Friday 31 December 2010

Film Review: DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)


Director: Kevin Costner
Running time: 173 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 8th February 1991

Watched on Sky+ Friday 31st December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have only seen this film once before, it was on a commercial station and (with commercials) it was so long they had to split it over two nights. The BBC finally got the rights and we get it over one afternoon (thank you BBC!). The trouble is, because it’s shown in the afternoon, we get a slightly tamed down version, not that I’m complaining. But more of my nonsense later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please wait back at fort Hays while I write the next paragraph).



Having fought and been decorated in the American Civil War, Lt. John Dunbar is offered any posting he would like. He decides to go and see the frontier, in his words, “Before it’s gone.” He gets a posting to Fort Hays where the commander, clearly insane, posts him on to a far-flung outpost, which he finds deserted. Finding himself alone, he is befriended by a lone wolf he calls “Two-Socks”. Eventually he attracts the attention of a tribe of Sioux Indians. After a rather faltering start the two sides slowly learn to trust one another. Dunbar makes friends, including, Kicking Bird and Wind In His Hair who show him the ways of the Plains people. There is also a white woman among the tribe, Stands With a Fist; she was taken in when she lost her family at a very young age. She acts as interpreter and, eventually, she becomes very close to the young Lieutenant. There is a cloud on the horizon, however, Dunbar knows that the white men are coming and this cannot be good for the tribe.




This is an epic film with some tremendous vistas; I would love to have seen it on the big screen. I love the way that Costner made all of the white people in the picture particularly loathsome (with two notable exceptions). Decent performances all round, so honourable mentions go to; Kevin Costner as Lieutenant Dunbar, Mary McDonnell as Stands With A Fist, Graham Greene as Kicking Bird, Rodney A. Grant as Wind In His Hair and Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman as Ten Bears.




I think you have to be prepared beforehand to watch this film… Three hours is a long time so plenty of refreshments and control of the remote is always good (for bathroom breaks). There is a pretty slow pace to the way the story unveils, but it’s worth sticking with. The final chapter does go on a little and I feel could have been cut slightly. Apart from that, it’s an epic film that is well worth a viewing… Recommended.

My score: 8.3/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0099348/
Official Site: http://www.mgm.com/view/Movie/480/Dances-with-Wolves/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi2341967897/

Thursday 30 December 2010

Film Review: PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (1987)


Writer/Director: John Hughes
Running time: 93 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 14th February 1988

Watched on Sky+ Thursday 30th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is one of those films that I could watch time and time again without getting bored with it. There is just something about the comic timing of Steve Martin and John Candy that I will never tire of. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK and judging by this, it’s probably a good thing. Travelling here is problematic at the best of times! But enough of my nonsense, here’s a brief summary before I tell you what I really think (summary haters please return the rental car that should be in space V5; you’ve had your fun now!).

Neal Page is a successful businessman who is working in New York just before the Thanksgiving holidays. He plans to get the 6PM flight back to Chicago, but from the off things don’t go according to plan. He finds himself befriended by Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman who is headed to Chicago also. It is clear that Neal finds Del very irritating and, when they are diverted to Wichita; his mood doesn’t improve when they’re forced to share a hotel room. They next try the train, but that breaks down and they’re forced to get the bus to St Louis. I won’t tell you the whole of their trip, but needless to say this odd couple’s adventures are just beginning.

This is a really well made film with, just about, the best actors possible chosen for the starring roles. I cannot imagine this film being made with anyone else playing those parts (probably why I won’t watch ‘Due Date’ (2010)). Steve Martin plays the uptight Neal Page so well and John Candy is at his brilliant best as the really annoying Del Griffith. Oh, and look out for a non speaking role for Kevin Bacon, racing Steve Martin for a cab at the beginning of the film.

As I may have already intimated, I think the casting for this one is perfect. Add to that a superb script by John Hughes and you have a classic American comedy. I just wish filmmakers today had the skill to write and produce more films of this type; maybe I would like comedies more if they did! It’s always welcome on my TV screen and so, highly recommended.

My score: 8.5/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3548381465/

Film Review: SCROOGED (1988)


Director: Richard Donner
Running time: 98 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

UK release date: 25th November 1988

Watched on Sky+ Thursday 30th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Back in my youth I used to love this film, it had such great comic moments for me and I loved watching it every chance I got. It has now been quite a number of years since I last saw it and it seems I’ve changed my view somewhat. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve got older (& wiser), or it’s because it has become dated, but I certainly didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to. But more of that later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please find a humane way of fitting those tiny antlers to that mouse… thank you).

Frank Cross is a young and ambitious TV executive. He has risen through the ranks to the position of President of the Network at the expense of his relationships with his family and his girl, Claire Phillips. They are to put on a live production of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, but they call it ‘Scrooge’ for some reason. This means everyone has to work on Christmas Eve... Not popular as you might guess. When Frank is visited by the ghost of his former boss, he is told he must change his ways. To this end he will be visited by three ghosts. These ghosts, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future show Frank the error of his ways… But it’s up to him to change.

