I know I am a bit late to the party when it comes to this film as it came out what feels like a lifetime ago.
However, got there eventually.
I will start by saying I love musicals, as you will probably gather from my blog and reviews from theatre musicals I have been to. I have also seen Les Mis on stage when it toured a few years ago for its anniversary. It was brilliant, but a little long and also very miserable, hence the name, but still a fantastic musical.
Based on the book by Victor Hugo I had high hopes for the film as everyone I know who saw it raved about it and seemed to cry their heart out for pretty much the whole film.
It looks like a big budget film very opulent and extravagant. Rich in sets and costumes.
All the stars in the film were said to sing live on the set rather than record their vocals and mime in the film. This I think adds the theatre musical feel to the film as you hear the tears, in Anne Hathaway's case, and frustration in the case of Russell Crowe.
All the casts' singing was amazing, brilliant voices with a lot of projection. You can tell that Russell Crowe was/is in a band as his voice was less musical and more band. Hugh Jackman has obviously cut his musical teeth in Boy from Oz many years ago and for most of the film was unrecognisable as Jean Valjean. I forgot it was him most of the time.
Anne Hathaway as the doomed and unfortunate Fantine...well she just breaks your heart. She isn't in the whole film but when she is she, you can't look at anyone else and her rendition of 'I dream a dream' beautiful. No wonder she has already won a BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe and will no doubt pick up the Oscar.
It is so rich in emotional and I love Samantha Barks as Eponine, what can I say. We can all relate to 'On my Own' and unrequited love.
Now I must admit that I don't get the whole Eddie Redmayne thing. His singing was good but I wasn't completely blown away by him and felt not that bothered what happened to him. Same really for Cosette I love Amanda Seyfried but didn't believe her Cosette.
Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Carter as Madam Thenardier and Thenardier are comic genius. I loved the characters in the film and loved them even more in the film. A pleasant relief from all the misery.
Of course as well this film holds a little place in my heart as it was filmed in part in Portsmouth and now everyone knows someone who knows someone who was an extra in it.
The film for anyone who has not seen the musical is singing all the way through, no real talking so be prepared.
This is a great musical film but I think I prefer the theatre version.
And I cried in one part.... spoiler alert! When Eponine and Gavroche die. Teary. At the end I was upset but no tears, does this make me heartless?
For anyone who doesn't know what it is about...
IMDB synopsis of the film says: "In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever."
"Jean Valjean, known as Prisoner 24601, is released from prison and breaks parole to create a new life for himself while evading the grip of the persistent Inspector Javert. Set in post-revolutionary France, the story reaches resolution against the background of the June Rebellion."
Directed by Tom Hooper
I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5
Showing posts with label Film Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Film Reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Skyfall - James Bond 007 - the review
I will admit from the onset that I have only seen two (well three after today) Bond films from beginning to end - Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace but I did really enjoy them.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
I won't give away too much about the film as it is amazing and I wouldn't want to spoil it, this means that this review will probably be quite short as I don't want to ruin it.
First I will say that it doesn't follow on from the previous two films so you don't really need to have seen them before seeing this.
Javier Bardem plays the baddie Mr Silver and he is amazing! Blonde hair, blue eyes and slightly too large teeth. He is a real good baddie, a classic baddie, a little camp but equally brilliant. It did remind me a bit of the Joker and Batman in that they need each other but need to beat each other. Bardem is just an amazing baddie.
Daniel Craig is again a brilliant Bond and Judi Dench's M fantastic.
I love that the film has proper opening titles, it gives the opportunity for Adele's theme song to be played in full. I just wish they did it with more films.
The Aston Martin DB5 is beautiful and makes a welcome return. This film does celebrate Bond's 50th anniversary and if you are a Bond fan I don't think you will be disappointed.
Visually this film is phenomenal, the depth and colour in some scenes. The use of light and dark, shadows and the smallest details just add the pieces. Sam Mendes is a genius.
I also love that they filmed parts in London, with many recognisable sights.
