Hall Pass (2011)
Yet another comedy from the Farrelly brothers which this time stars Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate. Two married couples give each other a week off from marriage to get any desire to cheat out of their systems.
When it comes to the plot of this film there is a fair amount of skirting around stereotypes but the film does just about manage to keep away from devolving into sexism. There are definitely some funny moments although they are a little on the rare side but the main problem with the film is that the drama side never really goes anywhere other than making cursory nods to the obligatory beats. You probably could find something interesting to say about relationships and the desire to look where the grass may be greener but this film does not ever really come close to that.
3/5
Saturday 31 March 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
Tiny cruise
Fantastic Voyage (1966)
This science fiction film is directed by Richard Fleicher and stars Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch and Donald Pleasence. A miniaturized submarine with a crew of specialists are sent into a man's body to try and repair his brain damage but one of them is out to sabotage the mission.
What this film does well is provide an interesting insight into how the human body works and is maybe better as an educational piece than pure entertainment. When it comes to the plot there are a few holes knocking about and despite running to a tight deadline the film seems to lack much tension. The production vales are pretty good and the special effects mostly work well although they are a little obvious at times, especially the resizing sequences.
3/5
This science fiction film is directed by Richard Fleicher and stars Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch and Donald Pleasence. A miniaturized submarine with a crew of specialists are sent into a man's body to try and repair his brain damage but one of them is out to sabotage the mission.
What this film does well is provide an interesting insight into how the human body works and is maybe better as an educational piece than pure entertainment. When it comes to the plot there are a few holes knocking about and despite running to a tight deadline the film seems to lack much tension. The production vales are pretty good and the special effects mostly work well although they are a little obvious at times, especially the resizing sequences.
3/5
Thursday 29 March 2012
Communist victory 1200 style
Alexander Nevsky (1938)
Directed by Russian film pioneer Sergei Eisenstein this historical drama has had a strong influence on film makers that have followed. With the Germans at the gates of Novogord a Russian prince rallies the troupes to defender his country.
Making films in Hollywood is often tough with many outside forces at work but in Stalinist Russia artistic control is something that is right out the window. While the film essentially focuses on the historic Battle of the Ice in reality history is thrown out in favour of a communist propaganda piece to rouse up anti German feelings against any potential invasion. The film may contain what were technological advances at the time but when viewing this as a modern audience there are some real problems such as the original sound recording being a bit diabolical, the acting not up to much and the aforementioned perversion of history. When you compare this film to what Hollywood was knocking out only a year later in Gone with the Wind (1939) and Stagecoach (1939) it is interesting to see how far behind soviet film making was.
2/5
Directed by Russian film pioneer Sergei Eisenstein this historical drama has had a strong influence on film makers that have followed. With the Germans at the gates of Novogord a Russian prince rallies the troupes to defender his country.
Making films in Hollywood is often tough with many outside forces at work but in Stalinist Russia artistic control is something that is right out the window. While the film essentially focuses on the historic Battle of the Ice in reality history is thrown out in favour of a communist propaganda piece to rouse up anti German feelings against any potential invasion. The film may contain what were technological advances at the time but when viewing this as a modern audience there are some real problems such as the original sound recording being a bit diabolical, the acting not up to much and the aforementioned perversion of history. When you compare this film to what Hollywood was knocking out only a year later in Gone with the Wind (1939) and Stagecoach (1939) it is interesting to see how far behind soviet film making was.
2/5
Wednesday 28 March 2012
A fistful of Euros
Micmacs (2009)
This French film is from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the director of Amelie (2001), and stars Dany Boon. A man with a bullet lodged in his head seeks revenge against the two arms companies that have ruined his life.
Billed as a satire of the the arms trade this is more of an off beat French take on Yojimbo (1961). Once you realise where the plot is going and that all the bizarre talents of the protagonists friends are magically going to come in handy there are not a lot of surprises. Despite the lack of originality in the plot there is still enough humour and surreal tint to the action that the film is more than entertaining.
4/5
This French film is from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the director of Amelie (2001), and stars Dany Boon. A man with a bullet lodged in his head seeks revenge against the two arms companies that have ruined his life.
Billed as a satire of the the arms trade this is more of an off beat French take on Yojimbo (1961). Once you realise where the plot is going and that all the bizarre talents of the protagonists friends are magically going to come in handy there are not a lot of surprises. Despite the lack of originality in the plot there is still enough humour and surreal tint to the action that the film is more than entertaining.