Although it’s a pretty well produced film I did find it a little dated by today’s standards. Yes, Bill Murray really pulled them in back in the day, but today I find him a little bit irritating. Having said that, he played the part of Frank Cross with great professionalism. It was the actors in the smaller parts I found more interesting; Carol Kane really gave her all as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Bobcat Goldthwait was great (as ever) as the unfortunate Eliot Loudermilk and it as nice to see Robert Mitchum as Studio owner, Preston Rhinelander. Oh, and I should also give an honourable mention to Karen Allen as Claire Phillips.

I think part of the problem I have with this film is the Frank Cross character is so obnoxious that I find it really hard to have any empathy for him when he finally has his revelation. Maybe they took it a bit too far (for me), but having said that, there is still something about this film… or am I reliving my youth again? Still, it’s a bit of Christmas fun, if a little dated, so, recommended… but only if you’re in the mood.

My score: 6.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0096061/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxykefLvdZI

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Film Review: STATEN ISLAND (2009) [a.k.a. LITTLE NEW YORK]


Writer/Director: James DeMonaco
Running time: 93 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

France release date: 5th August 2009

Watched on Sky+ Wednesday 29th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I hadn’t heard much about this film before viewing it, but I do remember seeing a clip somewhere or other. It follows the lives of three people living on the island and shows what happens when their lives intersect. It is made in a very interesting style, almost what I would expect to see from a French studio, but when I saw that one of the producers was none other than Luc Besson, I was less than surprised. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please protect this small forest while I write the next paragraph).

Sully Halverson cleans septic tanks for a living. He’s not the sharpest blade in the box, but when he and his wife, Mary, decide to have a baby, he begins to get ideas. He sees a treatment program they are running at the hospital that genetically changes an embryo so the resultant child will be smarter. Now, if only he could get some money to pay for it… Parmie Tarzo is an ambitious mob boss. He lives alone with his mother and wants, more than anything, to be famous. His mother was recently shot during a robbery at his house and Tarzo and his gang are after the perpetrators. After he decides to take over the entire Staten Island operation and an attempted hit by a rival gang fails, he kind of loses the plot a little. He is found on a platform up a tree, trying to protect an area of forest due for demolition… Jasper Sabiano is a deaf mute who works in a deli and does ‘disposal’ jobs on the side for Tarzo. He has a liking for gambling on the horses and when he wins big he feels he might be able to help his friend Sully… These three characters are about to collide and things will never be that same for any of them.
As I said at the beginning, this film has very much the feel of a French art house film, but its set in New York. It’s kind of strange to watch if you’re not used to that sort of thing, but if you stick with it, it will pay off in the end. Great performances from all of the main cast; Ethan Hawke plays the dumb Sully Halverson with great aplomb, Vincent D'Onofrio is perfect as Parmie Tarzo and Seymour Cassel is superb as Jasper Sabiano. Oh, and an honourable mention must go to Julianne Nicholson as Mary Halverson.

Over all, I really enjoyed this film. It has quite a gentle pace that I found quite fitted the style adopted by the director. I loved the way the characters at some point all look wistfully across towards Manhattan, as if wishing they could be over there. It’s not perfect by any means, but enjoyable none the less… Recommended.

My score: 6.9/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0976246/
Official Site: http://www.statenislandnymovie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi770442265/

Tuesday 28 December 2010

Film Review: UP IN THE AIR (2009)


Co-Writer/Director: Jason Reitman
Running time: 105 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 15th January 2010

Watched on Sky+ Tuesday 28th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember this film being critically acclaimed earlier this year, even winning some important nominations and picking up one or two awards. I hadn’t realised that the director, Jason Reitman, also directed Juno, a favourite of mine from 2007. With all these coincidences, I had to give it a viewing when it came up on TV. I wasn’t disappointed, it’s pretty good… but more of that later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please wait in the VIP Executive Lounge while I write the next paragraph).

Ryan Bingham has a job that means he is on the road a lot, well, when I say ‘on the road’ I mean up in the air, of course. He spends most of the year travelling from place to place terminating people’s employment. Not the nicest job, I know, but one that he is very competent at. On the side, he also gives motivational lectures. During one of his trips he meets Alex Goran, an attractive woman who also has a job that entails a lot of air travel. Having compared notes, they get together and find there is some attraction there. Later, Ryan is called into the office and is told that the company he works for is looking at taking everyone off the road and replacing them with an impersonal internet-linked screen. He argues against it and ends up taking the inventor of the system, Natalie Keener, on the road so she can experience exactly how it works. The pair don’t exactly hit it off at first, but soon develop a respect for each other. Ryan and Alex meet at various places across America and eventually Ryan asks her to accompany him to his sister’s wedding. Will she go, and, more importantly, will this bring them closer? Well, I’m not going to tell you here I’m afraid, can’t give too much away.

