Monday, May 28, 2012

Albert Nobbs


A woman posing as a male butler in 19th Century Ireland struggles to keep her secret as a group of con-artists try to get at her hard earned money.

Women in Dublin in the late 19th Century were not encouraged to be independent and often had to go to extreme lengths to be able to work. Albert Nobbs is a perfect example of this, holding down a butlers job at the very exclusive Morrisons Hotel. He is a highly respected member of staff at the establishment which is frequented by all the upper classes and even royalty.

Albert, although a servant, keeps very much to himself, not bothering to gossip with the others in the kitchen and often discouraging them from doing so too. When Albert has to share a room with the painter "Mr Hubert Page", his secret is discovered, but he is also introduced to a whole new lifestyle by the friendly painter. When a new scullery maid joins the hotel, Albert finds himself strangely attracted to her and tries to win her hand.

Unfortunately, the young lady is already involved with a rather unsavory character who thinks they can milk Albert for all of his savings. Albert however has plans of opening a shop and living with his new object of desire. The hardest part is how to bring up the subject with her that he is in fact a woman. After disease spreads through the country, Albert decides to accelerate his efforts, in wooing the young "Helen", but needs to somehow keep his secret under wraps.

Columbian director Rodrigo Garcia makes the large move from TV to the big screen to bring a truly superb and memorable film to the table and on this form should continue in this format.

Hollywood acting legend Glenn Close comes back to the big screen for the first time in five years, to give a truly inspired performance as "Albert Nobbs". The six time Oscar nominated actress gives one of the finest performances of her career as the cross dressing butler, making the audience doubt that underneath the clothing, she really is a woman. Her characters' struggle is deeply personal and ground breaking for the time, fighting to find her own identity and also the way that she should behave in a society which is not yet willing to accept her life choice.

Newcastle born Janet McTeer gives a stunning showing as fellow cross dresser "Hubert Page", posing as a burly and rugged house painter while living with a wife at home and nobody being any the wiser. She is able to show a whole new world to "Albert", a world that he never could have dreamed that existed and one he very much wants to be a part of. McTeer truly is something special in this film and this role led to her playing another great role in "The Woman in Black". I hope that this will pave the way for this talented actress.

Mia Wasikowska, best known for the playing the lead role in "Alice in Wonderland", gives a very decent showing as the devious, yet naive "Helen", while Tony Award winning actress Pauline Collins, gives a divine showing as hotel owner "Mrs Baker". Irish veteran Brendan Gleeson, gives yet another superb showing as the honest and lovable "Doctor Holleran". 22 year old Aaron Johnson, does very well indeed as the caddish "Joe", a young Irishman determined that the wealth of "Albert" will take him to the USA.

This is a truly wonderful film, with a good pace, lots of superb acting performances, tragedy, loss and suspense. It is not for everybody's taste, but will be enjoyed by most discerning movie-goers. Well worth at least one watch.

7/10

Safe House


The most dangerous man on the CIA's wanted list hands himself into a safe house in Cape Town. Now all the house keeper has to do is keep him alive...

When "Tobin Frost" the man at the very top of the CIA's most wanted list walks into a Safe House in Cape Town to hand himself in, he puts not only his own life, but also the lives of everybody around him in jeopardy as they struggle to keep him alive.

Matt Weston is bored on his detail, knowing he is more qualified than to "House sit" in a beautiful location, but a place where nothing really ever happens. He has a hotline, to one of the big wigs at Langley, but keeps getting told to bide his time, soon something will come up and he will be first on the list. He is told to babysit "Frost", but for some reason, for a house that is not meant to exist in the outside world, his, suddenly is getting a whole lot of attention and his quiet existence is shattered by various would be assassins.

As he struggles to figure out a way to contact his handlers and also stop from dying, he takes his prisoner on the run and the body count mounts as those chasing both him and "Frost" make a last ditch attempt to stalk their prey on the beautiful streets of the South African city.

If "Agent Matt Weston" can figure out who has authorized the hit on his prisoner before its too late, then maybe he can stay alive, but with a secret force and half the CIA on his tail, it does not look good. He will discover that sometimes you don't want to know the answers to certain questions....

The film is an action packed roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Back-stabbing, double crossing and keeps the audience guessing to the very end, who on earth may be behind the ginormous body count. The action takes place on the back drop of the streets of possibly the most beautiful city in Africa, capturing the carnage, while every day life goes on unabated. The story is intricate, but rather decent to watch and will have action fans drooling in their chairs throughout.

Ryan Reynolds returns to the big screen in his first serious role since "Green Lantern" and impresses with a far, far better performance than his last outing. He seems to enjoy the depth that goes along with playing CIA Agent. "Matt Weston", allowing himself to fully embrace the heart-stopping chases and death defying shootouts that he must endure to keep a man, who he doesn't know, alive. His acting is respectable and worth the ticket price, and it would be good to see him in a few more testing roles, he has more to show.

Hollywood legend Denzel Washington is his usual genius with his delivery of the character of the fugitive, "Tobin Frost". An ex CIA Operative, he vanished off the grid and has back-stabbed his country for the past decade, but now needs to know which of his many enemies, wants him dead. This is his first outing since the action squash-buckler, "Unstoppable" in 2010 and it is so good to have a man of his talents back in the driving seat. His grasp of "Frost" is inspired, showing coolness even under the most deadly of pressure, but you imagine that he is always secretly aware of who is trying to do him in. His performance, although not as in depth as the likes of "Courage under Fire" or "Philadelphia" is still inspired and well worth your time.

Irish born Brendan Gleeson has been on an awesome run of late, with such hits as "The Guard" and "Albert Nobbs" to his credit in recent months, comes up trumps once more as CIA Director "David Barlow". The audience will never really know whether to trust the mentor to the lead character; he seems to always have a hidden agenda and may not always be putting the interests of his service in first place. Vera Farminga, does well as fellow CIA agent Cathernine Linklater", one who seems on the level and actually wants to see the situation resolved amicably. Nora Arnezeder does a convincing job as "Ana Moreau", the under fire girl friend to "Matt Weston".

All in all this is a decent film. The pace is good, the plot intricate, but not impossible to follow, while the action is intense and the drama emotive. This is a film that will entertain quite a wide audience demographic and with the South African setting proves that Cape Town is a really viable location for feature films. Keep an eye out for a truly superbly shot scene at a local football game. Well worth your time, but probably not one for the kids

6.5/10 

What to Expect When You're Expecting



The story of five expectant couples and the trials and tribulations they have to endure towards the goal of mother and fatherhood.

Pregnancy is never an easy time, but is meant to be all about "The Glow" that new mothers and sometimes fathers get in anticipation of the new addition. This film takes all of these myths and legends and boots them firmly into the bleachers.

It follows the lives of five very different couples, all experiencing the new life for the first time. Five very, very different situations into which they fall and how they experience the joy from conception to the miracle of birth. The film covers the tragedy of loss, strife, struggles, parent and sibling rivalry, miss-communication and calls "bullshit" on so many myths that perpetuate every day life.

It also shows the side of life we hardly get to hear about, that of the father and role that they play in the lives of babies, pre and post birth. For almost the first time in film, it shows the fun side of fatherhood, the joy to be had of being a dad and also how much is kept from their wives and partners. It is a refreshing look into a side of parenthood that is often glossed over.

The film covers some very difficult territory, with the sensitivity and feeling that it needs, but shows us, if you stick together, it'll all be fine in the end.

I was not too sure really what to expect with this film. I did see a number of very reluctant boyfriends/husbands dragged into the cinema, but I really do hope they were taking in the very relevant message which this film was trying to convey! It was a lot less of a comedy than I expected (there are several very talented comedic actors and actresses in this one), but more like a light-hearted look at issues which a lot of people do not like to broach. I really, really enjoyed this film!