4/5
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Youth in Texas
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Based on the novel of the same name this film from director Peter Bogdanovich stars Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd and Ben Johnson. In a small town in Texas a group of youngsters are coming of age.
This film does a good job of capturing the frustration of youth in a small rural town as well as the complicated relationships of the town's inhabitants. What you get from the film is a great sense of decay not just for the town but also the disappearing youth of the younger characters. There are good performances from the cast and the film picked up two Oscars as well as several other nominations.
4/5
Based on the novel of the same name this film from director Peter Bogdanovich stars Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd and Ben Johnson. In a small town in Texas a group of youngsters are coming of age.
This film does a good job of capturing the frustration of youth in a small rural town as well as the complicated relationships of the town's inhabitants. What you get from the film is a great sense of decay not just for the town but also the disappearing youth of the younger characters. There are good performances from the cast and the film picked up two Oscars as well as several other nominations.
4/5
Monday 26 March 2012
With great budgets comes great responsibility
Spider-Man (2002)
Adapted from the well known comic book character this film is directed by Sam Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. A young man bitten by a genetically engineered spider and has to come to terms with gaining super powers.
What cinema does for comic book characters is allow their stories to be told in a concise and finite manner without the baggage of years of back story and this film does that job especially well. The plot tells the origin story of Spider-man without it feeling like a burden and layering in a good number of interesting themes as well. While the script may lay things on a little thick it is worth remembering that the target audience for Spider-man is usually slightly younger than other super heroes. Maybe there is a little too much obvious CGI in the special effects but otherwise this is a really well made adaptation.
4/5
Adapted from the well known comic book character this film is directed by Sam Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. A young man bitten by a genetically engineered spider and has to come to terms with gaining super powers.
What cinema does for comic book characters is allow their stories to be told in a concise and finite manner without the baggage of years of back story and this film does that job especially well. The plot tells the origin story of Spider-man without it feeling like a burden and layering in a good number of interesting themes as well. While the script may lay things on a little thick it is worth remembering that the target audience for Spider-man is usually slightly younger than other super heroes. Maybe there is a little too much obvious CGI in the special effects but otherwise this is a really well made adaptation.
4/5
Sunday 25 March 2012
Smoked?
Your Highness (2011)
Directed by David Green this fantasy comedy stars Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel. A slacker prince attempts to come out from under the shadow of his more successful older brother.
This film got a lot of bad reviews but it is not really as bad as it is made out to be. The humour is largely juvenile or bad taste and a little sporadic but the film does have it's funny moments. When it comes to the plot there is little that stands out or is original and the real shame of the piece is that a talent like Zooey Deschanel really has very little to do at all.
3/5
Directed by David Green this fantasy comedy stars Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel. A slacker prince attempts to come out from under the shadow of his more successful older brother.
This film got a lot of bad reviews but it is not really as bad as it is made out to be. The humour is largely juvenile or bad taste and a little sporadic but the film does have it's funny moments. When it comes to the plot there is little that stands out or is original and the real shame of the piece is that a talent like Zooey Deschanel really has very little to do at all.
3/5
Saturday 24 March 2012
Just when you thought it was safe to go home...
Scream 4 (2011)
After a 10 year break director Wes Craven returns with cast members Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courteney Cox along with new comers Emma Roberts and Hayden Penettiere. As Sidney Prescott returns to her home town a new killing spree begins that includes a new generation.
This film does what previous entries in the series have done and shines a light on current genre trends but it does feel a little like it has to try a bit too hard to do so. Mixing returning cast with a new generation does grate a little and the film does seem a little long. What the film does well is that you don't have to have seen all the previous films for this one to make sense, but having seen the first would probably help.
3/5
After a 10 year break director Wes Craven returns with cast members Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courteney Cox along with new comers Emma Roberts and Hayden Penettiere. As Sidney Prescott returns to her home town a new killing spree begins that includes a new generation.
This film does what previous entries in the series have done and shines a light on current genre trends but it does feel a little like it has to try a bit too hard to do so. Mixing returning cast with a new generation does grate a little and the film does seem a little long. What the film does well is that you don't have to have seen all the previous films for this one to make sense, but having seen the first would probably help.
3/5
Friday 23 March 2012
True crime
Boomerang (1947)
Based on a real crime this film from director Elia Kazan stars Dana Andrews, Arthur Kennedy and Lee J. Cobb. Local politics complicate the search for the killer of a small town priest in Connecticut.