This is a really well made gentle comedy that I found both endearing and quite engrossing to watch. All three of the main characters were very good, but I must pick out George Clooney, as Ryan Bingham, for particular praise. I thought he fitted the role perfectly! Vera Farmiga as Alex Goran and Anna Kendrick as Natalie Keener were also both excellent.

I really enjoyed this film, it made a nice change to see a modern film with characters that are so easy to relate to. I love the style that Jason Reitman uses; I find it quite relaxing with some great visuals and a tremendous script. Over all, it’s one I will watch again and so, definitely recommended.

My score: 8.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1193138/
Official Site: http://www.theupintheairmovie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi3344040473/

Film Review: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)


Director: Frank Capra
Running time: 125 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

USA release date: 7th January 1947

Watched on Sky+ Tuesday 28th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have heard many times that this is a classic Christmas film over the years but it has always evaded me, until now. I decided it was time I saw what all the fuss was about and took the plunge when it came up on the TV schedules recently. To be honest, it’s better than what I was expecting, although still a little too saccharine in places for my taste. But I digress, here’s a very brief summary before I give you more of my thoughts (summary haters please save that drowning angel while I write the next paragraph).

George Bailey grew up in the small town of Bedford Falls. He has always wanted to leave and travel the world and find his fortune but the fates have always prevented his leaving. His father runs a local Building and Loan company with George’s uncle Billy and when his father dies it is George that is chosen to carry on the business. His brother, Harry, who was supposed to take over when he left college, gets a better offer. Even when he gets married himself, to Mary, and they are about to leave on honeymoon, he is drawn back to the town. When a local businessman, Mr Potter, refuses him a loan after some money is lost, this is the last straw for George and he decides to take his own life, thinking he is worth more dead than alive. At this point an Angel (second class) called Clarence intervenes and shows George what life would be like if he had never existed, and I’m here to tell you it ain’t pretty. Better not say any more, don’t want to give the ending away.

This is a very well made film, with excellent direction from Frank Capra and a tremendous performance from James Stewart as George Bailey. He really steals the show here and, not surprisingly, was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar. Honourable mentions must also go to; Donna Reed as Mary Hatch, Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter, Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy and Henry Travers as Clarence.

As I said at the beginning, I found this film a little too saccharine in places, but it’s still a great film and deserves its ‘Classic’ label. It is a very long film which mostly deals with events in George’s life that lead up to his attempted suicide and it is all very well done. If you haven’t seen it before I can highly recommend this film. I am not a religious man myself, but still enjoyed it.

My score: 8.7/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi1101988121/

Sunday 26 December 2010

Film Review: WRONG TURN AT TAHOE (2009)


Director: Franck Khalfoun
Running time: 87 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

Release date: 12th January 2010

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 26th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I do enjoy a crime thriller and this, even though it went straight to DVD, isn’t a bad one. Some great performances, plenty of violence and a pretty strong plot all add up to an entertaining watch (if you like that kind of thing). I’ll tell you more of my thoughts after the following summary (summary haters please wait in the car with Joshua; he’ll take you for a ride if you ask him nicely).

Joshua is the number one guy to Vincent, a medium sized drug lord and crime boss on the East coast of the United States. He hears, through a third party, that a dealer by the name of Frankie Tahoe is out to kill Vincent. Of course Vincent won’t stand for that and they go and take care of Frankie. Now, unfortunately Frankie works for the biggest boss on the East coast, Nino, and he’s upset at losing one of his best dealers. They meet and, well, let’s say they didn’t part as best buddies. After Nino takes his revenge on Vincent the gloves come off and it gets very violent indeed. Of course there is a lot more to tell but I’m not going to spoil it for you.

This is a very dark and a very violent film with some great performances. I thought Cuba Gooding Jr. was excellent as the brooding Joshua who has a dark secret he has been carrying since childhood; in fact it’s the best performance I’ve seen from him in quite a while. Miguel Ferrer plays the part of the, sometimes psychotic, crime boss Vincent perfectly and Harvey Keitel is also excellent, as ever, as Nino.

It’s a pretty well made film which, although the budget was obviously pretty small still manages to excite and enthral. It has a very well written script but it is one of those that you have to watch, you can’t have it on in the background and expect to follow it. So, if you like a good crime drama and you’re not bothered too much by some rather graphic violence, then this one’s definitely recommended… otherwise, I would give it a miss.

My score: 6.5/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1393000/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3302163481/

Film Review: CARS (2006)




Directors: John Lasseter & Joe Ranft
Running time: 117 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

UK release date: 28th July 2006

Watched on Sky+ Friday 24th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have seen this film a couple of times now and, I have to admit, I didn’t like it much at first, but after a second viewing, it’s starting to grow on me a little. Made by Pixar, who have made some brilliant animated features, I expected something of a higher standard, but having said that, it’s not all that bad. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please re-surface Main Street while I write the next paragraph).




