land of the Lost
Paranormal Activity
Revolutionary Road
Frost/Nixon
The Men Who Stare at Goats
Bright Star
A Christmas Carol
Away we Go
Le Donk and Scor-zay-zee
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Beverly Hills Chihuhua
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Funny People
Katalin Varga
Whiteout
The Taking of Pelham 123
The Young Victoria
The Proposal
The Fourth Kind
Love Happens
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Time Traveler's Wife
Igor
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Soloist
Fame
Bandslam
Knowing
I Love you, Man
Fish Tank
Shorts
Hotel for Dogs
Inkheart
Cheri
St. Trinians 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnauss
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Valkyrie
Creation
My Sister's Keeper
Milk
Nativty!
Birdwatchers
Dorian Gray
Marley and Me
Taking Woodstock
Is Anybody there?
Michael Jackson's This Is It
Morris: A life with Bells on
A Serious Man
Rage
Night the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
Imagine That
Aliens in the Attic
Year One
Obsessed
Dance Flick
The Secret of Moonacre
Army of Crime
Dragonball: Evolution
The Spirit
35 shots of rum
The Pink Panther 2
Bride Wars
Hannah Montana: The Movie
G-Force
Star Trek
Terminator: Salvation
The Hangover
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Push
Mesrine: Killer Instinct
The Hurt Locker
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Where the Wild Things Are
Sherlock Holmes
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Avatar
Gran Torino
Up
Coraline
Fast and Furious
District 9
Duplicity
The Damned United
Glorious 39
Two Lovers
Slumdog Millionaire
Race to Witch Mountain
Seven Pounds
2012
Public Enemies
Angels and Demons
State of Play
Me and Orson Welles
The Ugly Truth
Moon
G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra
X Men: Origins: Wolverine
Adventureland
Julie and Julia
Rachel Getting Married
The Wrestler
(500) Days of Summer
Surrogates
Monsters vs. Aliens
Fantastic Mr. Fox
9
Bruno
Broken Embraces
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
The Invention of Lying
17 Again
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
The Boat that Rocked (Pirate Radio)
Coco Before Chanel
Bolt
An Education
Nowhere Boy
12 Rounds
I Love you, Beth Cooper
Fighting
Orphan
Zombieland
Religulous
Land of the Lost
Paranormal Activity
Revolutionary Road
Frost/Nixon
The Men Who Stare at Goats
Bright Star
A Christmas Carol
Away we Go
Le Donk and Scor-zay-zee
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Beverly Hills Chihuhua
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Funny People
Katalin Varga
Whiteout
The Taking of Pelham 123
The Young Victoria
The Proposal
The Fourth Kind
Love Happens
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
The Time Traveler's Wife
Igor
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
The Soloist
Fame
Bandslam
Knowing
I Love you, Man
Fish Tank
Shorts
Hotel for Dogs
Inkheart
Cheri
St. Trinians 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnauss
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Valkyrie
Creation
My Sister's Keeper
Milk
Nativty!
Birdwatchers
Dorian Gray
Marley and Me
Taking Woodstock
Is Anybody there?
Michael Jackson's This Is It
Morris: A life with Bells on
A Serious Man
Rage
Night the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
Imagine That
Aliens in the Attic
Year One
Obsessed
Dance Flick
The Secret of Moonacre
Army of Crime
Dragonball: Evolution
The Spirit
35 shots of rum
The Pink Panther 2
Bride Wars
Hannah Montana: The Movie
G-Force
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