Film Review: QUILLS (2000)

Director: Philip Kaufman
Writers: Doug Wright (play/screenplay)
Running time: 124 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

Genre: Biography/Drama
UK Release date: 19^th January 2001

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 5^th May 2013.

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

This is a film I’ve heard talked about many times over the years and I heard enough to decide it might be worth a look and so it was duly added to ‘The List’. It came up in the listings this week and so I finally got to see this study of The Marquis de Sade. Maybe not quite as fulfilling as I’d expected, but a worthy watch nonetheless. I’ll tell you more after this very brief summary.

The film concentrates on the final years of the notorious Marquis de Sade (Geoffrey Rush) in an insane asylum run by The Abbe du Coulmier (Joaquin Phoenix). The Marquis is having manuscripts smuggled out with the help of a maid, Madeline (Kate Winslet). These are being published much to the outrage of the establishment and even Napoleon himself. Something must be done and to this end one Dr. Royer-Collard (Michael Caine) is dispatched to the asylum to oversee the running of the place. What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse as The Marquis finds ever more cunning ways to outwit the doctor and get his manuscripts out. This cannot last for long and eventually even the good doctor must stoop down to his level in order to get what he wants… But at what cost?

A pretty well made film with some excellent performances, particularly from Geoffrey Rush and Kate Winslet. It did, however, seem incomplete; there were a couple of threads that didn’t seem to tie up. I was interested in the story of the doctor’s wife and also the wife of the Marquis. Both of these characters came and went without any reference to them again; I found that a little odd. I have never read any of the works of the Marquis de Sade, but having seen this I’m tempted to take a look and see if it’s really as depraved as they say. As for the film, definitely worth a look although I did find it a tad drawn out and a tad too long.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.1/10.

IMDb Score: 7.3/10 (based on 34,133 votes when this review was written).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0180073/

MetaScore: 70/100: (Based on 31 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 75/100 (based on 119 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 80/100 (based on 44,744 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/quills/

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FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Madeleine: Some things belong on paper, others in life. It's a blessed fool who can't tell the difference.

Marquis de Sade: Conversation, like certain portions of the anatomy, always runs more smoothly when lubricated.

Coulmier: It's nothing but an encyclopedia of perversions. One man killed his wife after reading them.
Marquis de Sade: It's a fiction, not a moral treatise.

Renee Pelagie: Desperation has driven me past etiquette, all the way to frenzy.
Dr. Royer-Collard: My schedule is not subject to the whim of lunatics.
Renee Pelagie: I beg to differ, you work in a madhouse. Your every waking moment is governed by the insane.

Coulmier: But why must you indulge in his pornography?
Madeleine: It's a hard days' wages slaving away for madmen, what I've seen in life - it takes a lot to hold my interest.

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/quills/
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: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING (1975)

Co-Writer (screenplay)/Director: John Huston
Running time: 129 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Action/Adventure
UK Release date: 18^th December 1975

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 15^th October 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Based on a story by Rudyard Kipling, this is one of those films that I’ve always wanted to see but never managed to, until today. The gods of time were always against me with this one… I’d always turn over when it was half way through, or there would be something else I wanted to see on the other side, but I finally bagged & tagged it today! A film of great scope with a lot of action and adventure, it keeps you guessing until the end. I enjoyed it, with a few reservations, but more of that after this brief summary.

Late one night, a shadowy figure visits reporter, Rudyard Kipling, in his office in India. The visitor is Peachy Carnehan, and he is there to tell Kipling a tale. He reminds Kipling that they had previously met three years ago when he had witnessed a contract between Peachy and his colleague, and friend, Daniel Dravot. The two men, latter-day confidence tricksters, had recently left the army in India and had decided to go and seek their fortune in the little-known land of Kafiristan. The contract stated that they would abstain from alcohol and women for the duration of their adventure… amongst other things. They set off and after a torturous journey they finally arrive. Having scared off some natives with their rifles, they are surprised to find a Ghurkha living in one of the villages. He was the only survivor of a geological expedition several years earlier. This man, known as ‘Billy Fish’ would act as interpreter for the pair. And so they begin their rise to power by persuading the leader of the village to let them train their men so they can defeat all his enemies. Things continue in a similar vein until Daniel is hit with an arrow that doesn’t kill him in a battle. Word of this gets back to the holy city of the region and the pair is summoned. I won’t say any more because what happens next is key to the whole plot & I don’t want the Spoiler Police raising an army and chasing me down.

Very well made a beautifully shot, but you wouldn’t expect anything less from the likes of John Huston. Great performances all round, particularly from Sean Connery as Daniel Dravot and Michael Caine as Peachy Carnehan, they seemed to spark off each other really well. It’s a shame they haven’t made more films together on this evidence. Also worthy of note were Christopher Plummer as Rudyard Kipling and Saeed Jaffrey as Billy Fish.