Elizabeth Banks continues to crank out great films, and has really built herself a reputation in the past 12 months, with really decent showings in "Hunger Games" and "Man on a Ledge". In this one she takes on the role of "Wendy", a first time mom, going through the hell that can be pregnancy. To make things worse, she has to be the poster child for the pregnancy industry, but the combination can only lead to one thing, a VERY public meltdown.

Established stars Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez, give very decent showings as "Jules" and "Holly", one fighting a damaged relationship and an "oops" pregnancy, while the other has to face up to her lack of conception, and emotional fulfillment that is adoption. Brooklyn Decker shows that she is not just a pretty face (see "Battleship" for an example of this) and gives very convincing showing as the beautiful side of pregnancy in her role as "Skyler". The true star on the ladies front is Anna Kendrick, following up her stellar role in "50/50" with a real gem as the troubled and traumatized "Rosie". She continues to impress with each new film role, quite easily shedding the yoke of "Twilight" to show that she is a truly talented actress and I look forward to her next outing.

Comedian Chris Rock is superb in this film, his performance as "Vic" is both, just the right amount of funny, but also shows a well deserved gravity for the topic at hand. He is more than ably assisted by Thomas Lennon, Rodrigo Santoro, Joe Manganellio and the very funny Rob Huebel. Hollywood veteran Dennis Quaid is really good in an intense yet intimate, father/son struggle with the talented Ben Falcone, as "Gary". The only slight downer came from Chase Crawford, whose role as "Marco" was convincing, but I wish he would have decided whether his character needed an American, Latin or French accent, but at least that added a bit to the laugh factor

The film is a fine example of how a director can bring a very serious topic to the table, but lighten the tone and produce an incredibly touching and thought provoking piece which will have you leaving the audience with a far different perspective on pregnancy. I would highly recommend this film.

7/10

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Haywire


A female killing machine is double crossed and swears vengeance against her employers.

When female super soldier "Mallory Kane" is double crossed by unknown sources, she goes after the men who have made her life a living nightmare. She has to first figure out who the people are who are trying to kill her and make her way back to the USA to put this menace to an end.

In a world of back stabbing, counter intelligence, where you cannot even trust the people who claim to love and care for you, it is difficult to be able to establish who is trying to get rid of you. When she gets back to the US, she is thrown into not only a political struggle, but also an emotional one, trying her utmost that the only man she has ever loved would want to get rid of her.

Using all of her extensive skills, "Mallory" has to track down the people trying to kill her and turn the tables on them, if she is ever to gain revenge on her employer and save the life of her father.

American director Steven Soderbergh, has made some truly incredible films in his career, but seems to have forgotten to read the brief when making this film. For starters he chose to use mixed martial artist turned actress Gina Carano as the lead in this film. Her portrayal of "Mallory Kane", although very good technically, the fighting scenes being truly amazing, does still not make up for her complete lack of acting talent. She does well on the physical side of the role, but her delivery of lines and attempt at emotion are truly sad to behold.

Thankfully she has a cast behind her which any Hollywood director worth their salt would drool over. Ewan Mcgregor does well as the devious "Kenneth", the ex love interest of the lead character, but it is still difficult to get used to him with an American accent. He takes a step down from his last outing in "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and not even his extraordinary talents can make this one any brighter.

Acting legend Michael Douglas, does a decent job as the government stooge, "Coblenz", while fellow theatrical genius Antonio Banderas delivers a decent showing as the blood-thirsty "Rodriguez". Sadly neither of these fine actors can make up for a strangely flat script. Channing Tatum, the flavour of the month at the moment, gives yet another very decent performance as "Aaron", adding yet more weight to his struggle to be taken seriously as a good actor, and not a piece of eye candy. He has done a few very good films lately and long may this continue

Michael Fassbender makes a fleeting showing in this one, his performance is violent, but he does a lot better than his most recent showing in "Shame". His role as "Paul" is convincing and made me think that he might make a rather good "James Bond" in the coming years

The action in this film is probably the only true saving grace. The story is disjointed and slow, and takes a long time to really reach a climax. I went in expecting so much more of this film and was grossly disappointed. Fight fans should enjoy this one, but serious film followers will not be impressed

4/10

War Horse


The story of a horse who is taken from his home in Southern England and through amazing determination survives the great war.

At the start of World War I the British Army decided that domestic farm animals (especially horses), could be requisitioned to be used in the fighting. This is the story of of a horse which was taken into some of the worst battles in this horrendous conflict and the spirit he shows to survive. The film focuses not only on the horse, but also on his various short term owners and the young man who will always love him.

It encompasses the true horrors of war as it was between 1914-1918, the plight of the common man, and the breaking down of the social classes when faced with life-threatening danger and also, shows the lives that went on during the war, the sacrifices which were made and the pain which was felt by those whose animals (often pets), were sent off to war.

The film brings to life the characters of the multi award-winning stage productions which have had lengthy runs in both London and the US, showing a side to the conflict which many of us would never have even thought about.

The genius that is Steven Spielberg once again does not disappoint, delivering yet another epic in a career which has spanned nearly forty years and has brought us some of the most iconic movies in film history. This film brings us the full horror of the great war, from the point of view of the animals involved, a really unique outlook.

The action is explosive, the feelings of dread and fear all too real, almost giving the viewer the experience of what it must have been like in the trenches during that time. At the same time the viewer is exposed to the feelings of not only the officers, but also the average soldier on both sides, caught up in a conflict that they felt obligated to fight, but had more in common with each other, than many realized.

Although the equine stars are the truly amazing ones in this film, the human ones do fairly well also. 22 year old Jeremy Irvine, is his first major motion picture, does a phenomenal job as the horses' original owner "Albert Narracott". He gives a truly sublime portrayal of the young man who is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the survival of the horse that has become his entire world. If this performance is anything to go by, then we may well have a future superstar on our hands.

Peter Mullan and Emily Watson, give truly sublime performances as "Ted" and "Rose Narracott", showing the full desperation which so many families were forced to face in the early years of the 20th century. Tom Hiddlestone and Benedict Cumberbatch (He of Sherlock Holmes TV series Fame), both give stunning showings as privileged British army officers, showing the true naivety of so many of these ranked men, who thought the war would be over in a matter of weeks.

In a cast of literally thousands, it is so difficult to pick out those who shine. Suffice it to say that the pace of the film is intense, the action and emotion non-stop,  and the acting is of such a high standard that you will not be sure where to look next. The script is powerful and tragic, taking you from highs to lows in the brief light of a powerful explosion.

This film is a true classic, and will leave you sitting in the cinema after it finishes, contemplating that you have just seen something truly special. It is incredibly brutal in places, and may well easily upset the more sensitive of viewers, but try to look past this to the true beauty of the film. This will have you rooted to your seat for the full 2 hours and 22 minutes and truly is something to behold

8.5/10

Silent House


A girl is trapped inside of her holiday home while an unknown stranger hunts down her father, uncle and her...

A teenage girl, her father and uncle, decide to sell their family holiday house, but decide to do the place up before putting it on the market. With no power in the house it can be a fairly scary place, especially for the jumpy "Sarah". She finds her father knocked out and then the faceless attacker turns his venom on her, chasing the young lady around the house which holds so many happy memories for her.

To add to this, she keeps having visions of a little girl, enduring horrible things and the memories of her life in the house keep flashing through her mind. She meets a child hood friend, of whom, she has no recollection and also keeps finding pictures of a little girl strewn all over the house. As the power in the old building keeps going on and off the person chasing her gets more frantic and images she keeps seeing get more and more frightening. But how much of what she is seeing is real, and how much is just her overactive imagination...

Elizabeth Olsen (The younger sister of the rather more famous, Mary-Kate and Ashley) makes her big screen debut in this wannabee thriller and shows that she has even less acting talent than her older siblings and is one of the worst movies I have seen this year.

She spends 88 minutes, panting, screaming, crying, smudging her makeup and trying her best to save a script, which has maybe 5 minutes of decent writing in it. The story is flat, but for five minutes towards the end where they roll out the reasoning for all the goings on and then end the film, in the most random way possible.

