Film Review: SIDE BY SIDE (2012)

Writer/Director: Christopher Kenneally
Running time: 99 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Documentary
UK Release date: 15^th February 2013

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 18^th August 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have wanted to see this one since a certain Mark Kermode waxed lyrical about it on his radio show several months ago. I knew it would never show at my local cinema and so I was resigned to seeing it on TV. Fortunately those enlightened people at Film4 decided to put it on their channel this week and so I happily watched it this morning.

The film is hosted by Keanu Reeves who is seen conducting all of the interviews and looks genuinely interested in the subject. We are taken through the history of filmmaking, from its early beginnings and right up to the digital technology of today. A lot is made of the effects the leaps in technology have had and the repercussions for the future of the industry are discussed. Along with many directors like; Danny Boyle, James Cameron, Lena Dunham, David Fincher, George Lucas, David Lynch, Christopher Nolan, Robert Rodriguez, Joel Schumacher, Martin Scorsese and Steven Soderbergh, amongst others; he also talks to many of the other people involved in the process; cinematographers, directors of photography, editors and the like. Although no real conclusions are drawn I found it well balanced with both sides of the argument being well covered. The argument? I hear you ask. Well at the beginning the question is posed as to whether the digital technology of today has brought about an end to movies being shot on 35mm film.

The film goes in to quite a lot of technical detail about the technology of filmmaking; most was easy to follow, but I can see how it might put a few off. Some very interesting questions are posed; particularly revealing are the comments on the fad for 3D; something the studios seem to love at the moment. The music wasn’t all it might have been as well; it sounded a little like I was watching an 80’s infomercial about a film camera company at times. A well balanced piece although I did find it was beginning to drag a little towards the end. Still, well worth a look for any fan of the movies, I can’t see it having a much broader appeal though. On a personal note; I don’t really care what technology is used to make a film; to me the important thing is the story. Without a well scripted story, to my mind at least, there’s no point in even starting.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.2/10.

IMDb Score: 7.6/10 (based on 5,574 votes when this review was written).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2014338/

MetaScore: 82/100: (Based on 20 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 95/100 (based on 64 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 86/100 (based on 7,024 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/side_by_side_2012/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://sidebysidethemovie.com/
Trailer:

Film Review: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Bob Kane (characters), David S. Goyer (story), Christopher Nolan (story/screenplay), Jonathan Nolan (screenplay)
Running time: 164 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure/Crime
UK Release date: 20^th July 2012

Watched at the Picture House (K-town) Saturday 21^st July 2012.

 

---------o0o---------

And so we come to the final chapter in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy and I must say it was well worth the wait. Everything from the opening sequence to the credits at the end had me gripped (even two boys arguing in the next row half way through didn’t spoil my enjoyment – I may have spoiled theirs though!). For a change I won’t do a summary as I know there are many out there not wanting to know any of the plot and so I’ll respect that and keep my comments as spoiler-free as I can. I’ll save it for when I review the DVD at a later date.

Many new characters are introduced in this instalment, the most important of which is Bane, The Dark Knight’s new nemesis. We are introduced to him in an action sequence that could have come straight from my favourite Nolan film, Inception. He is an echo from Bruce Wayne’s past; one that will resonate deeply for him. The renowned thief Catwoman (a.k.a. Selina Kyle) also makes an appearance; she can either help or hinder the Batman; I won’t tell you which. A young police officer, Blake, will also have a part to play; like Bruce Wayne, he’s also an orphan and this could shape his future. Miranda Tate is an investor who wants Bruce Wayne to help her with her charity work; she could be the key to saving Wayne Enterprises. Of course, returning characters, Commissioner Gordon, Alfred and Lucius Fox all have their parts to play in this quite extraordinary tale. The more I think about it the more I want to see it again! Yes, it’s THAT good.

