This is not in a complete order. The top 20 are about right. This is also nothing to do with quality, its about personal enjoyment. Take the top 10 as all my number 1, I struggle to separate them. What do you think?
1. American Beauty (1999)
2. Transamerica (2005)
3. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
4. Alien (1979)
5. A League Of Their Own (1992)
6. Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977)
7. Inglorious Basterds(2009)
8. Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
9. Erin Brockovich (2000)
10.The Dark Knight (2008)
11. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
12. The Incredibles (2004)
13. The Kings Speech (2010)
14. Up (2009)
15. Toy Story 3 (2010)
16. Death Becomes her (1992)
17. Muriel's Wedding (1994)
18. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
19. Pretty Woman (1990)
20. Cabaret (1972)
21. Bridesmaids (2011)
22. Easy A (2010)
23.Black Swan (2010)
24. Toy Story (1999)
25. I Married a Witch (1942)
26. From Dusk till Dawn (1996)
27. Xmen (2000)
28. True Grit (2010)
29. Beetlejuice (1988)
30. Scream (1996)
31. Batman Returns (1992)
32. Edward Scissorhands (1994)
33. Basic Instinct (1992)
34. Singin' in the rain (1954)
35. Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
36. Aliens (1986)
37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
38. Star Wars VI: Return Of the Jedi (1983)
39. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
40. Scream 2 (1997)
41.The Naked Gun (1988)
42. Kiss kiss bang bang (2005)
43. Evita (1996)
44. Chicago (2002)
45. Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
46. Mean Girls (2004)
47. Clueless (1995)
48. Cruel Intentions (1999)
49. Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
50. The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)
51. Scream 4 (2011)
52. Sister Act (1992)
53. Boys Don't Cry (1999)
54. Shrek (2001)
55. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
56. Harry Potter and the deathly hallows parts 1 and 2 (2010/2011)
57. Harry Potter and the prisioner of Azkaban (2004)
58. Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (2007)
59. The Descent (2005)
60. Dawn Of the Dead (2004)
61. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
62. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
63. Aladdin (1992)
64. Mulan (1998)
65. The Matrix (1999)
66. Inception (2010)
67. Edge Of Seventeen (1998)
68. Labyrinth (1986)
69. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
70. United 93 (2006)
71. The Goonies (1985)
72. Harry Brown (2009)
73. Ghost (1990)
74. The Emporah's New Groove (2000)
75. Let me in (2010)
76. Titanic (1998)
77. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
78. A Taste Of Honey (1961)
79. Some Like it Hot (1959)
80. Gentleman Prefer Blondes (1953)
81. Shaun Of the Dead (2004)
82. Serenity (2005)
83. Big (1988)
84. Hard Candy (2005)
85. Juno (2007)
86. Whip it (2009)
87. Shrek 2 (2004)
88. Monster Inc (2001)
89. This Boys Life (1993)
90. Notes On A Scandal (2006)
91. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
92. Salt (2010)
93. GoldFinger (1964)
94. Fight Club (1999)
95. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
96. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
97. Austin Powers International man of mystery (1997)
98. The Hangover (2009)
99. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
100. Jarhead (2005)
Saturday 6 August 2011
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Homosexuality
The most frequently type casted stereotypes in films are gays. Being gay myself this causes a fair amount of annoyance to me. Let me put it this way, Peter Parker in Spiderman is a very gay character. This was possibly not a conscious effort on Sam Raimi's part or Tobey Maguires for that matter, but he screams gay. In that character he even looks uncomfortable kissing the girls, let alone in the bedroom department (poor Mary Jane). So what I'm trying to say here is that though there are characters that ooze homosexual tendencies none of them are actually gay. If a character is gay within a film they are a usually side characters, that are so stereotypical it hurts the gay community that I'm apart of. They are also the butt of every bodies jokes and the jokes themselves are always about orientation. Romantic comedies are the worst for this, despite being fairly popular amongst gay men (I'm excluding myself here), they're always friends with the girl who gets the man, and the man in question is always OK with the gay guy, but will never sleep with them. Well why the hell not? I know women might not like it if their leading man sleeps with another dude, but it is possible and it would make the films a hell of a lot less predictable if they did.
If their ever was to be a gay male lead in a film, there is a big hoo har about the whole thing. It can't just be Clark Kent just happens to be with Dave, it has to be some elaborate thing of coming to terms with the sexuality. Why can't the Green hornet just be with a bloke, is it really that likely to put off potential cinema goers. Its not like you see much in these films, there are no hard core sex scenes so its not like Bruce Wayne is gonna start bumming The Joker. Though that might defuse their sexual tension... if only Heath Ledger were still with us, it could have been a Brokeback Mountain and Batman cross over.
