Lincoln (2012)

The story of the 16th President of the United States, his attempt to abolish slavery and end the American Civil War.

In 1865 President Abraham Lincoln tabled and passed an amendment through the Senate; Amendment 13, which he not only hoped would abolish slavery in the Southern States, but as a result end the four year old, American Civil War.

With the aid of his Republican colleagues in the house he needs to find the 20 extra Democratic votes in order to get a 2/3 majority and pass the controversial bill. While trying to achieve this he has to deal with a troublesome wife, headstrong son who insists on enlisting and fellow politicians intent on seeing his measures fail.

Director Steven Spielberg once again throws his hat into the Oscars ring, for the second year running, continuing in the historical magic of "War Horse" in 2012, with the inspired telling of this world changing story. In the process he picks up his 7th Best Director nomination, some 35 years after his first nod for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". The film is beautifully shot, superbly set and well managed, slightly softening some of the horrific scenes which inevitably took place during that time.

Daniel Day-Lewis takes on the monumental task of portraying one of the greatest men in American history with relative ease and not a small amount of prosthetics. He does a superb job playing "Lincoln", bringing a man, long dead, back to life and making this a very enjoyable film. In the process he picks up his FIFTH Oscar nomination for Actor in a leading role, some 23 years after his first for "My Left Foot" and five years since his last win for "There will be Blood". He does a very decent job as the great leader, stern and straight laced when needed, but also a loving father and devoted husband in quieter times.

Sally Field is by far the highlight of this film, giving one of the finest peformances of her career as the slightly mad, but immensely strong "Mary Todd Lincoln", for which she receives her third Oscar nomination. Its 33 years since her first and 28 years since her last win. It is interesting to note, that every time Field has been nominated for the Golden Statue, she has won, something to remember. The audience will find it easy to feel sorry for this downtrodden woman who seems to be behind the scenes, but may well have all of the power.

Tommy Lee Jones, gives a performance for which there are very few words one can find to describe. Brilliant; inspired; genius, hardly do this talented actor justice as he takes on one of the best roles of his illustrious career, in the portrayal of "Thadeus Stevens". He is well rewarded with his fourth Oscar nomination, his first since 2008, and he is sure to be very close to winning in late February.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues with his meteoric rise, with his first outing since "Looper" with the difficult role of the petulant "Robert Lincoln". His portrayal is enjoyable and convincing, but the audience will struggle to see him as anything more than a spoiled and head strong young man. A very decent performance.

Some other noteworthy performances come from the likes of Hal Holbrook, James Spader and the very talented David Strathairn who is awesome as "William Seward". His performance is memorable and shows what a pivotal role in history.

The film is very enjoyable, but might be 20 minutes too long. It drags only very occasionally and pays great respect to some very difficult topics. If you are easily offended by scenes of violence and war, then this may not be for you, but saying that, the cinematography and story telling is superb and you would be doing yourself a disservice to not see this film.

7/10

Flight (2012)

An airline pilot saves many people when his plane crashes, but the subsequent investigation reveals the real story...

When a packed passenger airliner falls apart at 30,000 feet it is assumed that everybody on board would die, but through quick thinking and years of experience Captain "Whip" Whitaker is able to land it safely. Afterwards he is thrown into an investigation of professional negligence and the real truth about his errant lifestyle is bound to come out.

Legendary director Robert Zemeckis, best known for his inspired work on "Back to the Future" and its blockbusting sequels, returns to the chair for the first time since "A Christmas Carol" in 2009 to bring a truly special film to the big screen. Touching on the very emotive topics of alcoholism and drug addiction with a great amount of feeling and showing both sides of the coin in a rather tragic, yet somehow triumphant story.

Denzel Washington takes the lead in this terrific film, and is excellent value for his amazing, SIXTH Oscar nomination, two of which he has converted to golden statues. It is 11 years since this immensely talented actor received the nod for the ultimate prize in his industry, but with his portrayal as "Whip Whitaker", a man trying and failing to hold his life together despite being completely off the rails, he finally returns to the limelight. His performance as a lifetime drunk and drug user is at times, hard to watch, but always convincing and very entertaining, bringing the necessary gravity to a role which deeply deserves it.

John Goodman, seems to be popping up all over the place in the past twelve months with outings in "Argo" and "The Trouble with the Curve", but surpasses all of these with his wonderful portrayal of the rather unorthodox "Harling Mays". A lifetime friend to the lead character, but also his drug dealer and unofficial saviour, "Mays" could also be blamed for the troubled place where "Whitaker" finds himself. Goodman may not be on screen for much of the film, but his performance is truly awesome and his comedic style holds the film together when it threatens to unravel.

Don Cheadle returns to feature films for his first outing since the dark comedy, "The Guard" in 2011 with a tremendous showing as high powered lawyer "Hugh Lang". He really seems to take to this role with gusto and shows the amazing amount of wheeling and dealing which is done behind the scenes by legal wranglers. A very enjoyable experience watching this talented and versatile actor in this film!

