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
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
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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