Maybe one day the world will change and everybody in the world will accept homosexuality for what it is. I mean everyone in this world wants to fit in, everyone wants some sort of acceptance. Its a bizarre concept that homophobic heterosexuals still want their peers to accept them for who they are, whether they're typically normal or not, but they cannot accept gay people for something they truly cannot help. I mean why would gay people choose to have a more difficult life when they're growing up?
TLA releasing have done their up most to keep gay culture in films, but they're all fairly obvious accounts that would only really appeal to a gay audience. I believe that gay characters can be put into mainstream Hollywood films and not put off the punters. Clever scripts and films can carry off gay characters without the need for obvious stereotypes. Come on Hollywood you can do it. I dare you.
If their ever was to be a gay male lead in a film, there is a big hoo har about the whole thing. It can't just be Clark Kent just happens to be with Dave, it has to be some elaborate thing of coming to terms with the sexuality. Why can't the Green hornet just be with a bloke, is it really that likely to put off potential cinema goers. Its not like you see much in these films, there are no hard core sex scenes so its not like Bruce Wayne is gonna start bumming The Joker. Though that might defuse their sexual tension... if only Heath Ledger were still with us, it could have been a Brokeback Mountain and Batman cross over.
Maybe one day the world will change and everybody in the world will accept homosexuality for what it is. I mean everyone in this world wants to fit in, everyone wants some sort of acceptance. Its a bizarre concept that homophobic heterosexuals still want their peers to accept them for who they are, whether they're typically normal or not, but they cannot accept gay people for something they truly cannot help. I mean why would gay people choose to have a more difficult life when they're growing up?
TLA releasing have done their up most to keep gay culture in films, but they're all fairly obvious accounts that would only really appeal to a gay audience. I believe that gay characters can be put into mainstream Hollywood films and not put off the punters. Clever scripts and films can carry off gay characters without the need for obvious stereotypes. Come on Hollywood you can do it. I dare you.
Thursday 28 July 2011
What is your Favourite Film?
What is your favourite film? Now I literally cannot answer this question. I love so many different films for different occasions. Such as if I want a feel good film I'll watch Transamerica or American Pie. If Iwant to be thrilled I'll watch Hard Candy or The Dark knight. For whatever reasons I find it hard to determne what my "Favourite" film is. I therefore Have 10 films that I put into my top 10. A list I had to think long and hard about, And I go through each 1 as to why its a contender for my favourite film. My the best one win.
American Beauty- I've always said this is my favourite film. Its a darkly funny, and beutifully shot film with a harsh reality behind it. One that sums up suberbia. Why do I like this film so much is that it never drags, it appeals to my sence of humour and it always manages to shock and enthrall me. And its all done in such a beautifully neat package.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
Transamerica- I have seen this film so much its ridiculous, but I always can watch it again. Its so charming and funny, and with a depth to it that never stretches to melodrama which I hate. Felicity Huffman is pretty incredible in this film as well, she was robbed of the oscar. Reese Witherspoon give it back.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 8/10 Average 9.25
Strictly ballroom- Another film I've seen a lot. Strictly Ballroom captures my imagination and moves at such a brisk speed you can only get swept up in it. Its not to everyones taste, but it truly is a stunning piece of work.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 8/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.5
Alien- My all time favourite horror movie. The slow beginning can get a touch tiresome after repeat watches, but I simply love everything about it. Its design, the acting, the direction. Its this film that inspires me to be a director and one that I will always defend and love.
Film 9/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.75
A League of their own- This film is something that has always stayed with me over years. Its such a light hearted romp that I never get bored of watching it. Its a great emsemble of actors and the old school newsreels add something fresh and fun to the mix. Its a film I have watched more times than I'd care to admit, and I'll probably double that number in the years to come. I don't care I love it!
Film 8/10 Acting 8/10 Writing 8/10 Direction 8/10 Average 8
Star Wars IV: A New Hope- This is sci fi at its all time best. There's not much more to say other than its incredible. Its historic, the story and the film will live on forever.
Film 10/10 Acting 9/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.5
Inglorious Basterds- My favourite Tarantino movie. I love the time its set, the direction, the humour, the idea. I'm just sad I didn't come up with it myself. So many styles are mixed into this film and its such a thrill ride. Its one I can't watch too often, but everytime I do I love it that bit more.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
Desperately Seeking Susan- I can watch this so many times. As a life long Madonna fan it is unsurprising this make my top ten. But I can just watch it over and over again. Its so much fun and they never make movies like this anymore.
