My heart is so sad.
I did not know what to expect. I hadn't heard much about it apart from very mixed reviews. I knew it was about a group of three people who had been raised together in a school for children, that there was some unrequited love and that it had a "sci-fi" or futuristic element to it. I did not expect it to be heart wrenchingly sad.
I'm not going to say much about the storyline, because i dont want to spoil it, but the opening half hour is quite slow and jolted, based in their childhood. It is beautifully shot, and the child actors have a presence on screen that i strong and nice to see. However, it is when we get to the adult lives of the characters that this film really starts to take off. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley are all brilliant, showing such emotioanl depth that i literally wanted to cry for them.
I expected this film to be similar to Atonement, in the respects that it's extremely beautiful to look at, it has Keira Knightley in it (actually acting well), and it's the sort of film that a lot of people don't appreciate. This is all true, but nobody can criticise the tremendous amount of acting and emotionality of the film, it is, simply beautiful.
Some people won't like it. It isn't uplifting. It paints a world that is awful, a world thats not worth thinking about. But maybe it is worth thinking about, maybe the author who wrote the book is trying to say something. If nothing else, enjoy the beautiful scenery, the sometimes harrowing emotionality, and the utterly beautiful acting by three very talented brits.
4/5
Friday, 11 February 2011
Iron man 2, revisited
So, of course i saw this film at the cinema, but last night i watched it for the first time on dvd, so i thought i would review it, more so that i could just talk about Robert Downey Junior than anything else.
It is, overall, a highly entertaining film, and a good follow up, considering that it had huge potential to be awful. The rough story line starts with tony stark who is "out of the bag" as Iron man after self proclaiming his hero-ness, and is enjoying the life of being known and loved. Meanwhile an angry russian guy (an underplayed Mickey Rourke) plots to kill stark, and the film centres around his co-operation with Justin Hammer, (Sam Rockwell) to find a way to "out-do" Iron Man.
The plot has holes, the special effects are so-so, and re-casting Rudey with Don Cheadle was a mistake. However, Robert D.J sparkles in every scene he his in (which is luckily quite a few) and once again makes the Iron Man franchise shine. He is just pure brilliance as the eccentric, narcissistic, but thoroughly charming Tony Stark. Mickey Rourke is also pretty good as the Russian scientist (with a name that i'm not even going to try and write), but is underused, and the screen time he does have is mainly comprised of him sat there saying things in Russian. Sam Rockwell is also grossly under used. He is a brilliant and vibrant actor, in a really quite rubbish role. Neither the character or the actor do justice to each other. Scarlett Johanson is also wrongly cast, bringing no personality to a dull character, and Jon Favreau obviously thinks that directing is not enough by giving himself a cringeworthy "fight" scene.
I would like this film, if the only character was Tony Stark. In fact, I may like it a bit more if it was just the Tony Stark show, but that's irrelevant. My point is, is that Robert D.J makes this film, and that by me, is more than fine.
Enjoyment factor - 4/5 The film as a whole - 3/5
It is, overall, a highly entertaining film, and a good follow up, considering that it had huge potential to be awful. The rough story line starts with tony stark who is "out of the bag" as Iron man after self proclaiming his hero-ness, and is enjoying the life of being known and loved. Meanwhile an angry russian guy (an underplayed Mickey Rourke) plots to kill stark, and the film centres around his co-operation with Justin Hammer, (Sam Rockwell) to find a way to "out-do" Iron Man.
The plot has holes, the special effects are so-so, and re-casting Rudey with Don Cheadle was a mistake. However, Robert D.J sparkles in every scene he his in (which is luckily quite a few) and once again makes the Iron Man franchise shine. He is just pure brilliance as the eccentric, narcissistic, but thoroughly charming Tony Stark. Mickey Rourke is also pretty good as the Russian scientist (with a name that i'm not even going to try and write), but is underused, and the screen time he does have is mainly comprised of him sat there saying things in Russian. Sam Rockwell is also grossly under used. He is a brilliant and vibrant actor, in a really quite rubbish role. Neither the character or the actor do justice to each other. Scarlett Johanson is also wrongly cast, bringing no personality to a dull character, and Jon Favreau obviously thinks that directing is not enough by giving himself a cringeworthy "fight" scene.