There is some great dialogue in this film and it is delivered with great aplomb by both leading actors. They are supposed to be common men; non-commissioned officers of her majesty’s army, and that’s just what they speak like. Very much an old-fashioned adventure film, it really delivers on that front. I mentioned there was a problem with it though, and it’s that it’s just too damn long, you could easily lose thirty minutes of the running time from the beginning and the film would be just as good, if not better (in my book). If it wasn’t for this I would have definitely scored it higher, but even so, it still a great film and comes with my seal of approval… Recommended.

My Score: 7.8/10.

IMDb Score: 8.0/10 (based on 20,799 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0073341/

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96/100 (based on 23 reviews counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/man_who_would_be_king/

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

FAVOURITE QUOTES:

Peachy Carnehan: Home to what? A porters uniform outside a restaurant and six penny tips from belching civilians for closing cab doors on their blowzy women?
Daniel Dravot: Not for us thank you. Not after watching Afghans come howling down out of the hills and taking battlefield command when all the officers copped it.
Peachy Carnehan: Well said, brother Dravot.

Daniel Dravot: In any place where they fight, a man who knows how to drill men can always be a King. We shall go to those parts and say to any King we find - "D'you want to vanquish your foes?' and we will show him how to drill men; for that we know better than anything else. Then we will subvert that King and seize his Throne and establish a Dynasty.

Daniel Dravot: Billy Fish, do they always use such a big ball?
Billy Fish: Depend on size of man's head. Big head, big ball, small head, small ball. That Bashki man. Oh big damn head

Billy Fish: [On being offered a horse to escape a battle] Ghurkha is foot soldier, not cavalry.

LINKS:
Trailer:

Film Review: ZULU (1964)

Co-Writer/Director: Cy Endfield
Running time: 138 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

Genre: Action/Adventure/Drama
UK Release date: 22^nd January 1964

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 21^st August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have seen this film many times before; it was a particular favourite of mine as a youth. It’s a story of immense bravery against seemingly insurmountable odds, and I guess that’s what attracted me to it. Add to that, it’s based on real events and you’ve got me sold! The British army has fought in many battles over the years and many medals have been won. The highest award for bravery is the Victoria Cross and no fewer than eleven were won by the defenders of a small outpost called Rorke’s Drift in Natal, Africa on January 22, 1879.

Having already won a great victory, slaughtering 1,200 British soldiers, Zulu warriors are on the march. Four thousand are headed for Rorke’s Drift, a small missionary hospital in Natal. A detachment of troops from a Welsh regiment are stationed there under the command of Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. An officer of the Royal Engineers, Lieutenant John Chard, is also in the vicinity when word comes of the defeat. Having seniority, Chard takes command and begins to make preparations for the coming attack. A missionary, Otto Witt and his daughter, Margareta are also there, but are proving more of a hindrance than a help. After the first Zulu attack the Witts’ are sent away as Otto is distracting the men with his talk of death. Wave after wave of attacks ensue with great losses on both sides, but the garrison remains undefeated. Can they hold out? Will help come in time? Of course I can’t tell you here or the Spoiler Police will have me clapped in irons and put on Company punishment again.

Mostly filmed on location in Natal, you really get a feeling for the place. Of course the filmmakers couldn’t get 4,000 extras to play the Zulu army, but they did a pretty good job with what they had… Remember, no CGI back in 1964. This film is famous for being the first major film role for Michael Caine, who did a great job as the young aristocratic Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. Equally good was Stanley Baker as Lieutenant John Chard R.E. Other performances of note came from; Jack Hawkins as Otto Witt, Ulla Jacobsson as Margareta Witt, James Booth as private Henry Hook and Nigel Green as Colour-Sergeant Bourne.

The story is told entirely from the point of view of the garrison and this does make matters seem very one sided. Of course the battle scenes are all very well choreographed, but nothing like as brutal as they would be if it was made today. I loved this film when I was growing up and, believe it or not, I still love it today. It is most probably because of the story it tells, rather than it being an outstanding piece of filmmaking. I must admit, though, that Michael Caine does stand out in this one, his star potential is there for all to see. Over all, a film I have no problem recommending, even though it may not be politically correct to do so these days.

My Score: 8.4/10.

IMDb Score: 7.8/10 (based on 13,839 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0058777/

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92/100 (based on 13 reviews counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zulu/

FAVOURITE QUOTE:
Colour Sergeant Bourne: It’s a miracle.
Lieutenant John Chard: If it’s a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it’s a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45 calibre miracle.
Colour Sergeant Bourne: And a bayonet, sir… with some guts behind.

LINKS:
Trailer:

Film Review: CHILDREN OF MEN (2006)

Co-Writer (Screenplay)/Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Running time: 109 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Genre: Drama/Thriller/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 22nd September 2006

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 19th March 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I was flicking channels before bed time the other night when I came across this film, it had only just started but I thought I’d watch five minutes… Fifteen minutes later I pressed ‘Record’ and retired to bed. I’m really glad I recorded it now because, I have to say for the record that I have seen it before but first time around I didn’t enjoy it all that much. A second viewing has convinced me that it is a very fine piece of work, gritty, and tough to watch at times, but certainly worth it. More of my thoughts later but here’s a brief summary first (summary haters and those that don’t wish to know anything about the plot please escort that refugee to the coast while I write the next paragraph).