Go see this film if you love action films, Javier Bardem or Bond, or Daniel Craig as you won't be disappointed.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Film review - The Waitress
I thought I would write some film reviews of new ones I have see and some of my favourites just to share the knowledge.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
This time I thought I would review Waitress, a 2007 American comedy-drama that is just brilliant.
Keri Russell plays Jenna a waitress living in American South, she is trapped in an unhappy marriage with an abusive husband called Earl, played by Jeremy Sisto who has previously starred in Clueless and is in Suburgatory.
She works in Joe's Pie Diner where she invents pies with unusual titles inspired by her life.
The way she talks about her pies and the flavours makes your mouth water and the names are perfect summing up her life around her including 'Bad Baby Pie' when she finds out she is pregnant and doesn't want the baby.
What I found out was that the writer and director Adrienne Shelly died at the age of 40, she plays Jenna's friend Dawn sadly murdered before the film hit the big time.
The film shows Jenna's desperation in wanting to run away from her husband. She puts money aside to enter a pie contest in a nearby town, which has a $25,000 prize. Her husband doesn't want her to go for fear she won't come back, which is exactly what she would do given half the chance.
It is just a really sweet film, where not a lot happens but it really pulls on the heart strings. It is funny and heartbreaking.
Jenna's friends have perfect comedic timing especially Becky played by Cheryl Hines, who also now stars in Suburgatory and the diner owner Joe who encourages her to do her own thing. She also embarks on a fling with the new doctor Jim Pomatter played by Nathan Fillion.
She begins a journal noting all her recipe ideas and also growing in love for her unborn baby.
After watching this film I want to bake more than anything, I could imagine a cupcake equivalent.
I won't spoil the ending but don't think this is a boring hum-drum film it is just a perfect film and my boyfriend loves it as well so it isn't the usual rom-com film.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Well worth the wait - The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX
I have been a little late to the party here, but me and my boyfriend wanted to see the new Batman at the IMAX in London, the largest screen in the UK.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Well where to start, the film, the screen or the experience, it was all just fantastic.
Well first the film I won't give anything away but it ticks a lot of boxes for Batman comic book nerds. The film is just amazing! Well shot and has the perfect ending for The Dark Knight trilogy. It ties everything up in a neat bow with a little hint that more could be on its way.
Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman is just the part she was meant to play. Halle Berry's is an even bigger joke in comparison but is she a match for Michelle Pfeiffer's? I don't know but it would be a close fight. She is just purrfect. Sorry...hard to resist.
Of course Christian Bale and Gary Oldman do not disappoint.
It is just a stellar cast of Christopher Nolan favorites - Joseph Gordon Levitt, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard and of course Cillian Murphy.
The film is just visually fantastic and the sound quality in the IMAX made the seats shake. Without saying too much any Batman fan would be happy, if not ecstatic with this film.
Now the IMAX the screen is huge and the ratio is more of a square than the usual letterbox in normal cinemas.
Batman and Bane were more like massive giants than stars on a screen. The film features over an hour of footage filmed with IMAX cameras, with crystal clear images and powerful digital sound technology.
The seats shook the screen took over but it coupled with the film was the perfect film experience.
I love films and I love the IMAX, it was £15 for an adult ticket but worth the money and a medium popcorn and small drink came to £6.60, bargain. It is ideally situated on the roundabout near Waterloo station.
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight Rises do it! And make an extra special trip to the IMAX, you won't regret it.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Film review - The Woman in Black
Horror films - I used to love the old slashers when I was a teenager but as I got older the films like Saw just didn't do it for me.
I do love a ghost story though and I heard a lot of good things about the stage play of The Woman in Black, so when the film version came out over the summer in the cinema I managed to convince my friend to come with me.
She had seen the stage play, so she had no excuse to have a go about it being scary.
The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who after losing his young wife and with a young son has to prove to his boss he has what it takes to be a solicitor. He is sent away to Eel Marsh House to sort out a woman's affairs after her death including all her paperwork.