What this film does well is stick to the events in question and explain them clearly while retaining plenty of character in the piece. Filming at a number of locations where events took place in real life also helps add to the realism even if character names have been changed. Over all this is a good piece on both local politics and how they can interfere with the investigation of a crime.
4/5
Based on a real crime this film from director Elia Kazan stars Dana Andrews, Arthur Kennedy and Lee J. Cobb. Local politics complicate the search for the killer of a small town priest in Connecticut.
What this film does well is stick to the events in question and explain them clearly while retaining plenty of character in the piece. Filming at a number of locations where events took place in real life also helps add to the realism even if character names have been changed. Over all this is a good piece on both local politics and how they can interfere with the investigation of a crime.
4/5
Thursday 22 March 2012
Three cowboys and a baby
3 Godfathers (1948)
Director John Ford remakes his own (now lost) earlier silent film Marked Men (1919) this time staring John Wayne, Harry Carey Jr. and Pedro Armendariz. Three bank robbers on the run end up guardians of a new born baby after it's mother dies giving birth.
As with all John Ford films you can expect a decent level of execution and some good looking scenery. When it comes to the plot it is a semi inspired by the three wise men and has a fair amount of religious content through out. The only real issue with the film is that like star John Wayne it is a little flabby on the front end and could do with getting to the meat of the piece a bit quicker.
4/5
Director John Ford remakes his own (now lost) earlier silent film Marked Men (1919) this time staring John Wayne, Harry Carey Jr. and Pedro Armendariz. Three bank robbers on the run end up guardians of a new born baby after it's mother dies giving birth.
As with all John Ford films you can expect a decent level of execution and some good looking scenery. When it comes to the plot it is a semi inspired by the three wise men and has a fair amount of religious content through out. The only real issue with the film is that like star John Wayne it is a little flabby on the front end and could do with getting to the meat of the piece a bit quicker.
4/5
Wednesday 21 March 2012
Winter war land
Battleground (1949)
Directed by William Wellman this film stars Van Johnson, John Hodiak and James Whitmore. A fictional squad take part in the Battle of the Bulge in World War 2 as part of the 101st Airborne Division that was trapped in Bastonge.
Coming so shortly after the completion of WW2 this was one of the first films to take a more realistic look at the nature of the war rather than being a propaganda piece. For the most part accuracy is observed, although there are some deviations, and the film does a good job of capturing the conditions of the battle. The only down side to the ensemble nature of the film is that there are maybe too many characters to follow and the film lacks a certain narrative focus.
4/5
Directed by William Wellman this film stars Van Johnson, John Hodiak and James Whitmore. A fictional squad take part in the Battle of the Bulge in World War 2 as part of the 101st Airborne Division that was trapped in Bastonge.
Coming so shortly after the completion of WW2 this was one of the first films to take a more realistic look at the nature of the war rather than being a propaganda piece. For the most part accuracy is observed, although there are some deviations, and the film does a good job of capturing the conditions of the battle. The only down side to the ensemble nature of the film is that there are maybe too many characters to follow and the film lacks a certain narrative focus.
4/5
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Dragon poop
Eragon (2006)
Based on the novel of the same name this film is directed by Stefen Fangmeier and stars Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich and the voice of Rachel Weisz. A young farm boy finds a dragon egg and ends up with a pet dragon to fight the evil king with.
It is pretty easy to see why no sequel was ever made to this film but how it got made with such a poor script is the real surprise. Nothing in the plot feels earned, what plot there is has little drive or direction, is highly generic and there is some decidedly dodgy dialogue towards the end. The production values are actually not that bad it is just a shame that the cast and crew had nothing to work with.
2/5
Based on the novel of the same name this film is directed by Stefen Fangmeier and stars Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich and the voice of Rachel Weisz. A young farm boy finds a dragon egg and ends up with a pet dragon to fight the evil king with.
It is pretty easy to see why no sequel was ever made to this film but how it got made with such a poor script is the real surprise. Nothing in the plot feels earned, what plot there is has little drive or direction, is highly generic and there is some decidedly dodgy dialogue towards the end. The production values are actually not that bad it is just a shame that the cast and crew had nothing to work with.
2/5
Monday 19 March 2012
Faux 80s
Take Me Home Tonight (2011)
This 80s nostalgia film is directed by Michael Dowse and stars Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler and Teresa Palmer. After graduating college and working in a video store a young man runs into his high school crush and tries to impress her.