Lightning McQueen is a race car; he is an up-and-coming star and has qualified for a race-off in California for the Piston Cup. Loaded onto his transporter, Mack, he sets off for the long trip dreaming of victory. An accident leaves him lost in the desert and he finds himself in the little town of Radiator Springs. Sentenced to re-surface Main Street, which he inadvertantly destroyed, McQueen is not happy and, at first, tries to escape. When this fails, he begins to accept his fate and, with the help of his new friends, Doc Hudson, Sally Carrera, Mater, and many others, he discovers that friends are more important than ambition. I won’t tell you how it ends,… but they are making a sequel.



Technically, of course, I can’t fault this one, the animation is spot-on. The story telling, well, it does get a bit baggy in the middle, but there is a rather good ending which I found, after a second viewing, partly makes up for it. The performances were ok too, but nothing particularly special. Honourable mentions go to; Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera and not forgetting Larry The Cable Guy as Mater.




I guess this is one of those ‘almost, but not quite’ movies that you’ll come back to several times hoping it will be better. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good, but not quite up to the high standard I’d expect from Pixar. I guess they set the bar very high with the Toy Story trilogy. So, over all, although it’s not as good as the other Pixar films (IMO), it’s still perfectly watchable and so… Recommended.

My score: 7.1/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/
Official Site: http://disney.go.com/cars/cars2/index-cars2.html
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi2483750681/

Friday 24 December 2010

Film Review: THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN (2008)


NOTE: This is a revised review I originally published in 2009, having recently seen the film again, I thought it warranted a bit of a re-write.


Director: Andrew Adamson
Running time: 150 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

UK release date: 26th June 2008

Watched on TV Friday 24th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Although I have not read the Narnia books, apart from ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ (misplaced childhood I suppose), I quite enjoyed this film. A great adventure with superb special effects, locations, costumes and musical score. But I digress, here’s a short summary before I tell you what I really think (summary haters please wait on the platform while I write the next paragraph).

The Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy return to Narnia when called by Prince Caspian. Many hundreds of years have passed since they left. The Prince has escaped after his uncle tried to kill him and claim his throne. The ancient Kings and Queens are needed to rally all the creatures of Narnia against Miraz, Caspian’s evil uncle and the Telmarine, Prince Caspian’s people. They also seek the help of Aslan who seems to have forsaken the creatures of Narnia. It’s quite a long and complicated plot, but a very well made film.

Some great locations were used, mainly in the Czech Republic, New Zealand and Poland and the score, I found, was just right. There was a lot of use of CGI, essential to tell this story, which was all done to a very high standard. Great performances again from Georgie Henley as Lucy, Skandar Keynes as Edmund, William Moseley as Peter and Anna Popplewell as Susan, all reprising their roles from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005). Also, Ben Barnes was excellent as Prince Caspian. Honourable mentions go to Sergio Castellitto as King Miraz, Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin and Eddie Izzard as Reepicheep (voice), the comic relief.

Over all, a tremendous fantasy adventure and great family entertainment with a really good story. Fantastic locations, a great score, some great battle scenes, a very well produced and directed film, although I felt it wasn’t as good as its forerunner, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and did get a little bogged down in the middle, but still… recommended.

My score: 7.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0499448/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi1793261849/

Sunday 19 December 2010

Film Review: ME AND ORSON WELLES (2008)



Director: Richard Linklater
Running time: 107 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

UK release date: 4th December 2009

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 19th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is a film about a play, or should I say the putting on of a performance of a play. The play in question is Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare and the man directing and starring in it is none other than Orson Welles. For me, the actor playing the part of Welles, Christian McKay, totally steals the show, but more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please wait in the wings while I write the next paragraph).
The setting is New York in the year 1937 where student and aspiring actor Richard Samuels lands himself a small part in Welles’s production of Caesar. He immediately strikes up a friendship with director’s assistant, Sonja Jones. We are taken through all the trials and tribulations of rehearsals leading up to opening night. Welles is a bit of a philanderer and Sonja is ambitious and the two are seen to be drawn together, much to the dismay of Richard. As opening night approaches the tension builds and Richard takes some advice from Joseph Cotton, another cast member. He is advised to ‘fight for her’, but is it too late?... I guess I’d better leave my summary here, don’t want to give the game away do I.

This film was made on a small island between Britain and Ireland in the middle of the Irish Sea called the Isle of Man (apologies to those that already know this). As such, I find it remarkable that it felt like 1930’s New York! Full marks to the production team on this one. As I said at the beginning, for me, the standout performance came from Christian McKay as Orson Welles (Brutus in the play). He really nailed the part, most excellent work! I guess I have to give honourable mentions to; Zac Efron as Richard Samuels (Lucius), Claire Danes as Sonja Jones, Ben Chaplin as George Coulouris (Mark Antony) and Zoe Kazan as Gretta Adler.