It is the year 2027 and the world has gone to pot. No babies have been born since 2009 and this has caused chaos across the globe as society collapsed leaving numerous homeless and destitute people. Many make their way to the UK where they are herded into cages and sent to camps far away from the population. When an English man, Theo Faron is approached by his former lover, and leader of a pro-refugee rebellion, Julian, he reluctantly agrees to help her. They need him to escort a girl, Kee, to the coast where they hope to get her on a boat to meet a group of scientists known as ‘The Human Project’. Having secured the paperwork from his brother, Theo meets up with Julian, Kee and Miriam (Kee’s escort). They set off but are ambushed; they get away and make it to a safe house that proves not to be quite as safe as first thought. Here Theo discovers what is so special about Kee and why it is so important for everyone that she makes it to her destination. I’ll leave it there so as not to infuriate the spoiler police… they can get quite nasty you know.

Filmed in a washed-out style, this film is very stark-looking with a realistic feel to it. This really helps the story, which is a no-holds-barred assault on the sensitivities of modern life. It really hits home in a very pragmatic way how society could end up if mankind lets it (ok, no more political stuff). Great performances all round, particularly from Clive Owen as Theo Faron, he seldom convinces me as a leading man, but as the reluctant hero here, he really nails it. Julianne Moore did a good job as Julian (daft name for a girl if you ask me though), as did Pam Ferris as Miriam. I really liked Clare-Hope Ashitey as Kee, she played a difficult part very well, and it was great to see Michael Caine as you’ve never seen him before, as Theo’s friend Jasper.

Amongst all the grit, dirt and general reality of the film comes one scene that will stay with me for a long time. For those that have seen it, it’s where Theo and Kee are leaving the tower block and all the fighting stops until they are clear (I don’t think I’ve given anything vital away here). If you haven’t seen it, believe me, it’s a truly beautiful piece of cinema. There is also a great soundtrack with many songs you’ll recognise and a great piece of humour for Pink Floyd fans… just look out of the window at Battersea Power station & you’ll see what I mean. Over all, I really enjoyed this film, although I did find it a little too long. There are some great performances and it is a very compelling story… Recommended.

My score: 8.0/10

LINKS:
(RT = Rotten Tomatoes)
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0206634/
RT Page: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/children_of_men/
Official Site: http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/children-of-men/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi266470169/

Film Review: THE PRESTIGE (2006)

Co-Writer/Director: Christopher Nolan
Running time: 126 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Drama/ Mystery/Thriller
UK release date: 10th November 2006

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 27th February 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

For the record, I have seen this film before, but this is the first time I’ve attempted a review. I will admit to being a growing fan of Christopher Nolan’s work, ever since the excellent ‘Inception’ last year I have tried to see all of his work whenever possible. Although not perfect, this is a fine example of his work, a beautifully crafted story that is both compelling and very mysterious. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters and those that don’t wish to know anything about the plot please enjoy the magic show while I write the next paragraph).

Every great magic trick consists of three acts; ‘The Pledge’, ‘The Turn’ and ‘The Prestige’. Now, I could tell you what they all mean, but Michael Caine does it so much better in the trailer. But I digress; we’re here to talk about the plot. Two magicians, Alfred Borden and Robert Angier are working together when tragedy strikes. Angier’s wife, Julia, is killed in an onstage accident. He blames Borden for her death and thus begins a bitter rivalry. They both set out alone to be the better magician and both make every effort to thwart the other. Eventually Borden creates a trick that Angier cannot figure out and from then it’s no holds barred. In search of the answer he goes to America to seek the help of scientist Nikola Tesla. What he creates for Angier is quite mind-blowing and very dangerous. But the secret to Borden’s trick is not what you may think. I think I’ve said enough and so I’ll leave it there.

As you might expect from a Christopher Nolen film, it is very well made with great cinematography, great sets, costumes and, not least, performances. Great work from both Christian Bale as Alfred Borden and Hugh Jackman as Robert Angier, both are superb in this one. Also great to see were Michael Caine as Cutter and Scarlett Johansson as Olivia Wenscombe. And I must give honourable mentions to Andy Serkis as Alley and David Bowie (yes him) as Tesla.

I have seen this one before and so could remember a good portion of the plot while re-watching it. Even so, I found it quite compelling; I love the way the audience are drawn into the story. It may not have the scope of The Dark Knight or Inception, and it may not be quite as crazy as Memento, but it’s still a great example of his work. As I said at the beginning, it’s not perfect, I felt some of the early scenes were a little rushed and a little more time could have been spent on ‘The Pledge’ without ruining ‘the Prestige’ (just a little magician joke there). Over all, very compelling, excellently made with some great performances… Highly Recommended.

My score: 8.6/10

LINKS:
(RT = Rotten Tomatoes)
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/
RT Page: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prestige/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2835284761/

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/