However, when he turns up the locals are less than helpful, probably not helped by the mysterious woman in black and the fact that whenever she appears a children dies in awful circumstances.
This film is the highest grossing British film so far, and when you watch it you can see why.
It is a true gothic horror, dark and eerie with a lot of fog. It isn't full of big jumps, the scariest bit happens over one night and probably takes up 20 minutes of the film. But it is terrifying, well I thought so anyway.
As much as I love Daniel Radcliffe I do have a little issue with him being a dad, only because I think he looks too young to have a son but other than that the pain and sorrow in his heart is portrayed perfectly on Daniel's face.
The film is just hauntingly good. I don't like certain things in horror films - creepy kids and creepy toys, this film has both...in the first few minutes.
This film is just a pure horror film, so blood, no torture-porn just a true Hammer horror of the golden age of cinema.
The screenplay was written by Jane Goldman who also wrote Stardust, so you know it is going to be good.
I also read the book, which is just as scary. It also has a different ending but worth a read before seeing the film. However, when I read the thud, thud in the book I stopped reading, if you have seen the film you will know why.
Now I just need to see the play!
I do love a ghost story though and I heard a lot of good things about the stage play of The Woman in Black, so when the film version came out over the summer in the cinema I managed to convince my friend to come with me.
She had seen the stage play, so she had no excuse to have a go about it being scary.
The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a solicitor who after losing his young wife and with a young son has to prove to his boss he has what it takes to be a solicitor. He is sent away to Eel Marsh House to sort out a woman's affairs after her death including all her paperwork.
However, when he turns up the locals are less than helpful, probably not helped by the mysterious woman in black and the fact that whenever she appears a children dies in awful circumstances.
This film is the highest grossing British film so far, and when you watch it you can see why.
It is a true gothic horror, dark and eerie with a lot of fog. It isn't full of big jumps, the scariest bit happens over one night and probably takes up 20 minutes of the film. But it is terrifying, well I thought so anyway.
As much as I love Daniel Radcliffe I do have a little issue with him being a dad, only because I think he looks too young to have a son but other than that the pain and sorrow in his heart is portrayed perfectly on Daniel's face.
The film is just hauntingly good. I don't like certain things in horror films - creepy kids and creepy toys, this film has both...in the first few minutes.
This film is just a pure horror film, so blood, no torture-porn just a true Hammer horror of the golden age of cinema.
The screenplay was written by Jane Goldman who also wrote Stardust, so you know it is going to be good.
I also read the book, which is just as scary. It also has a different ending but worth a read before seeing the film. However, when I read the thud, thud in the book I stopped reading, if you have seen the film you will know why.
Now I just need to see the play!
Monday, 11 June 2012
Film reviews - Snow White and the Huntsman; Prometheus; Crazy, Stupid, Love
In the last week I have watched three very different films but each in their own way equally brilliant.
Over the Diamond Jubilee I saw Snow White and Huntsman starring Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart and Liam Hemsworth.
Based on the Brother's Grimm fairytale it tells the tale of Snow White, kept as a prisoner after her father the King is killed by his beautiful new bride Ravenna (Theron). She desperately wants to be the fairest of them all, however, when Snow White comes of age it becomes apparent that not only is she the fairest of them all but will be the undoing on the Queen.
To survive the Queen needs Snow White's heart, so she hires the Huntsman to do so but instead he trains her ready for battle to reclaim her throne.
Stewart does a fantastic English accent, but with an English boyfriend I'm not surprised, however, even though she is the title character she doesn't really steal the scenes. I would say the three characters are of equal footing but for me Theron does steal the show as the man-hating slightly mental Queen Ravenna.
It is a great adventure tale and you will find it hard not trying to name the famous faces playing the eight, yes eight, dwarves.
Visually breathtaking and a true fairy tale adventure, without the happy ending, well it ends happily but Snow White does not ride off in the distance with a Prince, which I thought was great. A great strong woman film.