The action is slow, and the thriller element of the film, had the audience actually laughing out loud in places, not really what the directors were going for. There is no real suspense, and although the film deals with a really serious issue, the writers failed to convey this throughout. The finale makes you sit up and take notice, but with such a lame plot beforehand it is hard to grasp the gravity of what the story is really about.

Adam Trese is poor as "John", while Eric Sheffer Stevens, may want to do a few more TV movies before returning to the big screen, (He certainly needs the practice). Julia Taylor Ross is the only one bright light in this complete let down, giving a decent showing as "Sophia", despite only being on screen for a very short time. Maybe the director should have given her more of a role and she might just have saved this film. Keep an eye out for this actress, she could go places.

It seemed that the director was more interested in cleavage shots of Elizabeth Olsen (there are plenty of these), than her actual acting talents. The filming of this is sketchy at best, zooming in and out at will and also battling to stay in focus. If you have 90 minutes of your life to lose, and absolutely nothing else to watch, then this film, might be for you. If not, don't bother.

3.5/10

Act of Valor


An international terrorist finds a way to infiltrate the USA and a group of Navy Seals has to stop him.

A group of Navy Seals are tasked with the almost impossible chore of protecting the USA from an international terrorist who is set on their destruction. A Ukranian drug dealing billionaire decides to back the terrorist cell fronted by one of his childhood friends. Together they develop a number of suicide vests which cannot be picked up by airport security machines.

This would give them the chance to attack the country at whichever port they decide on and the USA would have absolutely no way of being able to track their movements. A group of experienced Navy Seals, who stumble upon these activities quite by accident, are thrown into the fray, needing to stop the suicide bombers before they can release their deadly packages.

They use all of the ultra modern technologies available to aide them in their quest to stop the terrorists, all the time, trying to stay alive, while some of the most deadly men on the planet are trying to keep them from returning to their families who love them.

This film originally started life as a short recruitment film for the US Army and Navy and it was decided that this was so good that it should be made into a full length movie. I am not sure who decided this, but they made the wrong choice. The movie plays out as a combination of a recruitment film, a documentary of sorts and a a realllly long intro video for "Call of Duty, Black Ops". All of which might have been good things, but together they are certainly not.

Taking the risky venture of using real active Navy Seals as the stars of this film, did not pay off. These men are true heroes, but sadly, despite all of their fine acts of heroism in the service of their country, they are not actors. Giving them emotional lines and scenes to perform was not the finest of ideas,and the actors which co-directors Mike Mccoy and Scott Waugh DID find, were sadly, not up to the task either.

Jason Cottle takes the role of Russian terrorist Abu Shabal, in his first major film since "Wedding Singer" in 1998, but sadly is neither convincing nor plausible. His performance is weak and the film needed a far stronger actor to carry it. Ukranian born Alex Veadov, gives a fair showing as billionaire drug pin "Christo", but should probably stick to the computer games voice roles which has paid the rent for the past few years. The beautiful Roselyn Sanchez is a nice distraction as CIA agent "Lisa Morales" and it should be interesting to see her in more serious roles going forward.

Even if you are a fan of war films, or a hard core first person shooter fan, you will still have trouble digesting this film as anything but an experiment. The script is weak and the action not too convincing. It will more than likely do well as a recruitment film, but for serious movie goers, steer clear of this one.

3.5/10

Friday, May 25, 2012

Men In Black 3


When Boris the Animal goes back to 1969, he changes history and kills "K"

The long awaited third installment in the Men in Black series of films sees an alien, "Boris the Animal", escape from a maximum security prison on the surface on the moon and swear to gain revenge on the man who put him there, "Agent K".

"Boris" travels back to 1969 to change the past and kill the man who had him incarcerated, this way changing the history of the world and allowing his doomed species to continue their plans of a global invasion. The only man who can save "Agent K" is his long time partner, "Agent J". He has to time jump back to 1969 and make sure that "K" never gets to encounter the alien. 

In order to do this he has to forge a new relationship with the man who has has called partner for the past 14 years, almost as though they have never met. If he fails to do this, not only will he lose the man who he sees as a father, but also fail to stop the end of the planet. While doing this he comes into contact with evil from the past and the future and discovers some home truths that he really doesn't want the answers to.

It has been ten long years since we were thrilled by Men in Black II and, finally Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith return to our screens as the men in the black suits to thrill us with tales of creatures beyond our planet and universe. Older and wiser and still protecting the world from the creatures out there, but this time, having to face their own mortality, some 40 years in the past. 

Will Smith as "Agent J", gives a decent performance, but it is hard not to remember him as a young 20 something, actor, who takes on the might of the alien world, taking the knocks and dodging the barrages of attacks of those who would take over the world. Smith gives more of an emotional performance than his previous outings as "J", showing that he has grown so much as an actor, but may not be the perfect fit for this series anymore.

Tommy Lee Jones does not get a whole lot of screen time in this film as "Agent K", but he does give his usual convincing showing, his character seeming tired and fed up with the job, but still as stoic and job focused as he has always been. It is a shame that he is not allowed to show more of his skills as a truly great actor in this one.

Josh Brolin is the bright light in this one, giving a stellar performance as the "Young Agent K", in his first big screen outing since "True Grit" in 2010. He honestly could have been Tommy Lee Jones 35-40 years ago, the resemblance is uncanny. His performance is spot on and is a true highlight in the film. New Zealand born Jemaine Clement gives a very decent showing as the various guises of "Boris the Animal", completely transformed by the make-up genius that must have attacked him during every day of filming. British acting legend Emma Thompson gives yet another fine performance in the role of "O", while the talented Michael Stuhlbarg, gives a very decent showing as the clairvoyant "Grifin". Keep an eye out for "Pussycat Doll" Nicole Scherzinger who makes a good cameo at the start of the film

The story is decent and worth a watch, but you got the feeling that something was missing and there could have been more coverage of the various alien species out there.

6.5/10

Friday, May 18, 2012

50/50 (2011)

50/50


When a young man discovers he has cancer he has to rely on his best friend and a new counselor to pull him through his ordeal.

When "Adam" goes in for a routine check-up after experiencing trouble breathing while jogging, he is hit by the shock announcement that he has cancer. Not only does he have to face up to this bombshell, but he also finds out that his not so supportive girlfriend has been cheating on him with some artistic types.

As he struggles to come to terms with his own mortality, he is assigned a rookie counselor "Katherine", whose first assignment is to talk "Adam" through the biggest crisis of his life, while she is still struggling to come to terms with her own issues. She has to deal with his anger towards the illness that is ravaging his body, but also try to keep the relationship professional, while trying not to fall in love with her patient.

Adam's best friend "Kyle" is there for him through thick and thin, always smiling, always joking and often dipping into the medicinal marijuana, but as the chemo kicks in and some of the people he meets start falling prey to the illness, even their seemingly unbreakable relationship comes under strain. A trial operation is "Adams'" last hope of beating the disease, but he will have to face his worst fears to come through it.

This has to be one of the finest films of 2011. Two comedic actors in Joseph Gordon-Levitt who plays "Adam" and Seth Rogan who takes on the challenges of "Kyle", both facing up one of the hardest topics there is, with sensitivity and respect.

If you had told me before I saw this film that you could make a film about cancer in a comedic fashion, I would have thought you were mad, and also in very bad taste, but these two superb actors, known mainly for fluffy outings like "500 days of Summer" and "Knocked Up", confront this mammoth task with a sense of maturity, that shows they have grown so much as actors.

Yes, there are many, many funny moments in this film, where the audience will feel guilty for laughing and such a horrid topic; but the way the film is put across, you feel that more than enough respect is paid to this horrendous disease, and a vitality to fight it, is the eventual winner in this piece.

Anna Kendrick does a superb job as "Katherine", pushing aside her roles in "Twilight", to prove that she really can act. Keep an eye out for her in her next few showings as I have a feeling there are big things to come from this Tony nominated actress. Hollywood legend Anjelica Huston does incredibly well and the mother of "Adam", in her first mainstream movie since "The Darjeeling Limited" in 2006. It is good to see her back.