Bruce Greenwood, better known for his work on tv, comes back to the big screen with great showing as "Charlie Anderson", trying to keep his friendship with "Whitaker" together despite the pilot trying his very best to throw it away. He joins Washington for the third time in their careers, having worked alongside him on "St Elsewhere" in the 80's and then "Deja Vu" in 1996. His performance is dedicated and believable and the audience cannot help but feel sorry for his character and his seemingly fruitless efforts to save the career and life of his friend.

Kelly Reilly does a wonderful job as "Nicole", giving a great performance as this troubled young woman who does her best to keep her life together while trying to aid the self destructive "Whitaker". It would be good to see more of this talented actress in the future. Also keep an eye out for the beautiful Nadine Valezquez who makes a good break from her TV career as "Katerina Marquez". Her time on screen is short lived, but is entertaining.

The film is well paced and enjoyable, with Washington giving a superb performance in the lead. He is well deserving of his best actor Oscar nomination and seems decent money to win his third award. The film is a very serious one, with the odd light hearted moment, but does pay the correct amount of respect to various issues which plague modern society. This one is a very good watch and will keep the audience engaged throughout the 138 minutes running time.

This move is well worth your admission fee and is entertaining from start to end.

7.5/10

Django Unchained (2012)

A German bounty hunter frees a slave in the deep South and takes him on a long trip to Mississippi in order to find the wife of the former slave and set her free.

When "Doctor King Schultz" frees a former runaway slave "Django" in the most unorthodox fashion, he starts an adventure which will take them both a long way in the search of the former slaves wife, Broomhilda.

Along the way they will run foul of slave traders, fighting men and a butler with a massive chip on his shoulder, as they strive to pull off one of the most ambitious plans of the 1850's. Throw in the early makings of the Klu Klux Klan and you have the perfect setting for an epic.

Famed Director Quentin Tarantino returns to the big screen for the first time since the Inspired 2009 Inglorious Basterds, not only directing, but also writing this brilliant film and having the undeniable talent to mold a world class cast into something truly special. Tarantino excels in this movie, bringing all of his class and usual panache to the screen, but this time with something extra. He pays homage to the famous Spaghetti Western legends "Bud Spencer" and "Terrence Hill" a number of times, tipping his hat to the men who cemented western comedy in the 70's.

Jamie Foxx takes on the lead role of "Django", a talented freed man who returns for his first outing since "Motherf**cker Jones" in the dark comedy "Horrible Bosses" and may well have succeeded in following up his Oscar winning role in "Ray" with this fantastic showing, sadly he was not given the nod this year. His performance is genuine and heart felt and he takes on this difficult role with ease. A truly inspiring outing from this talented actor

Oscar winner Christopher Waltz teams up with Tarentino again FINALLY delivers the performance which we have all been waiting for. Yes, he crawls out from under the immense shadow which was cast by his "Inglorious Basterds" persona, "Hans Landa" and shows a whole new side to his talents in yet another award nominated performance as "Doctor King Schultz". His role is comedic, yet very serious and he pulls this off with his usual brilliance, fitting in seamlessly with the ideals of the great director. He is an especially shining light in this one and is a joy to behold throughout.

The talented Leonard DiCaprio was unlucky not to receive another award nomination with his fantastic portrayal of slave owner and fight fan, "Calvin Candie". His character is dark and brooding, but also shows a large amount of naivety in his dealings with Schultz and Django. His acting, as always is superb, and this role brings out some of his best in a long while, showing that this talented actor has lost none of his talent. He is a true joy to behold in this outing and continues to crank out terrific performances.

Hollywood Legend Samuel L Jackson is truly superb in his short onscreen time as "Stephen", the long time butler and general slave overseer at "CandieLand". His underhandedness and cunning as well as a massive chip on his shoulder makes his character really easy to hate. He is a real treat in this film in one of his finest performances in a distinguished career. The only shame is that he is not on screen for longer. Keep an eye out for a lovely cameo from Quentin Tarentino, despite a truly horrible attempt at an Aussie accent.

The film is awesome and action packed from start to finish, a real treat for any film lover and a must for any fans of Tarentino. The only detracting factor from this classic is that it is possibly 20 minutes too long, but does not drag at all. It is well deserving of its best film Oscar Nomination and I think the director is very unlucky not to get more nominations from this masterpiece. The subject matter of slavery is serious, but with a comedic slant, and for those easily offended, stay far away from this one.

9/10

The Sessions (2012)

A man who developed Polio at the age of six and now as an adult has to spend most of his day in a restrictive iron lung, decides he wants to experience sex for the first time. With the aid of a sex therapist, he discovers not only the ways of the world, but also faces a number of issues which have been repressed for a lifetime.