There is not much originality in this film, it uses the standard romantic comedy plot condensed into one night with a sprinkling of coming of age angst. Anna Faris is disappointingly relegated to being a side plot which is used to pad out the film. While there are some funny moments there is nothing in this film to help it stand apart from a cluttered and lazy genre.
3/5
This 80s nostalgia film is directed by Michael Dowse and stars Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Dan Fogler and Teresa Palmer. After graduating college and working in a video store a young man runs into his high school crush and tries to impress her.
There is not much originality in this film, it uses the standard romantic comedy plot condensed into one night with a sprinkling of coming of age angst. Anna Faris is disappointingly relegated to being a side plot which is used to pad out the film. While there are some funny moments there is nothing in this film to help it stand apart from a cluttered and lazy genre.
3/5
Sunday 18 March 2012
Ordinary?
Super (2010)
Written and directed by James Gunn this film stars Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon. After his wife leaves him a man has a vision and becomes a costumed vigilante in an attempt to win her back.
Released around the same time as Kick Ass (2010) but made on a much smaller budget it is easy to see how this film slipped under the radar but is well worth a look. There is some really dark comedy on show here and while the film takes a little while to hit it's stride the final portion is excellent. It could even be said that there are some issues which most comic book films shy away from that this film is willing to look at.
4/5
Written and directed by James Gunn this film stars Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon. After his wife leaves him a man has a vision and becomes a costumed vigilante in an attempt to win her back.
Released around the same time as Kick Ass (2010) but made on a much smaller budget it is easy to see how this film slipped under the radar but is well worth a look. There is some really dark comedy on show here and while the film takes a little while to hit it's stride the final portion is excellent. It could even be said that there are some issues which most comic book films shy away from that this film is willing to look at.
4/5
Saturday 17 March 2012
Heist Five
Fast Five (2011)
For the fifth film in the franchise director Justin Lin returns along with Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and host of previous actors from the series. Our heroes are now on the run and hiding out in Brazil where they get caught up robbing a drug lord.
This film is a real mixed bag departing from the car racing of the previous films to be more your standard heist film, complete with ridiculous heist. It does take a while for the plot to get going and maybe the first section in particular could do with some trimming, you also have to wonder if the female characters are there to do much more than look good and wiggle their posteriors. When it comes to the action sequences, which are probably what people to this film for anyway, they are pretty well executed. The film certainly has some personality that helps paper over the cracks and does not suffer especially from having a lot of baggage as the fifth instalment of a franchise.
3/5
For the fifth film in the franchise director Justin Lin returns along with Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and host of previous actors from the series. Our heroes are now on the run and hiding out in Brazil where they get caught up robbing a drug lord.
This film is a real mixed bag departing from the car racing of the previous films to be more your standard heist film, complete with ridiculous heist. It does take a while for the plot to get going and maybe the first section in particular could do with some trimming, you also have to wonder if the female characters are there to do much more than look good and wiggle their posteriors. When it comes to the action sequences, which are probably what people to this film for anyway, they are pretty well executed. The film certainly has some personality that helps paper over the cracks and does not suffer especially from having a lot of baggage as the fifth instalment of a franchise.
3/5
Friday 16 March 2012
I vant to drink your blood!
Dracula (1931)
Directed by Tod Browning this film is based on a play based on the famous novel and stars Bela Lugosi in the title role. A vampire travels to England and starts to prey on the locals.
As one of the original Universal monster films this is a fairly famous film but I do not think it has aged as well as Frankenstein (1931). There is some decidedly dodgy acting on show here and the special effects are pretty poor too. Having had somewhat of a rockey production it seems cinematographer Karl Freund actually directed large portions of the film and at least some sections of the film are light really well but ultimately this is not an especially scary film.
2/5
Directed by Tod Browning this film is based on a play based on the famous novel and stars Bela Lugosi in the title role. A vampire travels to England and starts to prey on the locals.
As one of the original Universal monster films this is a fairly famous film but I do not think it has aged as well as Frankenstein (1931). There is some decidedly dodgy acting on show here and the special effects are pretty poor too. Having had somewhat of a rockey production it seems cinematographer Karl Freund actually directed large portions of the film and at least some sections of the film are light really well but ultimately this is not an especially scary film.