This film is a true cinematic treasure and should be a staple in any movie collection. I look forward to seeing further collaboration between these two fine comedic actors, who, although being superb in their comedic genre, seem to have struck a rich vein of form in a more serious role.

8.5/10

Get Him to the Greek (2010)


Get Him to the Greek

 


When an ageing rockstar is invited to perform some of his greatest hits in the US, a PR man from the record company is sent to London to make sure he gets him to the Greek Theater.

When an ailing record company in need of a financial pick-up, decides to put on an anniversary concert at the Greek Theater in LA, they decide to bring back "Aldous Snow", rather out of control rock star who has three days to get from London to the venue.

It is left up to a junior PR man from the record company to travel across the Atlantic to make sure that the out of control rock-star is actually at the show. Along the way, he manages to indulge in the maniac lifestyle that goes along with the drug and alcohol fueled ways of the ageing rocker. At the same time he is trying to keep his relationship together, while not getting too mixed up in the insanity that is the life of a world famous rock musician.

Comedian and actor "Russel Brand" takes on the lead role of "Aldous Snow", playing a very creditable rock star, but it does make you wonder, just how far from his real life persona, this character really is. He is a maniac in this role, giving 120% to everything he does, be it good or bad. He keeps the pace of the movie going along nicely and provides a number of very good laughs, despite dealing with some quite serious issues of his own

The very talented Jonah Hill is the poor sap left to babysit the mental rock musician in his role as "Aaron Green" in his second collaboration with Russel Brand. He gives a very decent performance as the harried and chased record exec who has his personal and professional life turned upside down as he tries to keep up with the lifestyle of "Aldous Snow". Hill has come a long way since he emerged on the scene in "Super Bad" and continues to show his versatility as an actor.

Real life superstar Sean Combs is fantastic in the role of record producer "Sergio Roma" in his first big screen outing since "Monsters Ball" in 2001. His Diva like character is awesome and provides a lot of the laughs needed in this film. Elisabeth Moss does really decently as the long suffering girlfriend of "Aaron", while Australian born Rose Burn gives a very convincing performance as the estranged girl friend of "Aldous".

Keep an eye out for a cameo by metal legend Lars Ulrich, he of Metallica fame, along with brief glimpses of Pink and Christina Aguilera.

A decent film, with some really good laughs and a number of really catchy tunes. Brand and Hill work really well off each other and this one is well worth investing your time in.

6/10

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel


When a group of British retirees decide to up sticks and move to the perfect home in India, they have no idea of the adventures that await them.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel seems the perfect place for you to spend your twilight years, with Sun, relaxation, good food and an atmosphere worthy of hard working people. At least that is what the brochure says. A group of retirees, with hardly anything in common, decide that India is where they want to spend the rest of their lives, and make the trip down to paradise.

Sadly when they arrive, they find that the paradise described in all of the brochures, is really the pipe dream of the young Indian owner, whose quick talking and fantastic ideals convince them to stay, so that his ideas can become reality. While waiting for the completion of the hotel the group discovers tolerance, patience and a very different way of looking at life, reassessing all of the things they have come to accept in a country which is nothing like their own.

Their relocation is a journey of discovery in more ways than one, they gel as a group, learn things about themselves that they would never have known if they had stayed in the UK and appreciate life for what it really is. Couple this with a forbidden love story, an inflexible class system that looks to scupper the romance, and a whole new world and you have the makings for one of the finest and most touching films of the year.

This film promised many good things in the trailer and more than delivered on these in the cinema. With an all star cast from both the UK and India this film is a deeply touching and emotional voyage of self discovery in ways that many would not dare to attempt. The scenery is wonderful, the photography stunning, and the story is told with an every day realism that is not seen very much on film. Based on the novel "These foolish Things" by Deborah Moggach, this is the perfect match of talent from two generations, in a film that will make you laugh out loud, but also have a lump in your throat at times.

UK born Dev Patel, who jumped onto our screens in "Slumdog Millionaire" shows that he has matured a lot as an actor, with his inspired performance as the visionary "Sonny Kapoor" juggling not only his dreams for the hotel without funding, but also an un-approved romance, money problems and a rather large lack of direction. He gives an inspired performance in this one, with just the correct amount of comedy value and touching drama to make this a true viewing pleasure.

Dame Judy Dench is truly inspirational in this piece as the widow "Evelyn Greenslade". After losing her husband, she discovers a new direction in life, not only taking on her first job, but also finding the love that believed she had lost forever. Her performance, as always is superb, but this one is truly something special, the former Oscar winner bringing, something to the screen that gives the audience a warm feeling, but also allows them to really identify with her character. Her portrayal is sensitive yet powerful and is one of her finest in recent years.

Maggie Smith also gives one of the best showings of her career, with her portrayal of the bigoted and seemingly betrayed "Muriel Donnely". The lessons she learns in this film are stark and amazing and make a very likable character indeed. British legend Bill Nighy, takes on the role of "Douglas Ainslee", the victim of an unhappy marriage, but willing to give his new surroundings a good go. His performance is fantastic, powerful and moving and show all of his amazing range. He works perfectly with Penelope Wilton who takes the role of his wife, finding their marriage has lost its fizzle and not knowing how to adapt to this. Ronald Pickup and Celia Imrie also give inspired performances as the two single people in the group, complementing the rest of the cast wonderfully.

Little known Tena Desae makes her first foray into the mainstream with her talented showing as "Sunaina", the love interest of Dev Patel. Keep a close eye out for the talented actress in future, she is awesome and convincing in this film and plays an integral part in the enjoyment of this film

A truly enjoyable film, emotional, yet funny and contains the whole package. UK based audiences will enjoy this especially, appreciating the nuances of the older generation and how they perceive the world

7.5/10

This Must Be the Place


A retired rock star makes a pilgrimage to America when his father dies and tries to track down the Nazi who humiliated him.

Gothic Legend "Cheyenne" is bored with his life and, after his father passes away makes a life changing trip to the US to find out more about the man he has not spoken to in more than 30 years. He discovers that his father had a lifelong obsession with a Nazi guard who had embarrassed him at Auschwitz, but had never managed to find the man.

"Cheyenne" goes on a voyage of self discovery across the US trying to find the man who had made his father's life a misery, long after he had left the camp. During his search he manages to meet some very strange people, but also to find the happiness he has been looking for since the age of 15.

The first thing that needs to be said about this film, is that Sean Penn, gives one of the finest performances of his career in the role of, 70's Gothic Legend, "Cheyenne". Penn, whose performances in "Milk" and "Mystic River", have already won him two Academy Awards, easily matches those outings, with a performance which leaves you gasping for breath at times as he totally lives the lifestyle of an ageing rock star, trying to come to terms with his lifestyle stagnating.

Unfortunately, this is the only real highlight of the film! The script is more than a little random, throwing in scenes from absolutely left field, that leaves the audience in the dark in more than one sense. The story is hard to follow, weak in places and drags quite a bit, but generally is just strange.

Frances McDormand does well as "Jane", the long suffering wife of "Cheyenne", but should have been on screen for a lot longer. Judd Hirsch gives a fairly unconvincing showing as Nazi hunter, "Mordecai Midler", while young Eve Hewson (daughter of Bono of U2 Fame), gives a fairly decent performance as gothic follower "Mary" and may well be one to watch as her career progresses. Irish actress Kerry Condon, gives a fairly good showing as "Rachel", but sadly her role is also a small one and it would be good to see her in larger roles going forward. Keep an eye out for a lovely cameo and performance by "Talking Heads" front man David Byrne, who has lost none of his style and mystique

The film itself is flat, the script is very strange and nonsensical in places, but is saved in a fairly large part by the role played by Penn. This film is worth watching, if nothing else just for this performance. His encapsulation of the former rock star is something truly special.