Based on a true story, this is a film of love, passion, fear and self loathing, played out on a topic which is not often broached, never mind portrayed; sex amongst the physically disabled. The tale is fascinating; tender, and in places extremely comedic, told in a fashion, which leaves the audience feeling triumphant at its close, rather than depressed.

John Hawkes, better known for his forays into TV acting in the likes of "Lost", plays the role of his life, as the almost completely immobile, "Mark O'Brein", a man, whose body has been left  needing constant care after a bout of childhood Polio. Now a successful author, "Mark" decides that despite only being able to move his head, he should lose his virginity at the age of 37. After speaking to his priest, "Father Brendan", played by former Oscar nominee William H Macey, he is given the blessing of the church, "Mark" reaches out to sex therapist "Cheryl", portrayed by Helen Hunt.

The former Oscar winner, gets her second nomination for a role which could quite easily be the finest of her career. Her portrayal of the sex therapist "Cheryl", not only calls for Hunt to be nude for large parts of the film, but also shows the true depths of her talent, as she comes to terms with some very strong emotions, which threaten to tear her life apart.

Moon Bloodgood, best known for her work on television, and a role in "Terminator Salvation", gives a superb showing as the very caring "Vera". With a performance such as this, the audience is left wondering why this Nebraskan beauty has not done more work on the big screen and hope that this outing will lead to more feature films. Keep an eye out for "Cheers" legend, Rhea Perlman who has lost none of her on screen charm in this wonderful cameo.

The film discusses some really heavy topics, but is remarkably uplifting and dealt with in a way which lets you leave the cinema with a light heart and believing in the good of life. The only let down for me, was that veteran director Ben Lewin, who also wrote the screen play, was not given more recognition during this awards season.

A truly enjoyable movie and one which should not be missed this year.

8/10

Lockout

A man wrongly convicted of being a traitor against the United States, is given an opportunity for a reprieve by taking on a suicide mission to a prison in space!

When the daughter of the President of the United States is kidnapped while on a visit to a maximum security prison in space, it is decided that only one man on earth can possibly save her. The problem is that he has no wish as all to take on the suicide mission, nor does he care much for the political views of the man running the country.

Once his mind is made up for him, he has to break into the most dangerous prison in the galaxy, make his way past 300 of the worst criminals in history and rescue the young woman, all before the dangerous men discover exactly who they have in their hands. If the unwilling hero is able to make it there and back intact, he may just have his wrongful death sentence overturned.

Australian actor Guy Pierce has done a number of very decent films in his career, especially in recent years, but this one, although decent, does not come anywhere do the sort of quality he usually delivers. His portrayal of the the rather familiar, "Snow", is fairly good, but one cannot help but compare him to the rather more famous character of "Snake Plissken".

Directors James Mather and Stephen St Leger, who also wrote the screenplay, did their very best to disguise the fact that this "original" script just happened to be a cross between "Escape from New York", "Con Air" and any random space film you can think of. Given these facts, they did do quite a decent job and if you had not seen these films, it would have been a very good stand alone project. The film is fast paced, action packed, and even has the odd good one liner thrown in for good measure.

Big screen newcomer Maggie Grace takes the leading female role in this film, playing the role of "Emilie Warnock" and gives a very decent showing, taking to action like a very attractive duck to water. Look out for more from this fairly talented actress. Joseph Gilgun, continues his vein of playing criminals, with a truly superb performance as the completely insane "Hydell". He is the true highlight of this movie, and could well have done with playing a far bigger role in this one. He is a character you will want to hate, but somehow end up feeling sympathy for.

This movie is nothing special, but is worth the cost of the ticket and the popcorn. It will certainly be better on the big screen, and the special effects are a joy to behold at times. This will keep the action fans happy and a number of sci-fi fans entertained too. It's not going to win any awards, but will help you kill two hours on a Sunday afternoon

5.5/10

TED

When 8 year old John Bennett wishes for his teddy-bear and best friend to be real one Christmas Eve he has no idea that his wish will come true, nor that his best friend will still be with him 25 years down the line and making his entire life, a nightmare.

When his long time girlfriend gives John an ultimatum of getting rid of "Ted" he asks his best friend to move out, but finds it very difficult to move on with his life.  When "Ted" is kidnapped by a lunatic stalker, its left up to "John" and girlfriend "Lori" to save the day and try to return to the "normal" life the three of them have enjoyed for so long.

Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis team up for the first time in a film, whose trailers promised filth and superb comedy from the start and delivered this in full. Throw in  a foul mouthed Teddy-bear played by Seth Mcfarlane (The voice of Peter Griffin in Family Guy) and you have the ingredients for a truly enjoyable comedy romp, which although frightfully funny, also delivers a very decent message.