For me, apart from the performance of Christian McKay and the showing of the play, which was excellent, I didn’t really get a lot from this film. The rest of it was kind of ok, but nothing great. I didn’t find the relationship between Richard and Sonja believable and that made the rest of the story fall kind of flat (for me). It’s still worth a viewing, but don’t expect great things. Recommended (with reservations).

My score: 6.7/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1175506/
Official Site: http://www.meandorsonwellesthemovie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi1900872985/

Film Review: THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (1992)


Director: Brian Henson
Running time: 85 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

UK release date: 18th December 1992

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 18th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

In the eighteen years since its release I had never seen this film all the way through, until today. It is, of course the classic Charles Dickens tale told using the inimitable style of the Muppets. My thoughts later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please go & buy the biggest goose you can find while I write the next paragraph).
This is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean businessman who treats his staff very badly and is mean to everyone, even his own family. One Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghosts of his old partners, the Marley’s. They warn him that he will be visited by three ghosts that night and urge him to change is ways or he will end up like them, in chains for all eternity. The Ghost of Christmas Past visits him first and he is taken back to his childhood to see the boy, and the young man, he was and he began to see what could have been. Next comes the Ghost of Christmas Present and he is taken to see his employee, Bob Cratchit and his family. One of Bob’s sons, Tiny Tim is crippled, but has great spirit and this touches Scrooge deeply. Finally the Ghost of Christmas Future visits Scrooge and shows him what future awaits him if he doesn’t change his ways. Will he take heed of the ghosts? Well, if you don’t know I guess I’d better not spoil it for you.


It’s a pretty well made film with lots of comic moments thrown in courtesy of Gonzo the Great (as Charles Dickens), the narrator, and his sidekick, Rizzo the Rat. There are plenty of songs along the way too, these didn’t do much for me, but I guess they have their place. I thought Michael Caine was excellent as Ebenezer Scrooge, but please don’t sing on film again Mr Caine, it’s not your best talent I’m afraid.


Over all, a very engaging film with lots of familiar characters, some great comedy and a pretty decent Scrooge. It’s not the best Christmas film ever made, but it is pretty entertaining and I enjoyed seeing the Muppets again! I liked the fact that they didn’t stray too far from Dickens original story too, and so, recommended (but mostly for younger viewers).

My score: 7.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0104940/
Official Site: http://www.henson.com/muppets_content.php?content=muppetschristmascarol
Trailer: http://movieclips.com/VkLdn-the-muppet-christmas-carol-movie-trailer/

Saturday 18 December 2010

Film Review: KONTROLL (2003)


Co-Writer/Director: Nimród Antal
Running time: 105 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 17th September 2004

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 18th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

NOTE: Hungarian with subtitles… Turn back now if you can’t deal with subtitles.

I had heard virtually nothing about this film before watching it; I hadn’t even seen a trailer. In this case that was a good thing because what I found was an engaging thriller with a pumping soundtrack and some nice comic moments thrown in on the side. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please stand back from the platform edge while the next paragraph passes through the station, thank you…).


The setting is the Metro (or subway) system in Budapest. Here we find a group of ticket inspectors lead by Bulcsú, a rather strange man who seems to be hiding down there from something. We learn pretty quickly that a serial killer is stalking the platforms, throwing his unsuspected victims under the wheels of passing trains. The inspectors are told to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, but they have their own worries. We share in their victories, defeats and the general mayhem that envelops their working lives. As time passes we focus more on Bulcsú and he meets a girl he likes, Szofi, and she has a great influence on him, but I don’t want to say too much about that. The killer is beginning to haunt his dreams and you know that cannot be a good sign.


This is a very well made film with well rounded characters and some great imagery. The soundtrack by Neo is really good and I found it fitted the story perfectly. Good performances all round, particularly from; Sándor Csányi as Bulcsú, Lajos Kovács as Béla and Eszter Balla as Szofi.


If anything I did find it a little claustrophobic with the entire film being set in the Budapest Metro system, but this made for an exciting backdrop to the story. I actually found this one quite enthralling, probably because I found it very easy to engage with the various characters. Over all, a really good black comedy/thriller which, although there is some gore, doesn’t go too over the top. I found it most enjoyable… recommended.

My score: 8.1/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0373981/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3902013721/

Film Review: THE WHITE RIBBON (2009)


Director: Michael Haneke
Running time: 119 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

UK release date: 13th November 2009

Watched on Sky+ Tuesday 14th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

NOTE: Black and White and in German with subtitles… Turn back now if you can’t deal with subtitles and/or Black and White movies.