6/10

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Dictator



The ruler of a North African country must travel to the USA in order to save his country from destruction

In order to stop the sanctions being heaped upon his beloved oil rich Waadeya, the egotistical and oppressive, ultimate ruler, "Aladeen", has to travel to New York City to appease the UN Security Council.  During his trip he is kidnapped by his own family, abused and replaced by an idiotic impostor who looks to destroy the years of oppression which The Supreme Leader has taken so long to establish. While finding himself on the streets, he meets up with the most unlikely set of characters, including his former head of Nuclear Weapons as he has to try his utmost to get back to the power he enjoyed all of his life; before it crumbles into democracy

Along the way he will find out how the other half lives, a thing or two about humility and will find love in a place, which he never knew existed!

Sacha Baron Cohen returns to the big screen for the first time since his impressive showing in Oscar nominated "Hugo" to continue with the roles for which he has become known. He takes on the role of "Aladeen" in probably his best film since "Ali G in Da House", more than a decade ago. We have all been used to his lines being offensive, his story lines silly and futile, but from the man who brought us "Borat" and the truly horrible "Bruno", this is a refreshing return to his best work.

I am not sure who he did not go out to offend in this film, it seems no-one is immune from his barbs. At the same time the story is laugh out loud funny, with very clever lines and some very serious points made in the midst all of the hilarity. Do not in any way think this film is for anybody but the most broad minded of people. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security that this is a nice film. You will be shocked and you will be offended,  but at the same time you may well have a very good time.

Anna Faris takes on the role of "Zoey", the pro feminist, anti fascist, protesting, arm hair growing, hippy type, that is the opposite of everything "Aladeen" stands for, but somehow manages to make him see the error of his tyrannical ways, and head towards democratic thoughts. She makes her first outing since the 2011 "What's your number" and shows that she has developed such a long way since her roles on the "Scream" series.

Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is excellent as the devious "Tamir", interested only in how much profit he can make from the sales of Waadeya's oil that he will go to any lengths to achieve this dream.   Keep an eye out for fleeting cameos from Megan Fox and a lovely little piece from Edward Norton, a real treat.

This film does exactly what it sets out to do. It offends! It's crude, rude, obnxious and just plain dirty, but its own small way, turns out to be a rather decent movie. You take the younger members of your family to watch this at your peril, but for open minded adults, this will tickle your funny bone and have you laughing into your popcorn for the full 83 minutes.

6/10

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

We Bought a Zoo


When Benjamin Mee loses his wife to illness he relocates his two children and takes on the challenge by buying a zoo!

Hardened journalist Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon), loses his wife to illness and after several run ins with his teenage son's school, he decides to take the plunge and move the family out of the city. While searching for the perfect home, they stumble upon a disused zoo, which Mee decides is the perfect way to find himself and try to move on with his life. The problem is, that he knows absolutely nothing about live animal management and also no idea how to handle the zoo keepers who come with the property.

With money running out, Mee needs to make some tough professional and personal decisions as he struggles to keep his family from falling apart and desperately works towards passing the inspection a week before the zoo is meant to re-open. As he comes to terms with his grief, he starts influencing the lives of others and enriches his own to find love in the most unlikely of places...

Matt Damon returns to the talent we have all missed since the days of "Good Will Hunting" and the "Rainmaker", giving one of the best performances of his career as "Benjamin Mee". His grief is real, his emotions raw and touching and his interaction with all of those around him is genuine and gripping. This is the Damon that we all wished would come back after the likes of "The Green Zone" and once again proves that this genius of an actor is best at home in a more serious role.

Scarlett Johansson takes on the role of "Kelly Foster" adding yet another example that she is a fine actress, that should stop wasting her time in the likes of "The Avengers" if she wishes to be taken seriously for the talent that she truly is. She delivers a truly classy performance in the role of a tomboy zoo keeper, and really impresses in this film. I really do hope for more serious roles from this talented New Yorker to finally proves she has what it takes to take her career to the next level.

Thomas Haden Church is superb as the older brother "Duncan Mee", always bringing some lightness to the story, which would be rather depressing without his input, but he brings a delightful softness to this story of loss, keeping the script going with his seasoned aplomb. Patrick Fugit, who will be best known to audiences for his superb performance in "Almost Famous", gives another top showing as the now very grown up "Robyn Jones", let us hope that this will be his return to main stream cinema!

Young Colin Ford, bursts onto the big screen in this one, with his powerful portrayal of "Dylan Mee", giving a performance well beyond his 14 years. His troubled character is central to the entire film and his subdued emotion after losing his mother is awe inspiring. He is one of the true stars of this piece and hopefully this will catapult him to the level at which his talent belongs.

By far the brightest star in this film is also the youngest, Maggie Elizabeth Jones, playing the role of "Rosie Mee" to follow close in the footsteps of her role in "Footloose". At seven years of age, this actress, with the face of an angel and the eyes that will melt your heart, has to be one of the most exciting talents to emerge since the rise and rise of Dakota Fanning. Her character is deep and emotive, while still possessing loads of innocence and and the child like quality which for too long has been missing in films. She is a truly superb actress and can only get better as the years go on. I am excited to see her next film and hope she lives up to the potential shown in this one.

Ironically it is the younger sister of Dakota Fanning, Elle, who also shows great talent in this one as the farm girl "Lily Miska", following her role in "Super 8" and again brings a lot of confidence that she can only get better with each film.

This is a truly special movie, it is heart breaking in places, funny, but also inspiring, and the fact that it is based on a true story, makes this film even more amazing. You will laugh, and you may well cry, but you will walk from the cinema, knowing you have seen something awesome!

8/10

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Dark Shadows


A vampire returns to the his family home after being imprisoned by an evil witch for 200 years. Now he has to restore the family name and fight the evil woman who enslaved him.

Tim Burton returns to our screens for the first time since Alice in Wonderland, introducing the character of Barnabus Collins, a tormented vampire, who has been locked in a coffin for the past 196 years. When an ill fated construction crew digs up his chained chamber, he is loosed on the world, his only intention to restore his family name to its former greatness.

He discovers that the evil witch who cursed him has also destroyed the family fishing business and that their stately home is in a state of disrepair. Not only does he have to fight off this evil temptress, but also figure out how to live life in 1971, along with adjusting to the oddball family, some five generations removed from the last time he was mortal. When the town of Collinsport is turned against his clan by the evil woman, he has to use all of the wiles to not only save his family, but also hold onto the love of his life who he thought he had lost forever.

Once again Tim Burton combines his directing talents with the wonderful pairing of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, but sadly this joyous combination seem, in this instance not to have come off. For a film, that one went into with so many high expectations, I walked from the cinema, feeling rather let down and somewhat cheated by Dark Shadows

Don't get me wrong, the film is decent, the script is good, the effects are spectacular, but I still could not help feeling rather let down. The funniest parts of the film had all been played to death in the trailer and the rest of the script was found wanting.

Johnny Depp, was his usual superb self, giving a very decent showing, and in this role, finally did not remind me of Captain Jack Sparrow, an issue he has had in his last few outings. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a wonderful showing as "Elizabeth Collins Stoddard" in her first film since "New Years Eve" in 2011. She gives a convincing performance, giving the film some much needed emotion. Helena Bonham Carter does well as alcoholic psychiatrist "Doctor Julia Hoffman", giving a good few laughs along with her wishes to be immortal, but she seems to play the same role over and over again.

Paris born Eva Green goes blonde in this one, playing the role of evil witch "Angelique Bouchard", bringing a bit of tension to the film with a very decent character, while Chloe Grace Moretz, continues the growth in her stellar career, moving on from Oscar nominated "Hugo" to the role of rebellious "Carolyn Stoddard". It is fascinating to watch her acting progression and see how far she has come since the foul mouthed "Hitgirl" in "Kick Ass". Long may her career continue, and audiences can look forward to her doing more serious roles in coming outings.

Jackie Earle Haley, probably gives the performance of the film, with his portrayal of "Willie Loomis", the heavy drinking, but loyal, curator and odd job man to the Collins family, who will put his life on the line to protect his employers. Young Gulliver McGrath is the hidden gem in this film, moving on from his role in "Hugo" to give a showing far beyond his years as the troubled "David Collins". Be sure and keep an eye out for this young man in the next few years as he is sure to come up on the radar.

