Film Reviews
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It’s a wonderful Afterlife |
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Wednesday, 26 May 2010 |
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Cinema
Directed by Gurinder Chadha
I must admit to having a soft spot for director Gurinder Chadha. She knows her world, which is mainly the west London Asian community. I love the fact that she shoots in all of the locations that she grew up in. She also has a distinctive flair for comedy,
In deepest Ealing we find a mother who's beside herself with worry that her eldest daughter remains unwed.
A suitor occurs in the most unusual way, he is a CID officer, whose investigating a series of murders which starts with a killing curry! As each victims pops off, they appear as ghosts (shades of Blythe Spirits). Roopi (Goldy Notay) has a ball as the daughter and the stellar cast which includes Sally Hawkins, Sanjeev Bhaskar Jimi Mistry and Zoë Wanamaker amongst them have a great time as this zany comedy unfolds.
3 stars |
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The Disappearance of Alice Creed |
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Wednesday, 26 May 2010 |
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Cinema
Directed by J Blakeson
This very captivating thriller from new director J Blakeson is a must see for lovers of the unexpected.
Alice Creed ( Gemma Arterton) is kidnapped by the moody Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston). The whole thing is planned and executed flawlessly. The pair have transformed a flat into a makeshift jail, from which escape is out of the question. Naturally their aim is money two million in fact. Her father has agreed to pay up. Suddenly there is a twist as Alice turns the tables for a brief moment and from then on all is very different for the kidnapper’s as twist upon twist in the story occurs this is the edge of your seat drama with all of the actors giving ace performances, as they struggle with the power games they are in.
3 Stars |
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Wednesday, 26 May 2010 |
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Cinema
Directed by Ridley Scott
From age five, I have been a Robin Hood fan. Being an elder statesman, Erroll Flynn will always be the tops, even in tights and for those of you who don’t know, I was one of the Norman Cross bowmen that killed ‘Robin of Sherwood’ eg Michael Praed in the television series but even then he appeared again as Jason Connery. Since then there’s been Kevin Costner and another Jason in the Greenwood, and now there is Russell Crowe.
First lets get the accent out of the way. As we know he is a New Zealander who often plays Americans. In this instance he is half Midlands/Northern and yes there is a hint of Irish. Does it matter? To be honest not a jot! Why? Because it’s a good script with great action sequences as only director Ridley Scott can deliver.
Robin Longstride is a bowman with King Richard in the crusades. He returns home to England having promised Robert Loxley, who is dying, that he will deliver his sword to his father Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow), which is does, thus meeting Maid Marion ( Cate Blanchett). Sir Walter Loxley encourages Robin to take the place of his son, meanwhile a very dodgy Kind John is causing havoc. The Barons and locals are not best pleased with him and a very weak Sheriff of Nottingham (Matthew Macfadyen)
Suddenly the land is being savaged by Godfrey (Mark Strong) and French Hordes. Robin and company retaliates, which climaxes on the beach with a massive battle. It’s all good stuff with all the star’s doing their thing very well. There’s even a jokey Magna Carta from Robin, which King John presumably hijacks.
In the end Robin, Marion and the gang end up in the tree’s and he becomes a hood. Robin Hood 2 is next.
4 stars
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Wednesday, 26 May 2010 |
Cinema
Directed by Jon Favreau
Having enjoyed the first outing of this iron clad hero, I was totally up for the next adventure. So did it live up to expectations? Well, it a yes from me, though it dipped a little after an initial ‘Wow’ opening. Which was followed by a brilliant meeting of adversaries during a Monaco racing car sequence.
Sparks fly, literally, as our hero (Robert Downey Jr) and villain (Mickey Rourke) battle it out over the roar of hot wheels. Then the films went into long scenes of jargon, which is the bit where the kids get bored. However it all takes off again and lets up only after the credits, so all is well.
Story wise Tony Stark’s alias Iron Man reveals his new technology to everyone including the Government and US Military. Hi rival billionaire, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) enlists the aid of Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) whose a crazy Scientist with a vendetta against the Stark family.
So the battle between good and evil ensues with a spectacular climax. The effects are great everyone plays their parts well. With Scarlett Johnasson, Rourke and of course Donwney Jr Standing out. Oh and Mickey Rourke is a Russian with an interesting chain of dialogue, check it out.
3 stars |
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Sunday, 25 April 2010 |
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Cinema
Dave the nerd (Aaron Johnson) fancies himself as a super hero. So dressed in a green wetsuit, hoodie, mask and boots he transforms himself. One problem though, he is useless! However he pursues the dream and consequently encounters an eleven year old hit girl Mindy (Chloe Moretz) and her strange ex cop daddy ‘Big Daddy’ (Nicolas Cage) who are also super’s
‘Kick-Ass’ is failing badly until the duo teach him how to operate and basically it’s all rockets firing. He becomes the toast of the town and girls are lining up for him. The trio tackle the mob headed by the very dangerous mob moss Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong) and all hell is let loose. So much so that the boss’s son eager to please daddy becomes ‘Red Mist’ a disguise with which to infiltrate the Super’s
All gets resolved and there’s endless action with ‘Hit-Girl’ stealing the film though Johnson and Strong do well. Yes it’s very violent at times, but hey it’s a comic book on film, enjoy it, it’s a send up.
Finally Jane Goldman who co wrote and produced the film is related to me, I know someone might as. That said she is a unique person in real life and behind the scenes, as is proved here. It’s also worth noting that two of our grandchildren crop up in the piece, we get everywhere don’t we!
4 stars.