Film critic Mark Kermode describes this as “A subtitled black and white film about precision anxiety.” Personally, I’m still undecided about it. Maybe I haven’t watched enough films yet, but I feel there’s something I’m missing here. This film has had a lot of praise, even winning the Palm D’Or at Cannes, but I’m struggling to see why. I’m sure there’s someone out there who can explain it to me. But I digress, here’s a brief summary before I tell you my thoughts (summary haters please guard the Baron’s cabbage patch while I write the next paragraph).

It is Germany in 1913, just before the outbreak of World War I. The setting is a small village in northern Germany, a place where the rather straight-laced residents are about to suffer several unfortunate and mystifying events. First off an accident which results in a serious injury to the village doctor has everyone baffled. Then the son of the Baron, who owns much of the land around the village, is kidnapped and beaten by persons unknown. And there are several other events that occur throughout the film, some of which are explained, but others that remain a mystery. I really cant add much more, there are relationship issues involving the doctor and a bit of a burgeoning love story between the teacher (and narrator), and the nanny employed by the Baroness, Eva, but I guess that’s all I can say about the plot without giving too much away.

Whilst watching the film I have the impression that the children maybe know something about the trouble in the village, but none of them are letting on. I guess it’s deliberately left open to interpretation. Decent performances from all of the cast, in particular; Christian Friedel as The School Teacher, Leonie Benesch as Eva, Burghart Klaußner was particularly good as The Pastor and Maria-Victoria Dragus as Klara.

I feel a bit bad that I cannot give a higher score, I did want to like this film but it just didn’t do anything for me. There are many out there, I’m sure, who totally get this one and I bow to your superior film knowledge. Maybe I will re-visit this one in years to come and see the critically acclaimed film I am supposed to. For now, only recommended for those who get it… But I guess you won’t know that until you’ve seen it.

My score: 6.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1149362/
Official Site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/thewhiteribbon/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi2136737049/

Sunday 12 December 2010

Film Review: THE ROAD (2009)


Director: John Hillcoat
Running time: 111 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK Release date: 8th January 2010

Watched on DVD Sunday 12th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having recently read the novel on which this film is based by Cormac McCarthy I thought it was time to dust off the DVD and give it a spin. I wasn’t disappointed; this is an excellent adaptation of the book. Yes there are bits missed out and there are bits added, but at the end of the day a direct translation of the book to the screen my just have been too much for some. But I digress, here’s a very brief summary before I tell you more of my thoughts (summary haters please mind the cart while I write the next paragraph).


A man and his boy are wandering an ash covered and devastated America. Some disaster has killed almost all life, leaving just a few people to get by as best they can. To some this means cannibalism and so the pair must be very wary of anyone they meet. The majority they come across along the road are not to be trusted, but there are still one or two “good guys” left. We are also told, in flashback, of how the boy was born into this world and what happened to his mother, but I’m not going to tell you that here. They are headed south to the coast where they hope it will be warmer and life will be easier. I really don’t want to say any more, it’s better if you watch it for yourselves.



I’ll admit that reading the book depressed me slightly, it’s a harrowing tale at best and I was very interested to see how it would translate to the big screen. John Hillcoat did a great job, the sense of desolation came across perfectly and this was helped by the use of real locations rather than relying on CGI. Great performances all round, especially from; Viggo Mortensen as the man, Kodi Smit-McPhee as the boy, Robert Duvall as the Old Man, Guy Pearce as the Veteran, Michael K. Williams as the Thief and Charlize Theron as the woman.


As I said at the beginning, some bits of the novel were left out and other bits were added. I felt that this enhanced the story, for instance, there is very little about the boy’s mother in the book but a great deal in the film. This gives the audience a better understanding of the timeline and also a sense of the enormity of the catastrophe. I very much enjoyed this film and I feel it’s one that will stay with me for some time. If you haven’t read the book I can definitely recommend it to you, as I can highly recommend this film.

My score: 8.6/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0898367/
Official Site: http://www.theroad-movie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi3501917209/

Film Review: IN THE CUT (2003)


Director: Jane Campion
Running time: 119 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

UK release date: 31st October 2003

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 11th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

A film notorious for some of its racier scenes came up on one of the movie channels and so I decided to see what all the fuss was about. To be honest, not all that much, it’s kind of interesting, but ultimately unsatisfying. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please wait by the lighthouse while I write the next paragraph).




Frannie Avery is a writer and a teacher; she lives alone and currently doesn’t have a boyfriend. When some remains of a murder victim are found outside her building she is questioned by Detective Giovanni A. Malloy and his partner. It transpires that Frannie had been at a bar frequented by the victim on the day of the murder and may have seen something vital to the case. She is surprised when Malloy asks her out for a drink. At first she is undecided, but is persuaded by her sister, Pauline, to go. They end up sleeping together and this proves to be an enlightening experience for Frannie. I won’t say too much more, but then again not much more happens. Needless to say, the case is eventually solved, but not before dire consequences involving one of the cast.