The cinematography by Director of Photography, Wally Pfister, was once again truly epic! How he got some of those shots, I will never know, it’s a great piece of work for which he should be congratulated. The musical score by Hans Zimmer, again a great piece of work with themes that fit the visuals perfectly. And so we come to the performances; for an actor playing the same role for the third time, I thought Christian Bale gave his best performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman here. You really felt his pain and conflict and when we get to the end… well, I guess I’d better not tell you that bit. Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon was excellent as usual; given more to do in a slightly more demanding role this time, I thought he did a great job. Now to Bane, played with great aplomb by Tom Hardy, a tough part to play due to the restrictions of his costume; I thought he did it really well and I couldn’t imagine anyone else for the part. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a good choice for the part of Blake; still young enough to play a role that could evolve if the franchise is continued (I can’t say any more). Anne Hathaway played Catwoman/Selina Kyle and I thought did a pretty excellent job (even without a skin-tight costume). Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate; her role really surprised me and she played it with great composure (no more clues). Finally I must say that both Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Michael Caine as Alfred were both as excellent as ever.

With set-piece action sequences that are truly epic and an intelligent plot that has many a twist to keep the audience interested; for me it was one of the best films I’ll see this year! I listened to Christopher Nolan in an interview before I saw the film and he was saying that although CGI is used in places, there’s always a physical effect at the heart of it, and it shows. All the effects are expertly done with some great stunt-work behind many of them (hats off to those guys). Some may find the slow build-up to the ultimate conclusion a little tedious but, for me, it made the ending all the more poignant and all the more effective!... VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.8/10

IMDb Score: [Awaiting 5 Votes (surprisingly)] (based on <5 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

MetaScore: 78/100: (Based on 43 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 87/100 (based on 228 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 94/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 372,822 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dark_knight_rises/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Jim Gordon: [lying in a hospital bed] We were in this together, and then you were gone. Now this evil... rises. The Batman has to come back.
Bruce Wayne: What if he doesn't exist any more?
Jim Gordon: He must... he must...

Bruce Wayne: That's a brazen costume for a cat burglar.
Catwoman: Yeah? Who are you pretending to be?

Alfred: You are as precious to me as you were to your own mother and father. I swore to them that I would protect you, and I haven't.

Lucius Fox: This conversation used to end with an unusual request.
Bruce Wayne: I'm retired.
Lucius Fox: Well let me show you some stuff anyway. Just for old time's sake.

Selina Kyle: [to Bruce Wayne] You think this can last? There's a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches, because when it hits, you're all gonna wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us.

Bane: Gotham, take control... take control of your city. Behold, the instrument of your liberation! Identify yourself to the world!

Crowd: [chanting] Deh-Shay, Deh-Shay, Bah Sah Rah. Bah Sah Rah.
Bruce Wayne: What does that mean?
Prisoner: "Rise."

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarkknightrises
Trailer:

Film Review: THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Bob Kane (characters), David S. Goyer (story/screenplay), Christopher Nolan (story/screenplay), Jonathan Nolan (screenplay)
Running time: 152 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Crime/Drama
UK Release date: 24^th July 2008

Watched on DVD Saturday 14^th July 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I guess there’s little I can say about this film that hasn’t already been said, apart from things like ‘Terrible’ and ‘Nolan should be ashamed’, but of course I’m not going to lie… It’s truly epic and a fitting tribute to Heath Ledger who is totally awesome as the Joker (and believe me I’m not saying that just because he’s no longer with us). Amazingly it’s only the second time I’ve seen it, not surprising given its length and the busy lives we lead these days, but I must say it really gripped me all the way through. More on the grippyness of it after this very brief summary.

Having tied up the lose ends from ‘Batman Begins’, a new villain is in town to taunt the Batman. This guy, the Joker, pulls no punches in his rise to the top of the new District Attorney, Harvey Dent’s, wanted list. Although he still believes the police force is untrustworthy me’s willing to work with Lt. Jim Gordon, who he knows can get him into contact with Batman. The pair meet and Batman is impressed and believes he’s the man to take over his work; a ‘hero with a face’, to use his words. Dent is dating Bruce Wayne’s childhood girlfriend, Rachel Dawes who is one of the very few that know he is Batman (Sorry if that’s a spoiler, but if you didn’t know that by now…). Meanwhile the Joker has made overtures to the organised crime bosses of the city and has given them an offer… He’ll kill Batman for half of their money. Will they take him up on the offer? Is Harvey Dent the hero Batman hopes he is? Well, I guess I had better not say here or the Spoiler police (Gotham Division) will have me banged up in Arkham Asylum (again).