The film was a let down for a Tim Burton movie, leaving me wanting a lot more, but the concept was exciting and Depps' dry delivery of funny lines was enjoyable as always. The film is worth a watch, but is nothing very special at all. Enjoy it for the acting and the wonderful cameo by rock superstar Alice Cooper!

6.5/10

Project X


When a high school party for a few friends gets out of hand, it turns into one of the most epic events ever!

When a group of three unpopular high school seniors decide to throw a small party to increase their standing, they are just looking to invite a few of the popular kids, but a few more than expected arrive and things get a little out of hand...

Thomas, Costa and JB take the opportunity of Thomas' parents being away to have a small get together for his birthday, just a few close friends and one or two of the popular and beautiful from their high school. Things get a little bit out of control, and the quiet suburban neighborhood is transformed into one of the biggest house parties in the history of the state.

Add to this a drug crazed maniac with a flame thrower, a pink dog and a midget in an oven and you have the perfect recipe for an event that will not only make the boys popular, but put them down in folklore and may well set them up for the rest of their lives.

It is hard to describe this film without using all of the cliched terms which go with party films like this, but this one truly does put all other "Out of control" party films to a whole new world of shame. The things these kids pull off, brings a whole new way of thinking to throwing a party, gathering comedy, shock value, vulgarity and some truly cracking party tunes to create an event which leaves the older members of the audience wishing they could be young again and the younger members, looking for where to find a party like it anywhere!

The language is filthy, the jokes crude, the nudity, really in your face, and the drug references, more blatant than most films, but combined they make the perfect setting for this great film, which, once all of the dust settles is a really decent watch, well at least if you are over the age of 18 and remember what it was like to be young and reckless.

Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown take on the rolls of Thomas, Costa and JB respectively, giving great performances, Cooper being the shining light in the trio, his mouthy antics giving the audience cold shivers of shame at times, but always wondering what will come out of his mouth next. Brady Hender and the young Nick Nervies give stellar performances as the would be security guards, there to keep out the "uncool" people, and keep the numbers to under 100. They fail more dismally than anybody in the history of security has failed.

Throughout the whole fiasco, Thomas Mann, tries to keep a calm exterior despite having the most awesome and frightening night of his life and one that will change him forever, keeping a calm tone when taking the many concerned calls from his missing parents, neighbors and police! Martin Klebba, is probably the best known face in this film, and for his troubles gets locked in an oven, the consequences of which can never be good!

This film is offensive, perverse and wrong in so many other ways, but is one of the most fun films you could ever hope to watch. That is if it doesn't shock you to your very core. It is certainly not for everybody, and those who like a nice quiet visit to the cinema, stay WELL away from this film, but for those who like a laugh, good fun and some stomping tunes, this is the best film of the year for your tastes thus far.

Well worth the entrance fee, if just for the memories alone...

6.5/10

Mirror Mirror


The classic story of Snow White, done a little differently this time....

We all know the much told and much loved story of Snow White, the evil queen and the Seven Dwarfs, but this year we are treated to a side of the tale, that we have never seen before!

Put together a jealous, yet very comical and incredibly bitchy queen, a tomboy of a Snow White, a prince Charming who may well have been stood behind the door where brains were handed out; AND the Seven dwarfs like you have never seen them before, for the most interesting version of this fairy tale you are ever likely to see.

In so many renditions of this story, you find the Queen to be ultimately evil and Snow White, cute, innocent and naive, while the Dwarfs never really take top billing. Well this film is different, and opens you up to a side of the story you would never really consider. For the first time ever, the dwarfs are the ones who take the majority of the limelight, while the Queen (Julia Roberts), although evil, conceited and vain, is still somewhat of a lovable character, despite her maniacal intentions.

I was not too sure what to expect from this one, but was pleasantly surprised by the way director Tarsem Singh, who follows "The Immortals" with this delightfully dark comedy has grasped the concept and run with it. The film is upbeat, with more funny one liners than you can count and keeps the piece light enough for the kids, while still keeping the adult audience interested.

Hollywood legend Julie Roberts gives a superb performance as the Evil Queen, bringing some much needed lightness to the role which has always been interpreted as one of the darkest in film. Her grasp of the character is great and really makes her a lot more likable than has been the case in this story before. It is sometimes hard to recognize, just how evil she is, but she really ads a whole new dimension to the piece.

UK Born Lily Collins, who reminded me for 2 hours of a very young Audrey Hepburn, takes the role of Snow White, bringing a new independent view to a roll which has traditionally shown her as a victim. She kicks ass and takes names and actually makes the story a lot better. Little known Armie Hammer, continues his good form from "J Edgar", with a rather different view on "Prince Charming", but this interpretation, only ads to the comedic value.

The Dwarfs in this film are superb. Some better known faces than others, with Martin Klebba, taking on a far more enjoyable role as "Butcher", than his last outing, which saw him stuffed in an oven in "Project X". Good showings also come from Danny Woodburn as "Grimm" and the very funny Mark Povinelli, who follows up his leading role in "Water for Elephants", with a fantastic showing as the would be ladies man "Half Pint".

Nathan Lane however is the one who steals the show as the ever creeping "Brighton", personal servant to the Queen. He gives a brilliant performance as a spineless weed and will have audiences rolling in the aisles with his expressive antics. Also, keep an eye out for a rather enjoyable cameo, by British actor, Sean Bean and one of the most random endings to a film I have ever seen.

This is a really enjoyable film for the whole family and will entertain both young and old alike. You will laugh a lot more than you ever have at this classic story, but the final scene will leave you scratching your head.

6/10


Saturday, May 12, 2012

American Pie - The Reunion



The original cast from American Pie, return to East Great Falls for their ten year high school reunion - ten years older and ten years wiser......

Stifler, Jim, Finch, Oz, Michelle, Vicky, Jim's Dad, Stiflers' Mom, all of the characters we love so much from the 2003 "American Pie", make their return to the franchise as their ten year school reunion takes place in their home town of East Great Falls. The characters are older, but the shenanigans are much the same despite them meant to be more mature adults...

New loves and partners are exposed to the madness of the small town, old acquaintances renewed and old lessons, long forgotten need to be learnt again. Jim, will need to try and rekindle the flame that he found at his prom if he is to save his marriage, Oz will need to remember where his heart truly does lie, Finch, will need to confront the truth about his life, and Stifler, well he will just continue to be Stifler...

It's a train wreck waiting to happen and all you can do is sit back and enjoy the mayhem as the characters that shaped a generation return to the big screen for one more triumphant fling!

There was much anticipation in the run-up to this film. I know I had been excited for this for the last six months and it more than lived up to my expectations. Maybe its the teenager or 20 something in me, that remembers the first few films in the series and wishes they could return to those heady times of the early noughties. Whatever it is, this film is everything that you could possibly want. The same sets, the same characters, same insanely crazy antics, and "Jim", still managing to get himself into compromising positions.

The old stories and relationships, for the most part have stood the test of time, some of the players have gone onto stardom, while others, you see for the first time since the early films and have to ask yourself, "Where on earth has he/she been hiding?"

Jason Biggs reprises the role of "Jim Levenstein", the role which put him on the global map, and for the most part has seen him continue in its shadow for the next decade as if he had never stopped. He gives a great performance, trying to be more mature as a married man, with a toddler, but knowing deep down that he is still the same old horny teenager we all know and love. Alyson Hannigan plays his long suffering wife "Michelle", a more adult and responsible version of the girl who immortalized the line, "This one time at band camp", but despite her character change, gives an inspired performance, although a bit more of the old naughtiness would not have gone amiss.

Chris Klein does well as "Oz", but you still get the feeling that he needs to grow a set, while Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid and Mena Suvari, although playing large chunks in the story, just feel like extras, never really achieving their potential. John Cho, thankfully takes on a much bigger role in this installment, his talents coming to the fore, but for the man who single handedly managed to bring the word "MILF" into every day parlance, he very much deserves it.