2/5
Thursday 15 March 2012
Awakening
Insomnia (2002)
For his second major film Christopher Nolan directed this remake of the Norwegian film of the same name with a cast including Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank. A cop under investigation by internal affairs is sent to a remote town to investigate a murder and things go from bad to worse for him.
This is probably the least praised of Nolan's films but is still a well made thriller that certainly has a tone that is reminiscent of his previous film Memento (2000). While the plot of this film is more straight forward than Nolan's other films it still has plenty of depth in the characters, especially the protagonist who is struggling not just with insomnia but also his past. The only thing that I did not like about the film is that the ending some what cheats the protagonist of having to make a hard choice with respect to the issues he has been facing through out the film.
4/5
For his second major film Christopher Nolan directed this remake of the Norwegian film of the same name with a cast including Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank. A cop under investigation by internal affairs is sent to a remote town to investigate a murder and things go from bad to worse for him.
This is probably the least praised of Nolan's films but is still a well made thriller that certainly has a tone that is reminiscent of his previous film Memento (2000). While the plot of this film is more straight forward than Nolan's other films it still has plenty of depth in the characters, especially the protagonist who is struggling not just with insomnia but also his past. The only thing that I did not like about the film is that the ending some what cheats the protagonist of having to make a hard choice with respect to the issues he has been facing through out the film.
4/5
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Single college female
The Roommate (2011)
Directed by Christian E. Christiansen this thriller stars Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester. A first year college student gets a psycho for a roommate and surprisingly things do not turn out well.
This film is pretty obviously based on Single White Female (1992) and covers most cliches of the genre. As a film in it's own right this is not the worst thriller you will ever see but given that it is pretty predictable and the direction gives little tension or atmosphere there is not much to raise it above many similar films. You also have to wonder at what point cinema will stop making cheap use of mental illness as a motivation for antagonists and give a more responsible view of the issues involved.
2/5
Directed by Christian E. Christiansen this thriller stars Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester. A first year college student gets a psycho for a roommate and surprisingly things do not turn out well.
This film is pretty obviously based on Single White Female (1992) and covers most cliches of the genre. As a film in it's own right this is not the worst thriller you will ever see but given that it is pretty predictable and the direction gives little tension or atmosphere there is not much to raise it above many similar films. You also have to wonder at what point cinema will stop making cheap use of mental illness as a motivation for antagonists and give a more responsible view of the issues involved.
2/5
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Match made in London
The War Bride (2001)
Directed by Lyndon Chubbuck this film stars Anna Friel, Brenda Fricker, Aden Young and Molly Parker. A young woman from London marries a Canadian soldier during WW2 and gets shipped off to Canada to live with the in laws who do not take kindly to her arrival.
This is pretty standard fish out of water stuff that has few surprises or anything new to say. It takes a while to actually get to Canada and the London sections of the film probably could have been trimmed down a little with no real negative affect on the film. In the end this is a fairly shallow piece that has little for or against it.
3/5
Directed by Lyndon Chubbuck this film stars Anna Friel, Brenda Fricker, Aden Young and Molly Parker. A young woman from London marries a Canadian soldier during WW2 and gets shipped off to Canada to live with the in laws who do not take kindly to her arrival.
This is pretty standard fish out of water stuff that has few surprises or anything new to say. It takes a while to actually get to Canada and the London sections of the film probably could have been trimmed down a little with no real negative affect on the film. In the end this is a fairly shallow piece that has little for or against it.
3/5
Monday 12 March 2012
Up lifting?
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Based on a non-fiction book this romantic comedy from director Edward Zwick stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. A drug rep that is a serial charmer falls in love with a cynical yong woman that has Parkinson's disease.
The plot of this film could really have done with a little trimming, it pretends to be about the Viagra revolution but that is barely a side issue in what is pretty much a standard romantic comedy. Coming from a genre that is known for it's predictability, largely stupid plots and overly sentimental tone this film does at least manage to ignore most of those pitfalls even if there is room for a little trimming on the run time. As to what the film does well it is hard to find a lot to praise beyond Anne Hathaway getting naked a bunch, otherwise this is an average effort.
3/5
Based on a non-fiction book this romantic comedy from director Edward Zwick stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. A drug rep that is a serial charmer falls in love with a cynical yong woman that has Parkinson's disease.