Beautifully made with an excellent score by James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer that really sets the tone and carries themes over from the first film ‘Batman Begins’. Lots of physical stunts used although there was some CGI in evidence; both were excellently done. Performance-wise, well star billing has to go to Heath Ledger as the Joker; I doubt I’ll ever see a bad guy quite like that again, he was awesome! Of course, Christian Bale did his usual excellent work as Batman/Bruce Wayne, as did Michael Caine as Alfred. Aaron Eckhart was much better than I remembered (from first viewing) as Harvey Dent/Two-Face and Maggie Gyllenhaal did a decent job as Rachel Dawes. Gary Oldman as Lt. Jim Gordon and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox complete the starring line-up and both were excellent as ever.

I usually find, when watching a film of this length, that there is always a passage where your mind wanders and you find yourself drifting away from what’s on the screen. Not so with this film; Nolan keeps your attention all the way through, whether it’s with stunning action sequences or with the dialogue or just with the interaction between the characters that (by then) you’ve become invested in. He really is a master of his art and I can only hope he goes on to make even better films in the future. As for ‘The Dark Knight’ well I knocked a couple of points off for the ‘tidy-up form Batman Begins’ sequence at the beginning; I didn’t think it was necessary. Other than that it was near-perfect… VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.7/10

IMDb Score: 8.9/10 (based on 726,635 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/

MetaScore: 82/100: (Based on 39 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 94/100 (based on 281 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 96/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 1,167,671 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_dark_knight/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Gotham National Bank Manager: Think you're pretty smart, huh? The guy that hired youze, he'll just do the same to you. Oh, criminals in this town used to believe in things. Honor. Respect. Look at you! What do you believe in, huh? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IN?
[Bozo leans down and sticks a gas grenade in the manager's mouth]
Bozo: I believe whatever doesn't kill you, simply makes you...
[takes off his mask, revealing the Joker]
The Joker: ...stranger.

Bruce Wayne: Targeting me won't get their money back. I knew the mob wouldn't go down without a fight, but this is different. They crossed the line.
Alfred Pennyworth: You crossed the line first, sir. You squeezed them; you hammered them to the point of desperation. And in their desperation, they turned to a man they didn't fully understand.
Bruce Wayne: Criminals aren't complicated, Alfred. Just have to figure out what he's after.
Alfred Pennyworth: With respect Master Wayne, perhaps this is a man that *you* don't fully understand, either. A long time ago, I was in Burma. My friends and I were working for the local government. They were trying to buy the loyalty of tribal leaders by bribing them with precious stones. But their caravans were being raided in a forest north of Rangoon by a bandit. So, we went looking for the stones. But in six months, we never met anybody who traded with him. One day, I saw a child playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine. The bandit had been throwing them away.
Bruce Wayne: So why steal them?
Alfred Pennyworth: Well, because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.

The Joker: And... here... we... go!

The Chechen: What you do with all your money?
The Joker: See, I'm a man of simple tastes. I enjoy dynamite, and gunpowder, and... gasoline!
[he pours gasoline on the mountain of cash]
The Chechen: [panicked] What the...?
The Joker: Ah-ta-ta-ta-ta. And you know the thing they have in common? They're cheap.

Natascha: How could you want to raise children in a city like this?
Bruce Wayne: Well, I grew up in Gotham, and I turned out all right.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/dvdsite/
Trailer:

Film Review: BATMAN BEGINS (2005)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Writers: Bob Kane (characters), David S. Goyer (story/screenplay), Christopher Nolan (screenplay)
Running time: 144 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12

Genre: Action/Crime/Drama
UK Release date: 16^th June 2005

Watched on DVD Sunday 8^th July 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

It has been a while since I first saw this film and I had forgotten just how good it was! Totally epic with a tremendous soundtrack by James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer, it really takes your breath away. I thought Tim Burton’s 1989 re-imagining of the Batman story was good but this was truly epic. Not that Nolan hasn’t borrowed from Burton to some extent; it’s very dark in tone and the styling is very gothic, just as in Burton’s version. Where this has the edge is in the way the story is told and how the characters evolve… But more of that later, here’s a very brief summary before I tell you more.