Next on the list and again starring Charlize Theron was Prometheus, the prequel to the Alien films by Ridley Scott.
We watched it in 3D and I think I was expecting a lot from this film and I'm not totally sure it delivered.
Set in the future it tells the story of a crew looking for the start of the human race in another universe. IMDB plot line describes it quite well 'A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.'
Visually with the 3D it does look amazing and you feel you are looking into a window of reality. The story on the whole is good but there are some obvious plot holes which leave you a little confused. It makes me wonder if Scott made a three hour film and was told to cut it down.
It is slightly jumpy but at a 15 doesn't pack the same punch as Alien and Aliens, both of which were 18 certificates. It has a stellar cast which I feel makes you want more from the film, an unrecognisable Guy Pearce, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba, Theron, Michael Fassbender and other recognisable faces and Tom Hardy doppelganger Logan Marshall-Green.
If you like sci-fi you will like it and the ending does link with the Alien films but don't expect any big questions being answered as you may be disappointed.
If you like sci-fi you will like it and the ending does link with the Alien films but don't expect any big questions being answered as you may be disappointed.
The final film I caught was Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell and Emma Stone.
I suppose the best way to describe this film is as a rom-com but I watched it with my boyfriend and he seemed to enjoy it. I feel it is more a drama-com as it doesn't follow the usual boy meets girl, loses girl blah blah blah.
I suppose the best way to describe this film is as a rom-com but I watched it with my boyfriend and he seemed to enjoy it. I feel it is more a drama-com as it doesn't follow the usual boy meets girl, loses girl blah blah blah.
Basically the story is Emily (Julianne Moore) and Cal (Steve Carrell) are a married couple, until Emily informs him she has slept with a colleague and wants a divorce. With the help of new friend Jacob (Gosling) he re-discovers his manhood.
It is a greatly funny film with some twists and turns, one of which I didn't see coming but it is light hearted and really good. It does centre a lot on soul mates and your one true love with different story lines on the same theme, however, unlike say the film Valentines Day, there are only a few interlinking characters. Really good funny, easy to watch film.
Three great films my top pick would be Snow White and the Huntsman. I got The Help for my birthday so if I get the time I'll write a review of that having read the book last year.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
My Week With Marilyn
I am surprised that I have never published a piece about my love for Marilyn Monroe. For as long as I can remember I have been a fan of Marilyn Monroe, I do remember watching 'Some Like it Hot' with my Grandad so I think it stems from there.
As I got older my fascination grew, I have many posters and prints on my walls of the actress and have many books on my shelves. Many biographies and picture books, all filled with facts, theories and maybe a little fiction, probably created by Monroe herself to get the public on her side.
I have read so many they blur into one, one however I have not read it 'The Prince, The Showgirl and Me', a diary by Colin Clark, who worked as a third assistant on the filming of 'The Prince and the Showgirl' (1957) starring Monroe and Laurence Olivier.
Clark was 23, and the book is his first hand account of having to deal with Marilyn during filming, he subsequently fell in love with her and had his heart broken by her, as so many men did.
The book was published in 1995 and the film is out now.
I was a little dubious at first as a Marilyn Monroe fan I am always a little critical about people playing Marilyn.
However, I was pleasantly surprised Michelle Williams is just phenomenal, she made me fall a little in love with her portrayal of Marilyn and that is just what she does portray Marilyn. She isn't trying to be her, or do a funny caricature.
She has picked up Monroe's mannerisms and is playing a normal Marilyn. She does deserve the Oscar and at times I had to remind myself that it wasn't the real one.
I don't personally think that anyone could have played Marilyn in quite the same way. Scarlett Johansson and Megan Fox may be fans or style themselves like Marilyn but I personally feel if they had played the star they would have pushed the sexuality aspect of her persona to the forefront and rather than a fragile young woman, she would have been a sex goddess with a tinge of sadness. Whereas, Williams plays her with a vulnerability, while also showcasing her magnetism and sex appeal.
As a massive fan I just felt a sense of relief after seeing it and felt that Williams had done the actress justice.