Eugene Levy is superb as always in his role as "Jim's Dad", bringing a bit of emotion to the role after the untimely passing of his wife. His melancholy is just perfect to break up the eternal comedy and cringeworthy moments in this film, keep an eye out for the final scene, he is priceless. Jennifer Coolidge is back as "Stifler's Mom", dead pan as always, but one of the funniest actresses on the circuit today. Ali Cobrin does really well  as the love-struck teenager "Kara", who has the ultimate crush on "Jim" and uses his return to try to fulfill some of her fantasies. She gives a convincing showing, giving us a few good laughs and showing more than a little skin, keep an eye out for her in future productions.

American Pie The Reunion is a feel good movie for all who are old enough to have enjoyed the original and a kick in the head for the new generation who will scamper off to find all of the previous seven films. You will laugh, get a lump in your throat, and hark back to your younger days for a long while after seeing this film, but whatever you do, don't take the kids!

7/10




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Hunger Games



Each year, two people are chosen from each district of Capitol to compete in the Hunger Games. Of the 24 selected only one will survive. Can they beat the system to become a legend?

Set in the future, this offshoot of an incredibly popular set of books brings to life the once a year struggle of the children and young people of the 12 districts of Capitol. Two young people are selected at random to enter the Hunger Games, a fight to the death between 24 contestants which takes as long as it needs to until only one player survives. "Katniss Everdeen" chooses to act as tribute when her younger sisters name is pulled out of the bowl, opting to use her skills in hunting and archery, learnt in the post "uprising" land she now calls home.

The 24 contestants are thrown into a life of luxury, trained, vie for sponsors and try to gain as much public support for themselves, just to they can survive what will very likely be the last days of their lives. Once the games start it is a cutthroat and merciless facade until all but one, usually the strongest or the most talented survives. Teams will be formed, alliances made and broken, backs stabbed and almost any other sort of treachery to make sure they are not the next one to sound the death knell (cannon).

"Katniss" has to use all of her wiles and skills as well as survival techniques she had no idea she possessed in order to stay out of the evil clutches of the strongest of the competitors. Along the way she will find love, compassion and a deep respect for herself that seemed to have been missing before. A system which was designed to remind a populace the errors of uprising will try to survive against the very thing is was created to suppress. Good, will triumph, if it lives long enough!

I expected a lot from this film, and to be honest, was a little disappointed. Although I, unlike so many others, had not read the books, I thought the concept looked good, very Orwellian, and could have made for a decent film, sadly this was not the case. Instead what was dished up to audiences, was a  2 hour and 30 minute (probably 30-40 minutes too long), drag of an idea which almost mixed the worst parts of "The Truman Show", with the not so great parts of "The Running Man". Sadly the majority of the cast in this one had less talent than those in previously mentioned films. The action was slow and tedious, with long pauses in between where nothing really happened.

A few bright lights in this one must be mentioned. Woody Haroldson in the role of "Haymitch Abernathy", was fantastic as the mentor to the lead characters, having won the hunger games before for his district before taking to drink and the good life. His mixture of good-natured comedy and serious introspection is one of his finer roles in the past few years and does brighten the film slightly. Donald Sutherland does well as the President of Capitol, while New Yorker, Stanley Tucci is a shining light as the host of the show "Caeser Flickerman". If ever there was a man to hate on film, this would be he.

The always dependable Elizabeth Banks, who has gone from being "Knocked Up!" to "Man on a Ledge" now continues with her fine turn to serious acting in the massively eccentric "Effie Trinket", certainly the most flamboyant character in the film. The most pleasant surprise of the film came in the form of hard rocker Lennie Kravitz, who takes on the role of "Cinna" and gives it a damn good go! Making his film debut, he gives a strong performance and I look for far more from him in future.

Sadly, none of those mentioned above, play major roles in this film. The likes of Jennifer Lawrence as "Katness Everdeen", Josh Hutcherson as "Peeta Mellark" and Willow Shields who plays the young "Primrose Everdeen", are flat and lifeless and there performances do not inspire confidence at all. On the contestants front, the only one who goes some way to being convincing is Amandla Stenberg who played the part of "Rue" with sensitivity and feeling and should do well in coming years.

The film was boring and took too long, and was far short of what a lot of the audience expected and unfortunately did not even come close to fulfilling the potential that the story had.

4.5/10

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen



An Arab Sheik with  passion for salmon fishing decides he would like to stock a section of the Yemen desert with the fish and its left to an intrepid and troubled man and woman to pull off the impossible.

When Yemeni Sheik Mohammed, who has expansive lands in the Scottish Highlands and decides he wants to talk his passion for Salmon fishing to a remote section of his homeland it pairs the most unlikely of bed fellows, an environmental agency worker and a member of an investment firm to try and create the impossible.

Add to this the underhanded dealings that go right to the top of the British government, in-fighting between various wildlife agency's and one incredibly clever press secretary and you have the makings for a delightful comedic drama set to the backdrop of some of the worlds most spectacular scenery. For afters, throw in, a boyfriend, missing in action in Afghanistan, a disinterested wife who travels all the time and a group of would be terrorists who are trying to maintain the traditions of their country; and you have the makings of one of the best films of the year thus far.

It does make me wonder, how, with lottery funded films in the UK and in conjunction with the BBC, British studios keep bringing out superbly scripted and well acted films, when the super graphics and hundreds of millions of Dollars of Hollywood budgets deliver ones that are often hit and miss. Is it possibly time to return to good old fashioned clever writing and quality acting, over trying to dazzle audiences with the newest gadgets?

Utter genius are the first two words which spring to mind as the credits roll at the end of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. A tremendous script, superb acting and just the right cast, make this a truly memorable film that will stick in the memory for years to come. Director Lasse Hallstrom has brought together just the right group for this one, not the sort of names that jump off the page of Hello Magazine each week, but good talented performers, plying their trade with a really decent script and producing the sort of film which fills almost all audiences with joy.

Ewan Mcgregor bounces back from the utter horror that was "Beginners" to give possibly his finest performance since his days in "Trainspotting". He plays the role of Aspergers sufferer, "Dr Alfred Jones", very set in his ways and never allows himself to go out on a limb, "only drink after seven on the weekend, and then just one", seems to sum up the man perfectly. Beset with a failing and loveless marriage, his sensibilities are pulled to breaking point by the suggestion of moving 10,000 Scottish Salmon from their cold water home, to the balmy climes of Yemen. Mcgregor is irate and sarcastic one minute, and tender and loving the next, truly testing himself to bring out the best in this challenging role.

Alongside him is the equally talented Emily Blunt who takes on the roll of "Harriet" with the double-barreled surname, an account manager for an investment firm, tasked with doing the impossible by a man with more money than he knows what to do with, and a vision. "Harriet" takes tumbles from one set of emotion to another, thinking that her boyfriend of three weeks is dead, then throwing herself into her job and finding love in the most unlikely of places. A truly glowing performance and I look for more dramatic roles from her in the not too distant future.

Amr Waked gives a fine performance as "Sheik Mohammed" in what should realistically be considered his first foray onto the big screen. His acting is superb yet understated, and he manages to come across as a really nice man, despite all of the power which he wields. He is able to convey his visions of grandeur in a quiet way, but leaves others in no doubt of exactly what his character wants. Krisitin Scott Thomas in the role of Prime Ministers' Press Secretary "Patricia Maxwell", truly, steals the show. Her character is ballsy, pragmatic and always active, making sure that the ruling party of the day keeps its nose clean and never misses a photo op. Makes you wonder who really is running the government with women like her calling the shots. Her performance is truly something special.