I would like this film, if the only character was Tony Stark. In fact, I may like it a bit more if it was just the Tony Stark show, but that's irrelevant. My point is, is that Robert D.J makes this film, and that by me, is more than fine.
Enjoyment factor - 4/5 The film as a whole - 3/5
Sunday, 6 February 2011
The Fighter
I am not interested in sport, i'm not interested in films about sport (even if they are inspirational like the new sort of genre that seems to have taken a place in film makers hearts) and i'm most definitley not interested in boxing. However, I am interested in supposedly brilliant films, and i'm also interested in the oscar runners, and it is in these categories that The Fighter fits.
The storyline follows two brothers. One, (Dickie, played by a brilliant Christian Bale) a former boxer and a crack addict who is training his younger brother Mickey (Mark Wahlberg) to become a renowned boxer that he never was. I expected the sort of film that centers on something like the boxing, but is actually a story and a film of relationships, and to an extent it is. A slow start but Christian Bale is brilliant as the eccentric Dickie, and Mark Wahlberg plays his best role in a while, fighting convincingly and playing the younger quieter character extremely well. But I have to say, it is in the moments where Mickey is in the ring fighting that are the most entertaining and joyfully real. Wahlberg truly built himself up to the stance of a boxer and is brilliant in the ring.
Definitley worth a watch, Bale most definitley stands a chance of getting best supporting actor, however,as a film, not as good as the Kings Speech. In its own right, a very good film.
4/5
The storyline follows two brothers. One, (Dickie, played by a brilliant Christian Bale) a former boxer and a crack addict who is training his younger brother Mickey (Mark Wahlberg) to become a renowned boxer that he never was. I expected the sort of film that centers on something like the boxing, but is actually a story and a film of relationships, and to an extent it is. A slow start but Christian Bale is brilliant as the eccentric Dickie, and Mark Wahlberg plays his best role in a while, fighting convincingly and playing the younger quieter character extremely well. But I have to say, it is in the moments where Mickey is in the ring fighting that are the most entertaining and joyfully real. Wahlberg truly built himself up to the stance of a boxer and is brilliant in the ring.
Definitley worth a watch, Bale most definitley stands a chance of getting best supporting actor, however,as a film, not as good as the Kings Speech. In its own right, a very good film.
4/5
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Tangled
It makes my heart happy that Disney have gone back to the start, not only bringing in a classic princess (Rapunzel) but also bringing back the cheesy songs. Joy.
It got off to a slowish start. Girl (Rapunzel) with long long blonde magical healing hair, is kept for 18 years in a tower by her supposed mother. Guy, Eugene (lol) a rugged and loveable thief, happens to cross paths with Rapunzel and promises to take her on an adventure.
There was a slight chance that this film could go badly. The music could have been awful, and it is hard to get the charm of previous films like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The Princcess and the Frog for instance, was a great idea, but lacked charm.Tangled however hits the mark. It's beautiful to look at, the songs are fun and soulful - Alan Menken is on top form - and the characters are the ones that you remember; cheeky, pretty and full of life.
4/5
It got off to a slowish start. Girl (Rapunzel) with long long blonde magical healing hair, is kept for 18 years in a tower by her supposed mother. Guy, Eugene (lol) a rugged and loveable thief, happens to cross paths with Rapunzel and promises to take her on an adventure.
There was a slight chance that this film could go badly. The music could have been awful, and it is hard to get the charm of previous films like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The Princcess and the Frog for instance, was a great idea, but lacked charm.Tangled however hits the mark. It's beautiful to look at, the songs are fun and soulful - Alan Menken is on top form - and the characters are the ones that you remember; cheeky, pretty and full of life.
4/5
Friday, 21 January 2011
Black Swan - There are no words
Oh, my goodness.
There really isnt a word to fully describe this film. It's ridiculous and sublime,dark and beautiful, metaphorical, yet very real. I can't criticise it, because anything that could be criticised could also be rendered as manic genius. It's so mentally tiring, yet seamlessly entertaining. In terms of storyline, well theres a girl whose a ballerina who finally gets a main part as the queen swan in swan lake. She is perfect for the part as the timid virginal white swan but not so much for the evil black one. Chaos ensues in the form of self harm, murder, female masturbation, lesbian action, mental insanity and death.