The film itself was really good, Kenneth Branagh is brilliant as Olivier and conveys the jealousy he felt towards the Hollywood star. Eddie Redmayne as Colin has a naivety and innocence. All the cast are really good and add something. But Williams does steal every scene she is in just as Miss Monroe did.
There were moments in the film that I kept thinking if Marilyn and Colin sleep together it is fabricated as I know people think she was a bit loose, but when married I believe she remained faithful.
I think the film showed a side of Marilyn that we don't really see - her lack of confidence when she filmed and also how people she worked with saw her. As they say when she turns it on she has it, also that she had a natural talent that many try years to achieve.
This is a great film and Williams is amazing as Marilyn and if she gets the Oscar nod she more than deserves to win.
As I got older my fascination grew, I have many posters and prints on my walls of the actress and have many books on my shelves. Many biographies and picture books, all filled with facts, theories and maybe a little fiction, probably created by Monroe herself to get the public on her side.
I have read so many they blur into one, one however I have not read it 'The Prince, The Showgirl and Me', a diary by Colin Clark, who worked as a third assistant on the filming of 'The Prince and the Showgirl' (1957) starring Monroe and Laurence Olivier.
Clark was 23, and the book is his first hand account of having to deal with Marilyn during filming, he subsequently fell in love with her and had his heart broken by her, as so many men did.
The book was published in 1995 and the film is out now.
I was a little dubious at first as a Marilyn Monroe fan I am always a little critical about people playing Marilyn.
However, I was pleasantly surprised Michelle Williams is just phenomenal, she made me fall a little in love with her portrayal of Marilyn and that is just what she does portray Marilyn. She isn't trying to be her, or do a funny caricature.
She has picked up Monroe's mannerisms and is playing a normal Marilyn. She does deserve the Oscar and at times I had to remind myself that it wasn't the real one.
I don't personally think that anyone could have played Marilyn in quite the same way. Scarlett Johansson and Megan Fox may be fans or style themselves like Marilyn but I personally feel if they had played the star they would have pushed the sexuality aspect of her persona to the forefront and rather than a fragile young woman, she would have been a sex goddess with a tinge of sadness. Whereas, Williams plays her with a vulnerability, while also showcasing her magnetism and sex appeal.
As a massive fan I just felt a sense of relief after seeing it and felt that Williams had done the actress justice.
The film itself was really good, Kenneth Branagh is brilliant as Olivier and conveys the jealousy he felt towards the Hollywood star. Eddie Redmayne as Colin has a naivety and innocence. All the cast are really good and add something. But Williams does steal every scene she is in just as Miss Monroe did.
There were moments in the film that I kept thinking if Marilyn and Colin sleep together it is fabricated as I know people think she was a bit loose, but when married I believe she remained faithful.
I think the film showed a side of Marilyn that we don't really see - her lack of confidence when she filmed and also how people she worked with saw her. As they say when she turns it on she has it, also that she had a natural talent that many try years to achieve.
This is a great film and Williams is amazing as Marilyn and if she gets the Oscar nod she more than deserves to win.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Film Reviews......
I feel recently I have been on a film overload, I'm not complaining, I love films they are one of my passions so for those who may be unsure I thought I would share some views on the films I have seen recently.
Starting with Inception the latest film from Memento, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan. Although visually you can see the Batman-esqe Gothic sets, on the whole the film is more Memento in subject matter. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb a highly skilled thief who extracts people's most inner most secrets from their dreams. When he is asked by a businessman to put an idea in someone’s head rather than taking it out (or as they term it Inception), Cobb has to put together his team (made up of Ellen Page, Juno; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer, and Tom Hardy, Bronson), for this seemingly impossible task. Especially as his wife (Marion Cotillard, La vie en Rose) seems to keep turning up and making things difficult.
It may sound a little confusing but the film is explained perfectly and has lots of twists and turns to leave you on the edge of your seat. The visual effects are breathtaking as they take you into the world of dreams, it may even make you question your own reality. If you only see one film at the cinema then make sure it is Inception.