The plot of this film could really have done with a little trimming, it pretends to be about the Viagra revolution but that is barely a side issue in what is pretty much a standard romantic comedy. Coming from a genre that is known for it's predictability, largely stupid plots and overly sentimental tone this film does at least manage to ignore most of those pitfalls even if there is room for a little trimming on the run time. As to what the film does well it is hard to find a lot to praise beyond Anne Hathaway getting naked a bunch, otherwise this is an average effort.
3/5
Sunday 11 March 2012
The king of F1
Senna (2010)
Directed by Asif Kapadia this documentary uses archive footage with some modern voice overs to tell the story of Ayrton Senna. The documentary charts Senna's career from his early days in Formula One racing up to his death at the fateful 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
In racing circles Senna is something of a mythical figure not just because of his great ability but also because his career was cut tragically short. With so much archive footage to draw from the documentary does an excellent job of showing Senna's story although I was slightly disappointed that there was not a larger contribution from people that actually worked with Senna. Some of the footage is not easy to watch, especially that of Martin Donnelly lying injured on the track following his 1990 crash at Jerez or the two fatalities at San Marino in 1994.
4/5
Directed by Asif Kapadia this documentary uses archive footage with some modern voice overs to tell the story of Ayrton Senna. The documentary charts Senna's career from his early days in Formula One racing up to his death at the fateful 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
In racing circles Senna is something of a mythical figure not just because of his great ability but also because his career was cut tragically short. With so much archive footage to draw from the documentary does an excellent job of showing Senna's story although I was slightly disappointed that there was not a larger contribution from people that actually worked with Senna. Some of the footage is not easy to watch, especially that of Martin Donnelly lying injured on the track following his 1990 crash at Jerez or the two fatalities at San Marino in 1994.
4/5
Saturday 10 March 2012
How the past made the future
Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
Containing interviews with all the major cast, crew and other people involved with the film this is the making of documentary that was released along with the Blade Runner: The Final Cut DVD and Blu-rays.
The trouble with making of documentaries is that they often tend to devolve into a circle jerk of mutual appreciation and unfortunately this is the case here despite the film having a number of problems during production. While the major issues that arose during production of Blade Runner are touched on it is not with any depth or willingness to put it with in a wider scope of how Hollywood works. There are some interesting hints at how the special effects were achieved without the aid of computers and this is definitely the most interesting part of the piece but again does not really go into any depth.
3/5
Containing interviews with all the major cast, crew and other people involved with the film this is the making of documentary that was released along with the Blade Runner: The Final Cut DVD and Blu-rays.
The trouble with making of documentaries is that they often tend to devolve into a circle jerk of mutual appreciation and unfortunately this is the case here despite the film having a number of problems during production. While the major issues that arose during production of Blade Runner are touched on it is not with any depth or willingness to put it with in a wider scope of how Hollywood works. There are some interesting hints at how the special effects were achieved without the aid of computers and this is definitely the most interesting part of the piece but again does not really go into any depth.
3/5
Friday 9 March 2012
Serious mistake
Serious Moonlight (2009)
Directed by Cheryl Hines this alleged comedy stars Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton and Kristen Bell. A woman finds her husband is about to leave her so ties him up and tries to convince him to stay with her.
This film is littered with problems, it is not funny enough to be a comedy and everything else is too weak to take it seriously. When it comes to the characters none of their actions seem believable while both the direction and Meg Ryan's performance are decidedly patchy at best. Writer Adrienne Shelly was murdered a year before production on this film began and unfortunately it does feel like the script was left incomplete as her previous work Waitress (2007), which she also directed, was miles better than this film.
1/5
Directed by Cheryl Hines this alleged comedy stars Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton and Kristen Bell. A woman finds her husband is about to leave her so ties him up and tries to convince him to stay with her.
This film is littered with problems, it is not funny enough to be a comedy and everything else is too weak to take it seriously. When it comes to the characters none of their actions seem believable while both the direction and Meg Ryan's performance are decidedly patchy at best. Writer Adrienne Shelly was murdered a year before production on this film began and unfortunately it does feel like the script was left incomplete as her previous work Waitress (2007), which she also directed, was miles better than this film.
1/5
Thursday 8 March 2012
A ranch divided
Broken Lance (1954)
Based on the novel “I'll Never Go Home Any More” this Western is directed by Edward Dmytryk and stars Spencer Trancy, Robert Wagner and Richard Widmark. After being released from prison the youngest son of a rancher deals with his brothers treachery.