When his parents are murdered by a mugger young Bruce Wayne is devastated. He has inherited the Wayne fortune but later, when the man responsible for his parents’ murder is himself murdered by crime boss, Carmine Falcone; he leaves to travel the world and learn how to defeat men like him. Eventually he comes across Henri Ducard who, in turn, introduces him to Ra’s Al Ghul, the leader of a fighting force who call themselves the League of Shadows. They are sworn to destroy evil in the world, no matter the cost. Wayne trains with them and he is forced to face his darkest fears. When the time comes for him to join them though, he refuses and returns to Gotham. Here the family butler, Alfred helps him re-enter society and gain a place back at the family business. He now has a purpose and uses the company resources, with the help of former board member, Lucius Fox, to equip himself for the next phase of his plan – the Batman. His childhood sweetheart, now district attorney, Rachel Dawes and a cop, Jim Gordon, become part of his plan to bring down Carmine Falcone; but are there are other, more sinister, parties behind him?... I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Gotham Division) will have me manning the bat-signal (again).

Beautifully shot with some stunning CGI; chiefly used for the cityscapes of Gotham, and they look great. The sets and locations all blur seamlessly together and make for a visual treat; Nolan certainly has an eye for this kind of thing. All the performances were excellent; especially Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, he really nailed it. I must also give praise to Michael Caine as Alfred; a role he could have been born to play, I thought he was perfect. Katie Holmes was also very good as Rachel Dawes, as were Liam Neeson as Henri Ducard, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon. I will give honourable mentions to; Cillian Murphy as Dr. Jonathan Crane/The Scarecrow, Tom Wilkinson as Carmine Falcone, Rutger Hauer as Earle and Ken Watanabe as Ra’s Al Ghul. Oh, and if you look carefully you might spot a young Jack Gleeson (currently on TV’s ‘A Game of Thrones’) in a minor role.

I’m sure that many people saw ‘The Dark Knight’, the sequel to this film, and wet back to re-watch this one. I have, of course, seen both but decided to re-watch them in order so I can get some perspective before the third instalment is released in a couple of weeks. As I said at the beginning, I had forgotten just how epic this film was and how it manages to hold your attention virtually all the way through. All the characters are quite believable (despite being based on a fantasy comic book) and their motivations are made clear. Something that many filmmakers forget but something that is vitally important when it comes to keeping the attention of the audience. For me, one of the best origin story movies I’ve seen and one I have no problem in deeming… HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.1/10

IMDb Score: 8.3/10 (based on 414,263 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/

MetaScore: 70/100: (Based on 41 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 85/100 (based on 261 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 90/100 ‘Liked it’ (based on 969,838 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_begins/

If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Enormous Prisoner: You are in hell, little man!
[punches Bruce Wayne]
Enormous Prisoner: And I am the devil!
[punches him again]
Bruce Wayne: You're not the devil. You're practice.

Bruce Wayne: They told me there was nothing out there, nothing to fear. But the night my parents were murdered I caught a glimpse of something. I've looked for it ever since. I went around the world, searched in all the shadows. And there is something out there in the darkness, something terrifying, something that will not stop until it gets revenge... Me.

[Bruce is refusing to demonstrate his commitment to justice by executing a criminal]
Ra's Al Ghul: You cannot lead these men unless you are prepared to do what is necessary to defeat evil.
Bruce Wayne: And where would I be leading these men?
Ra's Al Ghul: Gotham. As Gotham's favoured son you will be ideally placed to strike at the heart of criminality.
Bruce Wayne: How?
Ra's Al Ghul: Gotham's time has come. Like Constantinople or Rome before it the city has become a breeding ground for suffering and injustice. It is beyond saving and must be allowed to die. This is the most important function of the League of Shadows. It is one we've performed for centuries. Gotham... must be destroyed.