All About Steve
I love Sandra Bullock and I don't mind Bradley Cooper but this film is not great. Sandra Bullock plays Mary Horowitz, a crossword compiler who is convinced that her blind date CCN cameraman Steve (Bradley Cooper) is the love of her life. So she follows him around the country in a bid to start the rest of their lives.
I wasn't sure what this film was trying to do, it isn't a rom-com and it’s not quite funny enough to be a goof ball comedy. Sandra Bullock performance is good but not enough to make this film another Bullock classic. I would suggest if you like Bullock or like looking at Bradley Cooper then maybe rent it, or if it’s ever on TV watch it but don't buy it, please don't buy it unless you have already seen it.
Coraline
Firstly I have to say that this is a kid’s film, voiced by Dakota Fanning as Coraline and Teri Hatcher as her mum. Coraline and her family move to a new house, one night she finds a door that opens to another world which seems to be a nicer, happier version of the world she left behind. However, after a couple of visits she starts to see a sinister side to her other mother, not helped by the fact that everyone has buttons for eyes.
I loved this film but must admit it is quite eerie and creepy in a Tim Burton style. The film is a stop-start animation, which is a refreshing change from all the computer generated films that have been released recently. Coraline is a really great kid’s film, perfect weekend chill out film.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
I saw this a while ago but I can't do a film review without mentioning it somewhere. So... this film is amazing! Eclipse is my favourite book and I had high expectations, especially as 30 Days of Night director David Slade was behind the camera, and I wasn’t disappointed. The film is a lot darker than the first two, but there are also the heart touching moments in the meadow between Edward and Bella. The chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson is enough to set the screen on fire, if they aren't dating in real life they must be amazing actors.
I think the film had to have Rosalie's and Jasper's back stories as they were integral to the plot, and the way they were done was really good, however, I would have liked to have seen more of Rosalies, more of the life she wanted as I feel it was a little glossed over. I do have one criticism in relation to this film Kristen's wig, it is bad, her hair line is awful! Let's hope her hair grows for the filming of Breaking Dawn. As I said I am biased, if you love the Twilight saga you will love this film, if not you may be surprised. Only one way to find out.
Starting with Inception the latest film from Memento, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan. Although visually you can see the Batman-esqe Gothic sets, on the whole the film is more Memento in subject matter. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb a highly skilled thief who extracts people's most inner most secrets from their dreams. When he is asked by a businessman to put an idea in someone’s head rather than taking it out (or as they term it Inception), Cobb has to put together his team (made up of Ellen Page, Juno; Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer, and Tom Hardy, Bronson), for this seemingly impossible task. Especially as his wife (Marion Cotillard, La vie en Rose) seems to keep turning up and making things difficult.
It may sound a little confusing but the film is explained perfectly and has lots of twists and turns to leave you on the edge of your seat. The visual effects are breathtaking as they take you into the world of dreams, it may even make you question your own reality. If you only see one film at the cinema then make sure it is Inception.
All About Steve
I love Sandra Bullock and I don't mind Bradley Cooper but this film is not great. Sandra Bullock plays Mary Horowitz, a crossword compiler who is convinced that her blind date CCN cameraman Steve (Bradley Cooper) is the love of her life. So she follows him around the country in a bid to start the rest of their lives.
I wasn't sure what this film was trying to do, it isn't a rom-com and it’s not quite funny enough to be a goof ball comedy. Sandra Bullock performance is good but not enough to make this film another Bullock classic. I would suggest if you like Bullock or like looking at Bradley Cooper then maybe rent it, or if it’s ever on TV watch it but don't buy it, please don't buy it unless you have already seen it.
Coraline
Firstly I have to say that this is a kid’s film, voiced by Dakota Fanning as Coraline and Teri Hatcher as her mum. Coraline and her family move to a new house, one night she finds a door that opens to another world which seems to be a nicer, happier version of the world she left behind. However, after a couple of visits she starts to see a sinister side to her other mother, not helped by the fact that everyone has buttons for eyes.