I think i really liked it, its kind of hard to tell. But i do know that its beautiful, creepy and entertaining, and that Natalie Portman gives an absolutely amazing performance.
Wow.
4/5
There really isnt a word to fully describe this film. It's ridiculous and sublime,dark and beautiful, metaphorical, yet very real. I can't criticise it, because anything that could be criticised could also be rendered as manic genius. It's so mentally tiring, yet seamlessly entertaining. In terms of storyline, well theres a girl whose a ballerina who finally gets a main part as the queen swan in swan lake. She is perfect for the part as the timid virginal white swan but not so much for the evil black one. Chaos ensues in the form of self harm, murder, female masturbation, lesbian action, mental insanity and death.
I think i really liked it, its kind of hard to tell. But i do know that its beautiful, creepy and entertaining, and that Natalie Portman gives an absolutely amazing performance.
Wow.
4/5
Thursday, 13 January 2011
The Kings Speech
This is the new, and highly crictically acclaimed film and true story about king george the 6th (Colin Firth) and his stutter that terrified him and disabled him from making the speeches that a king ought. His wife (Helena Bonham Carter) finds a kooky and unconventional speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) who eventually develops a relationship with the King, and helps him overcome his impediment.
It is needless to say that this a beautiful and flawless film that is entertaining to watch and yet pulls on your heart strings. All the cast are superb. It is refreshing to see Helena Bonham Carter in a role, which doesnt cover her in gothic make up and back comb her hair. She is wonderful as Colin Firths counter part and proves that she doesn't just act quirky, but does in fact act extremely well. Geoffrey Rush also acts Lionel Logue very well, but it is Colin Firth, who I just wanted to hug for contributing such an amazing performance and making the film what it is. Colin Firth in real life is known for being quite shy and reserved, so coming on to screen and acting a stammer that has to get better, screaming, shouting, crying, and breaking out into fits of swearing would not be the easiest of jobs, but he does it with absolutely no difficulty, only with flourish and zest.
It looks beautiful, the acting was incredible, and it gives the audience an insight into the guilty nosy pleasure that is the royal family. Amazing. 5/5.
It is needless to say that this a beautiful and flawless film that is entertaining to watch and yet pulls on your heart strings. All the cast are superb. It is refreshing to see Helena Bonham Carter in a role, which doesnt cover her in gothic make up and back comb her hair. She is wonderful as Colin Firths counter part and proves that she doesn't just act quirky, but does in fact act extremely well. Geoffrey Rush also acts Lionel Logue very well, but it is Colin Firth, who I just wanted to hug for contributing such an amazing performance and making the film what it is. Colin Firth in real life is known for being quite shy and reserved, so coming on to screen and acting a stammer that has to get better, screaming, shouting, crying, and breaking out into fits of swearing would not be the easiest of jobs, but he does it with absolutely no difficulty, only with flourish and zest.
It looks beautiful, the acting was incredible, and it gives the audience an insight into the guilty nosy pleasure that is the royal family. Amazing. 5/5.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
marriage, festivities and swedish horror films...
Wow. This has been a crazy few weeks.
So firstly i went and got engaged (not on my own, just to clarify) which is extremely exciting if not also terrifying and making me excruciatingly panicky. I mean don't get me wrong, i totally want to get married, and not just married, married to Andy who i couldn't spend my life without (bit of sentimentality for you there), but I in no way want to plan a wedding for 9 months time (yes we're getting married in september) whilst also doing a crazy stupid amount of work - or not doing, as the case is at the moment.
Sigh.
I know what you're saying, don't get married in september then. what i would rather say is, lets not do the work then. That's how much i want to get married this year and start a new life, in a new place with the person that i love. And no, i'm not stupid, i know it is in no way easy, and some of you do think i have a screw loose for getting married young, or fast or any of the other reasons that people are throwing at me, but so what. If i know nothing else, i know that God willing, i can be a good wife and a good mother, and that's what i want to do.