This film is most definitely for adults only, there is a strong sexual content and, at times, quite a lot of gore. Now, from that I guess you’re thinking, maybe I’ll give it a try, but be warned; it has long periods where nothing really seems to happen that moves the story on. Decent performances from Meg Ryan as Frannie, Mark Ruffalo as Detective Malloy and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Pauline. Also nice to see Kevin Bacon in a cameo as Frannie’s former boyfriend John Graham (uncredited).


It seems the director is more interested in conveying feelings than moving the story along. This, unfortunately, means that there is a lot of discussion that adds nothing to the plot and ultimately makes this film a bit tedious to watch. I like the idea but the execution didn’t match up to my expectations I’m afraid. On the plus side, there is some nice close-up cinematography, where part of a face is in focus but the rest is left out to emphasise an expression or a mood. Even so, over all, not recommended I’m afraid.

My score: 5.3/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0199626/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3062956313/

Saturday 11 December 2010

Film Review: CARLITO’S WAY (1993)



Director: Brian De Palma
Running time: 138 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

UK release date: 7th January 1994

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 11th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember seeing parts of this film back in the nineties, but I think this is the first time I’ve seen it all the way through. This is a very decent gangster movie; I was impressed with both the performances of the main cast and the production. But more of that later, here’s a short summary first (summary haters please wait in the car with Pachanga; we got some business to attend to…)


Carlito Brigante has just got out of jail on a technicality. He was supposed to go down for thirty years, but thanks to the hard work of his lawyer, David Kleinfeld, he gets out in five. He vows that he will not return to his life of crime and intends to go straight from now on. This, as we discover, proves a little harder than Carlito at first thinks. Things have changed a lot on the streets in the five years he’s been inside, but there are still some of his old associates about. Carlito has a plan, a plan that depends on him getting his hands on $75,000. The trouble is there are not very many legitimate ways to get your hands on that kind of cash. David Kleinfeld sets him up with a job, running a night club that he has a stake in and, at first, things seem to be running ok. He re-kindles the relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Gail, a dancer, and she is keen for him to go straight also. But then he is slowly dragged back into the world he is trying to escape by David and the colourful company he has dealings with. I will leave my summary there; don’t want to give too much away.


Although I found it a little long, I did enjoy this film. For the most part it is engaging and it is sometimes slightly unpredictable. Great cinematography and I thought the use of music was also very well done. Great performances from Al Pacino as Carlito ‘Charlie’ Brigante, Sean Penn as David Kleinfeld and Penelope Ann Miller as Gail. Honourable mentions must also go to, John Leguizamo as Benny Blanco, Ingrid Rogers as Steffie, Luis Guzmán as Pachanga and Viggo Mortensen as Lalin.

As I’ve already said, I felt this film was a little too long. I also felt that a little too much was made of the love story between Carlito and Gail. I think that Pacino maybe isn’t as convincing on screen as a romantic lead. But having said that, the love story does have its place at the send of the day. Quite an enjoyable film over all with some great performances… Recommended.

My score: 7.9/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0106519/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi431816985/

Sunday 5 December 2010

Film Review: THE INFORMANT! (2009)


Director: Steven Soderbergh
Running time: 108 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 20th November 2009

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 5th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I think it was the trailer that grabbed my interest in this one when it came out last year. Of course, living quite a way from any multiplex it’s quite difficult to get to see every film that interests you. Fortunately they appear on TV about a year after release, so all is not lost. But I digress, here’s a brief summary before I tell you my thoughts (summary haters please talk to those nice FBI men while I write the next paragraph, thank you).

This film, it claims, is based on a true story. Mark Whitacre works for a company called ADM developing lysine, a by-product of corn. He has worked himself into upper management and is now in a position to see how things really work. He doesn’t like what he sees and goes to the FBI making allegations of price fixing. The FBI look into his allegations but need more proof and it is here that Whitacre takes a bit of a turn. He now seems reluctant to continue and his FBI contact, Brian Shepard, has to persuade him to do the right thing. Little does he realise he’s just at the beginning of a long journey with many unexpected twists and turns. I won’t say any more for fear of giving away too much.

This is a very well made film, with all the panache you’d expect from Steven Soderbergh. Great attention to detail throughout, the story begins in the early 1990’s and you really feel they’ve made an effort to get the feel and look of the period. Great performances all round, particularly from Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre and Scott Bakula as Brian Shepard. Honourable mentions must also go to Joel McHale as FBI Special Agent Bob Herndon and Melanie Lynskey as Ginger Whitacre.

Over all, it’s a pretty good film that doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. I found the plot a little too complicated and it all seems a bit too ludicrous to have been based on fact, although I’d love to be proved wrong on that! More could have been made of Mark’s mental state which would have made the plot make a bit more sense. Not a bad film for all that, it has its problems, but still, recommended.