I loved this film but must admit it is quite eerie and creepy in a Tim Burton style. The film is a stop-start animation, which is a refreshing change from all the computer generated films that have been released recently. Coraline is a really great kid’s film, perfect weekend chill out film.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
I saw this a while ago but I can't do a film review without mentioning it somewhere. So... this film is amazing! Eclipse is my favourite book and I had high expectations, especially as 30 Days of Night director David Slade was behind the camera, and I wasn’t disappointed. The film is a lot darker than the first two, but there are also the heart touching moments in the meadow between Edward and Bella. The chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson is enough to set the screen on fire, if they aren't dating in real life they must be amazing actors.
I think the film had to have Rosalie's and Jasper's back stories as they were integral to the plot, and the way they were done was really good, however, I would have liked to have seen more of Rosalies, more of the life she wanted as I feel it was a little glossed over. I do have one criticism in relation to this film Kristen's wig, it is bad, her hair line is awful! Let's hope her hair grows for the filming of Breaking Dawn. As I said I am biased, if you love the Twilight saga you will love this film, if not you may be surprised. Only one way to find out.
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Film Reviews......
The Hurt Locker (15)
The Hurt Locker is a powerful look at the United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, a freelance journalist who spent time with a US bomb squad in Iraq in 2004. It won two Oscars this year, setting two firsts, it is the lowest-grossing film to win Best Picture and Bigelow is the first female to win Best Director.
Tension filled and poignant this film shows one units tour of duty and the threats they have to encounter everyday, from defusing bombs to insurgency. At times it feels as if you are watching a documentary as everything in the film is so organic, it was filmed in Jordan as close to the Iraqi border as they could get, and the actors are relatively unknown bringing a new dimension to their powerful performances. All three of the soldiers show a different side to the soldier persona, Sergeant First William James (Jeremy Renner) loves what he does and cannot see himself anywhere else, Sergeant J. T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) insists on doing everything by the book and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) is the youngest and suffers mental anguish, always in fear that he might be next to die. A fantastic insight in to a world many of us will never see.
Waltz with Bashir (18)
Written and directed by Ari Folman, Waltz with Bashir is an Israeli animated documentary film. The story depicts Folman’s search for his lost memories from the 1982 Lebanon War, providing a fasinating look at one mans view of the war and the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The animation format makes the film more engaging, than the usual question and answer documentary style, this style also lets the director show more than if it was a live action film. In 2008 it won the Golden Globe for best Foreign Lanuage Film, the first animation to do so. Like most Israeli films, it was banned in most Arab countries and received harsh criticsim in Lebanon, as it depicts a vague and violent time in Lebanon’s history. A thought provoking film about a war we don’t know much about.
Sex & Drugs &Rock & Roll (15)
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is a biopic follows Ian Dury’s rise to fame and documents his battle with polio. The film shows how his debilitating disease, contracted during his child hood, affected his relationships and his rock and roll lifestyle. Starring Andy Serkis as Ian Dury, Serkis was nominated for a BAFTA for his portrayal of Dury. He prepared for the role over several years, nearly crippling himself by wearing the type of leg calliper Dury was forced to wear. Dury was seen as the founder of the punk-rock scene in Britian in the 1970s, entitled after one of Ian Dury and the Blockheads songs Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is set to become one of the defining examples of rock bio-pics.
Exit through the Gift Shop (15)
Born out of an obsession with street art, Thierry Guetta; a French immigrant living in Los Angeles, tries to uncover the infamous British street artist Banksy. Well known for being unknown, Banksy fiercely guards his anonymity to avoid prosecution. The film looks at street art in LA and the artists behind it. Half way through the film changes focus, with Banksy becoming film-maker, and Guetta becoming a street artist. Banksy is featured on camera, however you never see his face and his voice is distorted, further adding to the mystery of who he really is. The film premiered at the Sundance Film festival, and media speculation is that the film is a ‘prankumentary’ (think Borat) rather than a documentary.