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Sunday, 25 April 2010 |
Directed by Roman Polanski
Cinema
The though of one of our premiere ‘Bands’ appearing in a Roman Polanski film was a big lure and it does not disappoint. To give too much away would be a bad idea, suffice to say it will thrill you and keep you hooked.
Ghost writer ‘The Ghost’ (Ewan McGregor) is hired to write Ex Prime Minister Adam Lang’s (Pierce Brosnan) memoirs, which include the fact that he was at the helm with the USA of a Middle Eastern war, remind you of anyone?
Ewan unravels many things including the fact that the previous ghost writer died in suspicious circumstances whislt finding links to the CIA.
There’s a mistress (Kim Cattrall) a wife (Olivia Williams) and surprises around every corner. This is Hitchcock land, Pierce and Ewan shine.
4 stars |
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Sunday, 25 April 2010 |
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Cinema
Directed by Andy Tennant
You’ll never guess or maybe you will, Nicole (Jennifer Aniston) is about to be picked up by her ex husband, Bounty Hunter, Milo (Gerard Butler) for skipping bail. Nicole being a reporter is highly explosive and all this results in the couple being pursued together by the very people that they are both looking into, in the first place.
Oh dear, seen it all before, only last time she was with Hugh Grant.
2 stars |
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Sunday, 25 April 2010 |
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DVD
Directed by John Lee Hancock
I have to own up to being a Sandra Bullock fan. She is funny and witty though at the same time possessing a great dramatic quality. Hence her receiving the Oscar this year for this film as Best Actress. Plus, having the guts to show up in person, a week earlier, to collect her Razzie, for Worst Actress for her role in ‘All about Steve’.
Christian housewife Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock) is travelling home to her Memphis house or mansion rather. When she and her husband Steve (Tim Mcgraw) spot a black classmate of their children wandering the streets, they give him a lift and consequently a bed for the night. The Tuohys’ take young Michael (Quinton Aaron) under their wings. Leigh Anne sees potential in Michael’s sporting abilities and encourages him to improve his grades and pursue a Football Scholarship.
Naturally it is not that simple and as Michael has to come to terms with an abusive past he gets into some trouble. But Hang on. Leigh Anne is a no-nonsense go getter and sets out to help Michael. Sandra is exceptional in this heart breaking Drama based on true events. American football may or may not interest you but overlook it, for this is one not to miss.
4 Stars
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Monday, 08 March 2010 |
Cinema
Directed by Joe Johnston
When I think of films like this my memory drums up black and white images, in what we used to call ‘BUG HUTCHES’ which were tiny cinemas only fit for fleas and bugs. Us post war lads in bombed site London would laugh and thrill to the antics of Bela Lugosi or Lon Chaney in these places.
So this latest revival of the genre, starring Benicio Del Toro as the hairy one howling at the moon is a little amusing. However, there are those of you out there who may think otherwise.
Beset with problems from the get go – one director left and another came in, Del Toro is a Victorian gent who comes to the eerie house which is close by to gypsy folk and low and behold he gets the curse and the dodgy hairstyle to match.
Detective Abberline (Hugo Weaving) and ‘Sigmund Freud’ (Antony Sher) have a hammy old time trying to catch the hairy one. Its ok, but not a classic like the 1941 movie it emulates.
2 stars |
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Monday, 08 March 2010 |
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Cinema
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Now and again, a film comes along that gives you hope. Not just because that’s part of its overall message – which it is – but also because someone has bothered to make it in the first place. That person is the one and only Clint Eastwood, who has produced and directed it.
Released to coincide with the anniversary of President Mandela’s release from prison on South Africa’s Robin Island, as a common terrorist to his becoming the country’s number one man. This movie for me is a triumph.
As Mandela (Morgan Freeman) copes with bringing the nation together both black and white. He decides to use the rugby team, long a symbol of the Afrikaans.
The Springboks stay together and keep their colours of green and gold much to the shock of his fellow Black South African’s. He encourages their captain François Pienaar (Matt Damon) to take the team out into the small townships to encourage support and fellowship leading up to a great win in the World Cup.
Freeman is magnificent and Damon superb.
4 stars |
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Monday, 08 March 2010 |
Cinema
Directed by Scott Cooper
I have to say in all sincerity that I, as both a country music fan and long time supporter of Jeff Bridges work, looked forward to seeing this. Bad boy (Jeff) is an old country star whose light has dimmed a little and the drink has taken its toll.
He’s encouraged to write new material by his agent and also old pal Robert Duvall. However, he seems content to wallow in small bars and bowling alleys in the desert.
Vocalising in true whisky sodden style until he gives an interview to Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaall) for whom he falls heavily.
He battles with the booze and opening shows for Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell) but somehow comes through. Will he win the Oscar? Jeff I mean.
Well it would be nice – but at times I fear he phoned his performance in – there’s a lot of mumbling going on. So to be honest, I’ve seen him do better.
It’s okay, the music is good but Oscars…no not really.
2 stars |
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Monday, 08 March 2010 |
Cinema
Directed by Tom Ford
Colin Firth has already received the ‘Best Actor Award’ at the BAFTA’s for his role as a homosexual teacher in this film.
It’s the early sixties in California’s LA with a back draft of the cold war and Cuban crisis being evident.
Basically George (Firth) is coming to terms with the accidental death of his partner in a car crash.
Struggling to cope he mildly flirts with a student and spends a fun loving evening with his English buddy (Julianne Moore) who has long hoped for more in their relationship than he can give.
Frankly, their scene together was for me the only highlight in what is mainly a dull and lack-lustre film.
2 stars
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