Tom Mison plays the roll of missing boyfriend "Captain Robert Mayers" decently, but you cannot help but feel that the army would loathe accepting such a wet blanket. Keep an eye out for him in more challenging outings. Rachael Stirling does a good role as the wife in a failing marriage to "Dr Jones", while Conleth Hill, does a superb job as "Bernard Sugden", his manager, keeping the air light with one liners aplenty throughout the opening hour. I am sure he will have agents banging down his door once his time in "Game of Thrones" runs its course.

The film is serious, yet light, with enough good and witty lines to keep everybody upbeat, but plenty of  gritty drama to give the piece a very serious and relevant edge in places. Expect to laugh, but also to think. A fine, fine film, and one that can certainly be watched more than once. Long may small budgets like this produce quality such as "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen".

8/10

Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Vow



After a horrific car accident a wife has no memory of her husband or her familial issues and her husband has to make her fall in love with him all over again...

When a horrific winter time car accident and resulting brain injury causes "Paige"(Rachel McAdams) to forget all about her life and marriage to "Leo"(Tatum Channing), it puts major pressure on their relationship. "Paige" cannot remember anything of the last five years, when her life had taken a dramatic change and she had left her troubled family behind before marrying "Leo" after a serendipitous meeting. Now the last thing she remembers is being happily at home with her family and being engaged to "Jeremy"(Scott Speedman).

This leaves "Leo" at whits end, trying to figure out how to make the woman of his dreams, fall in love with him, all over again. Doctors say that her memory could return at any time, but in the meantime, her estranged family are taking full advantage of having their daughter back in their lives for the first time in half a decade, happy to hide their little indiscretions from her.

I went into the theater fairly convinced that this was going to be another teen heart throb, romcom, just like the sort that Hollywood are so good at force feeding us year after year, but was more than pleasantly surprised by "The Vow". For one, the plot was not predictable, and kept you guessing almost to the very end as to what was going to happen with the two leading characters (very out of character for romantic comedy).

The script, based on a true life couple, is touching and cute and no doubt had many an unwilling boyfriend or spouse squirming in the cinema as the story unfolds. There were a number of very audible "awwwws" as the film goes on, but has strong enough content to keep almost everybody in the audience interested.

Channing Tatum may have started his carrier in fluffy delights such as "Step Up, She's the Man and Dear John", but let me assure you, the boy can act. The 32 year old former model is no longer content to let his good looks take him places, and is showing audiences a new side to his talent. Yes, he still maintains the stunning good looks, which seems to be a drawing card to the most of almost all female audience, but behind his chiseled abs and boyish charm, lies some real acting talent. He delivers a fantastic performance as "Leo", showing various facets of a character, which in now way, was easy to grasp. I look forward to seeing him in more challenging roles in future as he fully unwraps the talent which the acting gods bestowed on him.

Alongside him Rachel McAdams, in the role of  "Paige", gives another stunning showing to follow up her recent exploits in "Sherlock Holmes 2" and the charming, "Midnight in Paris". The 34 year old Canadian plays the complex character with just the right amount of poise and confused angst, to make this one of her best performances to date. Together with Tatum the take the leading characters through what must be one of the most difficult situations that any couple can face, with the caring and compassion that the story so richly deserves.

Hollywood veterans Vince Neill and Jessica Lange, making her return to the big screen after a six year hiatus, give phenomenal performances as the parents of "Paige", desperately trying to make a second to start to the lives, which they imagined, ruined forever. The most pleasant surprise to come from this film, was the move from TV Movies to the big time, of Tatiana Maslany, who takes the role of "Lily", the supportive assistant to Tatum, and delivers a performance which should see her moving away from the small screen to a career in films. Keep an eye out for this young Canadian in the future as I think she may go far.

One of the most enjoyable romantic films I have seen in the past five years. The originality is re-assuring and with some stunning performances from the main players, this makes it a really decent watch and not just one for those who enjoy a good romance!

7/10


Safe



When the underworld and police force of an entire city rush to track down a little girl who can remember insanely large, numbers, only one man can save her...

When a young Chinese girl, renowned for her ability to be able to remember incredibly large numbers is taken by a gang from her mother and brought to America, they intend to use her for their own nefarious purposes. Once she escapes their clutches and is the only one who knows a combination for a fortune, she becomes the most sought after commodity in New York. With gangs of various ethnic origins and also the entire police force and corrupt politicians after her, there is only one man who can protect her. A washed up ex cop who has taken to drinking and living rough!

Jason Statham is not particularly known for his ability to make deep and emotive films, but in Safe, he does deliver a rather pleasant surprise. Do not fret, there is still a body count that would make Jeffery Dalmer blush, but with it comes a softer side to the man who has brought us such horrors as "The Transporter,1,2 and 3 and also Expendables", but maybe, just maybe, this time he has turned the corner

For all the hard core Statham fans out there, don't worry, he still kicks ass and takes names, but there appears to be a softer side to the man, if only in small doses. Who knows, we may see some more serious roles from this action hero, probably interspersed liberally with what he does best, but it is promising.

Catherine Chan, in her first big screen outing, plays a superb role as the talented "Mei", looking suitably terrified as the action continues relentlessly around her, but delivering her lines in a believable and mature way, which belies her youth. She compliments Statham brilliantly, and I would not be surprised to see these two paired again.

Reggie Lee follows up his role in "Crazy, Stupid Love", with a very decent showing as "Quan Chang", trying to be a fatherly figure to "Mei", while maintaining his menacing character in the New York underworld. Screen legend James Hong, gives a superb performance as "Han Jiao", the cunning and malicious leader of the Chinese Gangs. You almost got the feeling as though this role we written for him.

Robert John Burke delivers a sterling performance as the corrupt "Captain Wolf", while Chris Sarondon, quite easily steals the show as the extremely nasty, New York City Mayor.

Expect tons of action, as you would with any Statham film, but this one feels as though it has more than his usual fare. Certainly worth the watch and should be enjoyed by those who are not usually fans of his films.A very decent film.

7/10

Seeking Justice



When a secret society solves a problem for Will Gerard after his wife is brutally raped, all he has to do is owe them a favour, but will his life be worth living if he is ever able to repay his debt?

After the horrific rape of his wife Laura; Will Gerard (Nicholas Cage) is approached by the head of a secret society who takes justice into their own hands, solving problems within the community, and asking only a small favour in return from the people they help in the future. In a moment of weakness and raw emotion he agrees to allow the society to "deal" with the rapist, and then forgets about the debt he owes. When they come calling a few months later his life is thrown into downward spiral of ongoing nightmares as he strives to discover the truth behind what he has gotten himself into.

After putting out what many consider to be the worst spate of films of his career (Bad Luitenant, Drive Angry, Safe House), Nicholas Cage has actually come up with a half decent script. Sadly his acting talents have not followed him, but the story does support his abilities this time and Seeking Justice actually comes across as a decent film.

The concept of the film is one full of potential, and director Roger Donaldson, does a very good job to keep the pace, upbeat and leaves the audience guessing for much of the piece. The highlight for me came in the form of ex Neighbours regular Guy Pierce, who now seems to have completely shed his Australian accent and really settled into a fine Hollywood acting career.

Pierce plays the role of "Simon", the deranged head of the vigilantly group, responsible for dealing with the man who raped Gerard's wife "Laura". His performance is superb, almost as though Pierce was born to play a complete sociopath. He brings conviction and a believability  to the role, which makes the viewer want to despise him, but deep down, keeps you supporting his crazy cause. January Jones gives a decent performance as "Laura Gerard", bringing some much needed emotion to the film, and will hopefully continue in these more serious roles, as she may have some potential there.

Fairly unknown Harold Perrineau, gives a very good performance as "Gerard's" best friend, "Jimmy", in his first mainstream film role since 28 Weeks later, his character being one the audience will love to hate, but struggle to fully understand. Xander Berkley gives a great showing as the mysterious Lieutenant Durgan, in  his first major outing since playing "Detective Gigante" in "Kick Ass", a lovable character, who keeps you guessing until the very end.

This film is well worth a watch and may well, return some of the legions fans that Nicholas Cage has managed to drive away in the past 3 years. Certainly worth your entrance fee.

6.5/10