Dr. Jonathan Crane: I am more than aware that you are not intimidated by *me*, Mr. Falcone. But you know who I'm working for, and when he gets here...
Carmine Falcone: He-he's coming to Gotham?
Dr. Jonathan Crane: Yes he is. And when he gets here, he's not gonna want to hear that you have endangered our operation just to get your thugs out of a little jail time.

Earle: Jessica, where are you?
[walks into outer room]
Bruce Wayne: [to Jessica] Eye on the ball, and...
Earle: Why is no one answering the phone?
[sees Bruce from behind, teaching Jessica to play golf]
Bruce Wayne: [turning around] It's Wayne Enterprises, Mr. Earle, I'm sure they'll call back.
Earle: Bruce? You're supposed to be dead.
Bruce Wayne: I'm sorry to disappoint.

Batman: Falcone sent them to kill you.
Rachel Dawes: Why?
Batman: You rattled his cage.
[throws photos of Judge Faden with prostitutes]
Rachel Dawes: What's this?
Batman: Leverage.
Rachel Dawes: For what?
Batman: To get things moving.
Rachel Dawes: Who are you?
Batman: Someone like you. Someone who'll rattle the cages.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www2.warnerbros.com/batmanbegins/index.html
Trailer:

Film Review: INCEPTION (2010)

Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan
Running time: 148 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

UK Release date: 16th July 2010

Watched at the cinema Saturday 17th July 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

If you can suspend you belief in reality for 148 minutes then this is the film for you, if you can’t then it may only confuse you. Fortunately I am of the former persuasion and was very intrigued to see Christopher Nolan’s latest effort, particularly given the reception it has initially received. And so, having avoided seeing anything much beyond the trailer I took my seat in the theatre and waited with much anticipation for it to start.

I will keep my summary very brief and try not to give away any spoilers, this is best seen without knowing too much about it. Cobb is a thief, using technology he can go into your dreams and steal your secrets. He can’t do it alone though, he needs a team around him for backup, to design the dreamscape, to chemically induce the dream and someone to wake them all up when the mission is completed. He finds that committing industrial espionage is a good way to make a living while he figures out a way to get back home to see his estrange kids. He cannot go and see them because he is implicated in the untimely death of their mother, Mal, who still haunts his dreams. When a powerful industrialist, Saito, comes to him with a proposal he is interested, particularly when the fee is to be his longed for reunion with his children. There’s just one snag, the job will entail inception, planting an idea in someone’s mind via their dreams, a very risky process. I’ll leave it there or I may say too much, but that’s a very general outline.

This is without doubt one of the best films I’ve seen… ever. Always engaging, entertaining, sad, dramatic, action-packed, enthralling, intriguing and above all, intelligent. It kept me gripped from start to finish, which is a long time to be gripped, believe me! Although it’s pure fiction, I found it easy to identify with the characters which is testament to both the writing and the performances of the entire cast. So, hats off to, Leonardo DiCaprio as Cobb, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Arthur, Ellen Page as Ariadne, Tom Hardy as Eames, Ken Watanabe as Saito, Dileep Rao as Yusef, Marion Cotillard as Mal and Cillian Murphy as Robert Fischer, Jr. Also honourable mentions go to Tom Berenger as Browning, Pete Postlethwaite as Maurice Fischer and Michael Caine as Miles.

The effects were amazing, not an awful lot of CGI used, but some excellent wire work, physical effects and some use of miniatures was really effective. The scene (it’s in the trailer) where gravity is lost in the building is quite breathtaking. A word of warning though, be sure you won’t need a toilet break, if you do, you could find yourself lost in this most excellent and labyrinthine plot. I cannot praise everyone who worked on this one enough, in particular Christopher Nolan, a brilliant film and very very highly RECOMMENDED!!.

My score: 9.7/10

LINKS:
IMDb Site: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/
Official Site: http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi4219471385/