There is a great performance from Spencer Tracy as the grouchy old ranch owner in this film but other than that there is not a lot to raise this film above the average of a cluttered genre. While the film does contain some anti racism elements it does not really broach the subject in the depth of a film like The Searchers (1956). It is also interesting to note that Tracy's second wife who is supposed to be a native American but referred to as Senora as that is more acceptable to the conservative locals is actually played by a Mexican actress.
3/5
Based on the novel “I'll Never Go Home Any More” this Western is directed by Edward Dmytryk and stars Spencer Trancy, Robert Wagner and Richard Widmark. After being released from prison the youngest son of a rancher deals with his brothers treachery.
There is a great performance from Spencer Tracy as the grouchy old ranch owner in this film but other than that there is not a lot to raise this film above the average of a cluttered genre. While the film does contain some anti racism elements it does not really broach the subject in the depth of a film like The Searchers (1956). It is also interesting to note that Tracy's second wife who is supposed to be a native American but referred to as Senora as that is more acceptable to the conservative locals is actually played by a Mexican actress.
3/5
Wednesday 7 March 2012
Informing
Danger Within (1959)
Don Chaffey directs this British war film which stars Richard Todd, Bernard Lee and Richard Attenborough. A group of British officers try to escape from a POW camp in Italy but it seems there is an informant in their ranks.
Despite the central premise of the film being about an informant the film does not really focus on this, rather it is more a side topic to various escape attempts. Really this film should have played off the tension of infighting and trying to find the informant but ends up being a fairly average film. There are decent performances as you would expect from this cast and it is worth looking out for an early, uncredited appearance from Michael Caine.
3/5
Don Chaffey directs this British war film which stars Richard Todd, Bernard Lee and Richard Attenborough. A group of British officers try to escape from a POW camp in Italy but it seems there is an informant in their ranks.
Despite the central premise of the film being about an informant the film does not really focus on this, rather it is more a side topic to various escape attempts. Really this film should have played off the tension of infighting and trying to find the informant but ends up being a fairly average film. There are decent performances as you would expect from this cast and it is worth looking out for an early, uncredited appearance from Michael Caine.
3/5
Tuesday 6 March 2012
It was all going swimingly
Deep End (1971)
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski this joint British-West German film stars John Moulder Brown and Jane Asher. A young pool attendant becomes obsessed with his female co-worker and struggles to come to terms with the sexually charged world of the pool.
Only recently rediscovered this film was thought lost for a long time but certainly typifies films about the sexual revolution in Britain. The plot does appear a little bit scatter brained and viewers should be warned there is a fair amount of nudity. When it comes to execution some of the dialogue does not seem perfectly synced and there is an odd foreign language news paper that pops up being read by an extra on the tube.
3/5
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski this joint British-West German film stars John Moulder Brown and Jane Asher. A young pool attendant becomes obsessed with his female co-worker and struggles to come to terms with the sexually charged world of the pool.
Only recently rediscovered this film was thought lost for a long time but certainly typifies films about the sexual revolution in Britain. The plot does appear a little bit scatter brained and viewers should be warned there is a fair amount of nudity. When it comes to execution some of the dialogue does not seem perfectly synced and there is an odd foreign language news paper that pops up being read by an extra on the tube.
3/5
Monday 5 March 2012
Dead
Hereafter (2010)
Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural drama which stars Matt Damon and Cecile de France. Three stories on a common theme of dealing with death and the afterlife end up connecting in London.
The problem with this film is that of the three stories only one of them really has an interesting central character, the Matt Damon sections with the reluctant psychic, the other sections feel rather bland. In the end it is not just most of the characters that come across as bland but the film it self as it does not really seem to go anywhere. As with any Eastwood film the direction is good but really the film could have done with more meat or just focusing on the one interesting character it has.
3/5
Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural drama which stars Matt Damon and Cecile de France. Three stories on a common theme of dealing with death and the afterlife end up connecting in London.
The problem with this film is that of the three stories only one of them really has an interesting central character, the Matt Damon sections with the reluctant psychic, the other sections feel rather bland. In the end it is not just most of the characters that come across as bland but the film it self as it does not really seem to go anywhere. As with any Eastwood film the direction is good but really the film could have done with more meat or just focusing on the one interesting character it has.
3/5
Sunday 4 March 2012
When musketeers get old
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Based on the work of Alexandre Dumas this adaptation from Randall Wallace stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gabriel Byrne and Gerard Depardieu. The young king of France is a bad king but may his imprisoned twin offers the musketeers a chance to replace him.