The combination of Wahlberg as "John" and Kunis as "Lori" is a wonderful pairing, bringing some true romantic chemistry to the film, while, although some might think Seth Mcfarlane uses the exact same voice that made him face to portray "Ted", this character is different, and possibly quite a bit more enjoyable than his "Family Guy" delivery.

Mark Wahlberg, returns to the big screen for the first time since his very decent showing in "Contraband", bringing a more light-hearted character, which many male members of the audience could identify with. His portrayal of "John" is decent and convincing and you find yourself feeling rather sorry for him, despite him getting himself into a lot of his own messes.

Mila Kunis once again delivers a great showing as the largely ignored "Lori". She also comes back to the big screen after a short absence, with her first showing since "Friends with Benefits" alongside Justin Timberlake. Although her character is not particularly likeable, she still does a good job and continues to build a rather decent movie career. It should be interesting to see where she goes in the next few years as she seeks out more challenging roles.

Little known, Jessica Barth does well as "Tami-Lynn", the romantic interest for "Ted". This stunning actress has spent most of her time on TV, but hopefully this will be her stepping stone into films, as she shows good potential. Also keep an eye out for Patrick Stewart, Norah Jones and the one and only "Flash Gordon", acting legend, Sam J Jones.

Ted is an enjoyable comedic romp, with just the right amount of romantic good feeling thrown in. The humour is adult and most certainly not for those who are easily shocked, but this is a must for all of those who enjoy the likes of "Family Guy", "South Park" and "American Dad". It certainly is worth a go, and well worth the time you spend watching this one.

7/10

Hesher (2011)

A bereaved family has their house invaded by a heavy metal loving anarchist who teaches them a few things about life...

When a young man who recently lost his mother in a horrific car accident breaks the window of a squat occupied by a heavy metal listening anarchist, he has no idea what he is letting himself or his family in for.

"T.J", his father "Paul" and "Grandma", all live in the same house trying to get over the traumatic death of their wife, mother and daughter in law, each in their own way. In a twist of fate, "Hesher", a mad, heavy metal driven anarchist comes into their lives, invading their house and making it his own. He brings with him his own very unique outlook on the world, caring only for himself and in no way understanding the pain those around him are going through.

As "T.J" goes from one stage of grief to the next, he meets "Nicole", a broke supermarket teller and despite their age difference (him being 10 and her a lot older), falls in love with her. Through all of this confusion and tragedy, "Hesher" seems to be the only "sane" one in the world, but will the rest of them stop long enough to listen to his wisdom?

The trailer for this film promised good things and more than delivered on these, director and writer Spencer Sussor producing one of the finest, yet most dark films to be released in 2011. The movie is a work of genius, but one of the most depressing films I have seen in a long time. The combination of unexpected grief and the inability of the family to carry on, mindless destruction and no seeming need to answer for their actions, make this a truly dark film, but the characters meld superbly to make an awesome film.

Traditionally a comedy actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who soared to fame in Third Rock from the Sun), he has now started taking to more serious roles and in this one is possibly his darkest one yet as "Hesher". From the man who starred in "Inception" and then went on to award nomination in "50/50", this is a new career high. He is truly inspirational in this film, as a dark and brooding metal-head, who does things simply to see their effect on people. His performance is something very special, playing this very dysfunctional character to perfection. Bravo!

Oscar winner Natalie Portman has made some fantastic films in her time and some true horrors, but her role as "Nicole" in this one, ranks up there with the best of them. Her hopeless and destitute character brings out the very best in this actress, plumbing the depths of depression which shows just what a fantastic talent she is. Her character is dark, while at the same time, being possibly the happiest in the entire film, but seems to meld a number of different emotions together for a fantastic result.

Young Devin Brochu is phenomenal in this film in what is effectively the lead role of "T.J". His portrayal of a grieving boy who has lost his mother suddenly and the anger, frustration, disillusionment at his situation where is father is unable to be a stable figure in his life, while trying to deal with his own loss. His performance is superb, one of the finest I have seen of an actor this young. His mood is dark and brooding, and he reaches out to anybody who will giving him the stability he so badly needs. I look forward to seeing a hell of a lot more of this talented youngster.

Rainn Wilson, best known for his starring role in "The Office", tries his hand at the more serious side of his craft and delivers something very decent indeed in the role of "Paul". His inability to deal with the sudden loss of his wife is deeply tragic and disturbing and adds so much to the true drama of this film. Piper Laurie who plays Grandma is probably the true highlight in this magnificent film. Her character strikes you as so helpless, that you cannot but help yourself in supporting her.

The film is harsh and brutal, yet at the same time tender and tragic. It mixes all the best of all the characters to introduce a fantastic script and a story which will leave you sitting in silence as the credits roll. This film is something very special, but wears its heart on its sleeve and makes absolutely no apologies for this. Watch this film with an open mind and be prepared to be impressed. Not a happy movie.

8.5/10