My score: 6.6/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1130080/
Official Site: http://theinformantmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi2750218777/

Gig Review: HAWKWIND plus support: THE JOKERS at the Holmfirth Picturedome 4th December 2010

THE JOKERS


The Jokers are a tight rock outfit from Liverpool. They put on a good show, putting plenty of energy into their performance. Most of the songs they played were their own material from their album ‘The Big Rock & Roll Show’; I particularly liked the track ‘Hell to L.A.’. They also did a cover of the Beatles ‘Helter Skelter’ which went down very well. I really hope they make it, they put on a very good show and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.

My Score: 7.5/10

Official Site: http://thejokers.com/


HAWKWIND


I can’t say I was an enormous fan of Hawkwind, I have heard their music on and off over the years and even seen them a few times but I guess they never really struck a chord with me. That is until now. For the first time I saw Hawkwind and really enjoyed and understood what they’re all about. I couldn’t tell you what songs they played, but it all sounded pretty good to me! Of course, it’s not just about the music, a great pastiche of images projected onto the back of the stage played a great part in the show. Add to this the two beautiful female dancers that came onto the stage in different costumes for several tracks made for a very entertaining show. I will definitely try to see Hawkwind again! But next time I hope we don’t have to travel so far in the freezing weather.

My Score: 8/10

Official site: http://www.hawkwindmuseum.co.uk/tix2b.htm

Film Review: THE NAKED GUN: FROM THE FILES OF POLICE SQUAD (1988)


Director: David Zucker
Running time: 81 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 10th February 1989

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 5th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

If actor Leslie Nielsen hadn’t sadly died on November 28th this year (2010), I maybe wouldn’t have watched this. I have seen it many times before but this is the first time I’ve attempted a review. The trouble with reviewing the work of someone that has recently passed is that you feel you don’t want to say anything bad about them. I will, however, try to keep my impartiality. Here’s a short summary of the plot before I get into it (summary haters please keep an eye on that crazy baseball umpire while I write the next paragraph).

Undercover policeman, Nordberg, has been shot and it’s up to inept cop Frank Drebin to find who’s responsible. Add to that the fact that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is visiting the city and Drebin has his plate full. The finger of suspicion falls on respected businessman Vincent Ludwig and Frank decides to pay him a visit. There he meets Jane Spencer who has been persuaded by Ludwig to get close to Drebin so he can discover what the police know. During his investigation Drebin discovers a plot to assassinate the Queen during her visit. Can Frank find out who shot Nordberg and also stop the assassination attempt on the Queen and maybe even get the girl? So many questions, so little time.

A pretty well made film with a very high gag (in the comedy sense) ratio. For me there were surprisingly few ‘laugh out loud’ moments though. I put it down to the difference in culture between the USA and the UK. We may speak more or less the same language, but what makes us laugh is very different. That isn’t to say there were any bad performances, far from it, Leslie Nielsen was excellent as Frank Drebin, Priscilla Presley put in a stellar performance as Jane Spencer and Ricardo Montalban was excellent as Vincent Ludwig. Honourable mentions must also go to George Kennedy as Ed Hocken, O.J. Simpson as Nordberg and Nancy Marchand as the Mayor.

I used to love the TV show but I’m afraid it doesn’t translate too well to the big screen. It’s still pretty good, but I don’t think the humour comes across as well when you are bombarded with it for 80 minutes solid. So, over all, not as good as the TV show, but still recommended if only for Leslie Nielson’s performance, he will be missed.

My score: 7.6/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0095705/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3084976409/

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Film Review: RESTREPO (2010)


Directors: Tim Hetherington & Sebastian Junger
Running time: 108 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): N/A

USA release date: 27th June 2010

Watched on Sky+ Tuesday 30th November 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have heard many good reports about this documentary recently and so I was surprised when it turned up on TV only a few months after its release. Of course it was immediately put into the planner and subsequently recorded for a viewing. It’s well worth a watch if you can catch it, really compelling and pretty scary in places too! I guess I’d better tell you what it’s about first (summary haters please wait back at ‘The Kop’ for the duration of the next paragraph).

This film tells the story of the Second Platoon and their fifteen month deployment in one of Afghanistan’s most strategically crucial valleys, Korangal. Their main base is called ‘The Kop’, but they need an outpost which they build and name ‘Restrepo’ after a soldier, Doc Restrepo, who was killed early in the film. The main focus of the film is on the soldiers and their day-to-day battle against the Taliban. But it also gives us an insight into the lives of the soldiers and what motivates them to do what they do.

I really enjoyed this film, it has many highs and lows, but over all it gives an fascinating insight into the American operations in Afghanistan. If I have one criticism, it’s that it did tend to get a little repetitive. But I can forgive that, it’s an outstanding documentary, at times you feel like you’re another member of the platoon fighting alongside them. Hats off to those guys and also to the filmmakers. Highly recommended.

My score: 8.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1559549/
Official Site: http://restrepothemovie.com/
Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/restrepothemovie?v=wall
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi2566261017/