This is a fairly loose adaptation that offers a clean and well constructed story based on elements of Dumas's story and early films on the same premise. About the only problem with the script is the way that it lays on the sentimentality in the final part of the film which feels a bit heavy handed. Despite all the departure from source material and history what we end up with is a decent film with a really good cast that has plenty to entertain.
3/5
Based on the work of Alexandre Dumas this adaptation from Randall Wallace stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gabriel Byrne and Gerard Depardieu. The young king of France is a bad king but may his imprisoned twin offers the musketeers a chance to replace him.
This is a fairly loose adaptation that offers a clean and well constructed story based on elements of Dumas's story and early films on the same premise. About the only problem with the script is the way that it lays on the sentimentality in the final part of the film which feels a bit heavy handed. Despite all the departure from source material and history what we end up with is a decent film with a really good cast that has plenty to entertain.
3/5
Saturday 3 March 2012
Wicked Witch of the US
Hanna (2011)
Directed by Joe Wright this action thriller stars Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett. The daughter of a CIA agent seeks revenge on her mothers killer after a child hood living and training in an Arctic wilderness.
There is some great style to the execution of this film and the Finland based sections in particular look stunning. Less impressive is the plot which is fairly standard and seems to lack any moral compass as the protagonist and her father just kill anyone who gets in their way. In the end this is more an exercise in style and atmosphere than story telling but still a good watch.
4/5
Directed by Joe Wright this action thriller stars Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett. The daughter of a CIA agent seeks revenge on her mothers killer after a child hood living and training in an Arctic wilderness.
There is some great style to the execution of this film and the Finland based sections in particular look stunning. Less impressive is the plot which is fairly standard and seems to lack any moral compass as the protagonist and her father just kill anyone who gets in their way. In the end this is more an exercise in style and atmosphere than story telling but still a good watch.
4/5
Friday 2 March 2012
Objection?
Legally Blonde (2001)
Based on the novel of the same name this film is directed by Robert Luketic and stars Reese Withersoon, Luke Wilson and Selma Blair. A superficial, rich girl goes to law school to try and win her ex-boyfriend back.
It is not hard to see what this film is trying to do, hold up a mirror to some of the 90s superficiality as well as show that women do not need to define themselves by the man in their lives but should have their own goals too. The problem is that despite decent goals the film seems to fall victim to it's own superficiality and simplicity. What transformation there is protagonist does not feel especially earned and the ending seems hollow (as well as ridiculous) as the final court case is not won through the protagonist having changed but from what she knew from the start.
2/5
Based on the novel of the same name this film is directed by Robert Luketic and stars Reese Withersoon, Luke Wilson and Selma Blair. A superficial, rich girl goes to law school to try and win her ex-boyfriend back.
It is not hard to see what this film is trying to do, hold up a mirror to some of the 90s superficiality as well as show that women do not need to define themselves by the man in their lives but should have their own goals too. The problem is that despite decent goals the film seems to fall victim to it's own superficiality and simplicity. What transformation there is protagonist does not feel especially earned and the ending seems hollow (as well as ridiculous) as the final court case is not won through the protagonist having changed but from what she knew from the start.
2/5
Thursday 1 March 2012
Air battle
Reach for the Sky (1956)
Based on the book of the same name this biopic is directed by Lewis Gilbert and stars Kenneth More. A young RAF pilot's ego results in the loss of both his legs and has to struggle to come to terms with his disability as well as fight to be allowed to fly again during WW2.
As with many biopics this film is not a warts and all piece but does at least hint at some of the negative character treats of it's subject. Sticking largely to the facts this is a decent WW2 film and certainly there is an inspirational element to someone having to over come such a terrible crash. Obviously being made over 50 years ago some of the special effects do look a little ropey at times but otherwise the film is well made.
4/5
Based on the book of the same name this biopic is directed by Lewis Gilbert and stars Kenneth More. A young RAF pilot's ego results in the loss of both his legs and has to struggle to come to terms with his disability as well as fight to be allowed to fly again during WW2.
As with many biopics this film is not a warts and all piece but does at least hint at some of the negative character treats of it's subject. Sticking largely to the facts this is a decent WW2 film and certainly there is an inspirational element to someone having to over come such a terrible crash. Obviously being made over 50 years ago some of the special effects do look a little ropey at times but otherwise the film is well made.
4/5
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