So apart from that, and the normality that was christmas day, my parents and brother disapeared off to Florida, leaving me, my sister, my dog and my dvd player alone. So i did what any person would do, and bought seven new dvds. Yay. The first film that i watched was "Let the right one in" a swedish horror film about a vampire "girl" that befriends the loner boy next door. Now, I've been wanting to watch this for ages, but to be honest was a little bit scared to watch it on my own. So, armed with my sister, her boyfriend and my cushion we set out to watch the movie. I was pleasantly suprised. It wasn't as horrible as i thought it was going to be (although i'm not denying squeamish and gory parts). Moreover, there was a sweet poignancy in the relationship between Oscar and Eli (boy and vampire) that was intriguing and compelling and transcended anything else the movie wanted to throw at you. Granted, some of the conversation was clumsy between the two main characters, yet at the same time, this almost seemed fitting, and could probably be allowed.
The next film i watched was "The disapearance of Alice Creed". This is a british gritty thriller about a girl who is kidnapped in order to get 2 million pounds off her rich father. Now, this film got really high critical acclaim. Not alot happens, yet it is still on the edge of your seat stuff, compelling and with quite alot of twists and turns that leave you quite suprised. However, this being said, it does feel a little over done at times. Some of the things that happened left me a bit like, err really? And I feel like this made it a little unrealistic and took away from the intensity of it. Overall, however, I did find it enjoyable, and i wasn't at any point bored.
I could go on for longer, but i fear i've bored you enough. Watch this space for news on the kings speech, black swan and tangled amongst many more i'm sure. Along with a healthy rambling about wedding venue issues and how rubbish my work is going.
Happy New Year. May you have a good one.
So firstly i went and got engaged (not on my own, just to clarify) which is extremely exciting if not also terrifying and making me excruciatingly panicky. I mean don't get me wrong, i totally want to get married, and not just married, married to Andy who i couldn't spend my life without (bit of sentimentality for you there), but I in no way want to plan a wedding for 9 months time (yes we're getting married in september) whilst also doing a crazy stupid amount of work - or not doing, as the case is at the moment.
Sigh.
I know what you're saying, don't get married in september then. what i would rather say is, lets not do the work then. That's how much i want to get married this year and start a new life, in a new place with the person that i love. And no, i'm not stupid, i know it is in no way easy, and some of you do think i have a screw loose for getting married young, or fast or any of the other reasons that people are throwing at me, but so what. If i know nothing else, i know that God willing, i can be a good wife and a good mother, and that's what i want to do.
So apart from that, and the normality that was christmas day, my parents and brother disapeared off to Florida, leaving me, my sister, my dog and my dvd player alone. So i did what any person would do, and bought seven new dvds. Yay. The first film that i watched was "Let the right one in" a swedish horror film about a vampire "girl" that befriends the loner boy next door. Now, I've been wanting to watch this for ages, but to be honest was a little bit scared to watch it on my own. So, armed with my sister, her boyfriend and my cushion we set out to watch the movie. I was pleasantly suprised. It wasn't as horrible as i thought it was going to be (although i'm not denying squeamish and gory parts). Moreover, there was a sweet poignancy in the relationship between Oscar and Eli (boy and vampire) that was intriguing and compelling and transcended anything else the movie wanted to throw at you. Granted, some of the conversation was clumsy between the two main characters, yet at the same time, this almost seemed fitting, and could probably be allowed.
The next film i watched was "The disapearance of Alice Creed". This is a british gritty thriller about a girl who is kidnapped in order to get 2 million pounds off her rich father. Now, this film got really high critical acclaim. Not alot happens, yet it is still on the edge of your seat stuff, compelling and with quite alot of twists and turns that leave you quite suprised. However, this being said, it does feel a little over done at times. Some of the things that happened left me a bit like, err really? And I feel like this made it a little unrealistic and took away from the intensity of it. Overall, however, I did find it enjoyable, and i wasn't at any point bored.
I could go on for longer, but i fear i've bored you enough. Watch this space for news on the kings speech, black swan and tangled amongst many more i'm sure. Along with a healthy rambling about wedding venue issues and how rubbish my work is going.
Happy New Year. May you have a good one.
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