Nowhere boy (15)
Written by Matthew Greenhalgh (who wrote Ian Curtis biopic Control) and based on Jili Baird’s Imagine This: Growing up with my brother John Lennon, this bio-pic covers five years of Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) teenage years and the start of his journey to become a successful musician. Starring alongside Johnson is Kristin Scott-Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff, who play the warring women in his life, the prim aunt who he lives with and his free spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning for a normal family, Lennon finds solitude in art and rock music, which leads to him forming his band The Quarrymen with kindred spirit; Paul McCartney.
The Hurt Locker is a powerful look at the United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, a freelance journalist who spent time with a US bomb squad in Iraq in 2004. It won two Oscars this year, setting two firsts, it is the lowest-grossing film to win Best Picture and Bigelow is the first female to win Best Director.
Tension filled and poignant this film shows one units tour of duty and the threats they have to encounter everyday, from defusing bombs to insurgency. At times it feels as if you are watching a documentary as everything in the film is so organic, it was filmed in Jordan as close to the Iraqi border as they could get, and the actors are relatively unknown bringing a new dimension to their powerful performances. All three of the soldiers show a different side to the soldier persona, Sergeant First William James (Jeremy Renner) loves what he does and cannot see himself anywhere else, Sergeant J. T. Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) insists on doing everything by the book and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) is the youngest and suffers mental anguish, always in fear that he might be next to die. A fantastic insight in to a world many of us will never see.
Waltz with Bashir (18)
Written and directed by Ari Folman, Waltz with Bashir is an Israeli animated documentary film. The story depicts Folman’s search for his lost memories from the 1982 Lebanon War, providing a fasinating look at one mans view of the war and the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The animation format makes the film more engaging, than the usual question and answer documentary style, this style also lets the director show more than if it was a live action film. In 2008 it won the Golden Globe for best Foreign Lanuage Film, the first animation to do so. Like most Israeli films, it was banned in most Arab countries and received harsh criticsim in Lebanon, as it depicts a vague and violent time in Lebanon’s history. A thought provoking film about a war we don’t know much about.
Sex & Drugs &Rock & Roll (15)
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is a biopic follows Ian Dury’s rise to fame and documents his battle with polio. The film shows how his debilitating disease, contracted during his child hood, affected his relationships and his rock and roll lifestyle. Starring Andy Serkis as Ian Dury, Serkis was nominated for a BAFTA for his portrayal of Dury. He prepared for the role over several years, nearly crippling himself by wearing the type of leg calliper Dury was forced to wear. Dury was seen as the founder of the punk-rock scene in Britian in the 1970s, entitled after one of Ian Dury and the Blockheads songs Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll is set to become one of the defining examples of rock bio-pics.
Exit through the Gift Shop (15)
Born out of an obsession with street art, Thierry Guetta; a French immigrant living in Los Angeles, tries to uncover the infamous British street artist Banksy. Well known for being unknown, Banksy fiercely guards his anonymity to avoid prosecution. The film looks at street art in LA and the artists behind it. Half way through the film changes focus, with Banksy becoming film-maker, and Guetta becoming a street artist. Banksy is featured on camera, however you never see his face and his voice is distorted, further adding to the mystery of who he really is. The film premiered at the Sundance Film festival, and media speculation is that the film is a ‘prankumentary’ (think Borat) rather than a documentary.
Nowhere boy (15)
Written by Matthew Greenhalgh (who wrote Ian Curtis biopic Control) and based on Jili Baird’s Imagine This: Growing up with my brother John Lennon, this bio-pic covers five years of Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) teenage years and the start of his journey to become a successful musician. Starring alongside Johnson is Kristin Scott-Thomas and Anne-Marie Duff, who play the warring women in his life, the prim aunt who he lives with and his free spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning for a normal family, Lennon finds solitude in art and rock music, which leads to him forming his band The Quarrymen with kindred spirit; Paul McCartney.
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