Film 7/10 Acting 7/10 Writing 7/10 Direction 7/10 Average 7
Erin Brockovich- This film is so inspiring to me. Being brought up by my mum single handedly, I can see the hard ships this woman comes by. Its a story that never gets old to me. And one that never stop being funny or charming.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
The Dark Knight- This is how action movie should be done. Its so exciting and thrilling, Dark Knight is the very essence of great film making. Their are several scenes that are so good, that just putting one or two of them in another film could have made it knock out. Its one twist, one turn after another. In short this is bloody brilliant.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
So which is my favourite? Well it is hard thing to say, but in looking at the facts I'll say my favourite is well a tie between The Dark Knight, Erin Brockovich, Inglorious Basterds and American Beauty. Not helping matters.
But I will pick one. And I'm going for .... A League Of Their Own. Though with only an average of 8/10 actually the second lowest I feel I have to put it at the top of me list. So Whats your favourite Movie?
American Beauty- I've always said this is my favourite film. Its a darkly funny, and beutifully shot film with a harsh reality behind it. One that sums up suberbia. Why do I like this film so much is that it never drags, it appeals to my sence of humour and it always manages to shock and enthrall me. And its all done in such a beautifully neat package.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
Transamerica- I have seen this film so much its ridiculous, but I always can watch it again. Its so charming and funny, and with a depth to it that never stretches to melodrama which I hate. Felicity Huffman is pretty incredible in this film as well, she was robbed of the oscar. Reese Witherspoon give it back.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 8/10 Average 9.25
Strictly ballroom- Another film I've seen a lot. Strictly Ballroom captures my imagination and moves at such a brisk speed you can only get swept up in it. Its not to everyones taste, but it truly is a stunning piece of work.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 8/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.5
Alien- My all time favourite horror movie. The slow beginning can get a touch tiresome after repeat watches, but I simply love everything about it. Its design, the acting, the direction. Its this film that inspires me to be a director and one that I will always defend and love.
Film 9/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.75
A League of their own- This film is something that has always stayed with me over years. Its such a light hearted romp that I never get bored of watching it. Its a great emsemble of actors and the old school newsreels add something fresh and fun to the mix. Its a film I have watched more times than I'd care to admit, and I'll probably double that number in the years to come. I don't care I love it!
Film 8/10 Acting 8/10 Writing 8/10 Direction 8/10 Average 8
Star Wars IV: A New Hope- This is sci fi at its all time best. There's not much more to say other than its incredible. Its historic, the story and the film will live on forever.
Film 10/10 Acting 9/10 Writing 9/10 Direction 10/10 Average 9.5
Inglorious Basterds- My favourite Tarantino movie. I love the time its set, the direction, the humour, the idea. I'm just sad I didn't come up with it myself. So many styles are mixed into this film and its such a thrill ride. Its one I can't watch too often, but everytime I do I love it that bit more.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
Desperately Seeking Susan- I can watch this so many times. As a life long Madonna fan it is unsurprising this make my top ten. But I can just watch it over and over again. Its so much fun and they never make movies like this anymore.
Film 7/10 Acting 7/10 Writing 7/10 Direction 7/10 Average 7
Erin Brockovich- This film is so inspiring to me. Being brought up by my mum single handedly, I can see the hard ships this woman comes by. Its a story that never gets old to me. And one that never stop being funny or charming.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
The Dark Knight- This is how action movie should be done. Its so exciting and thrilling, Dark Knight is the very essence of great film making. Their are several scenes that are so good, that just putting one or two of them in another film could have made it knock out. Its one twist, one turn after another. In short this is bloody brilliant.
Film 10/10 Acting 10/10 Writing 10/10 Direction 10/10 Average 10
So which is my favourite? Well it is hard thing to say, but in looking at the facts I'll say my favourite is well a tie between The Dark Knight, Erin Brockovich, Inglorious Basterds and American Beauty. Not helping matters.
But I will pick one. And I'm going for .... A League Of Their Own. Though with only an average of 8/10 actually the second lowest I feel I have to put it at the top of me list. So Whats your favourite Movie?
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Black Swan *****
A rare and precious gem of a film, Nalatlie Portman is a knock out.
"After winning the lead role in the ballet Swan Lake, a young woman who dedicates herself to obedience and dicipline gives into her darker urges to play the role to her full potential."
"After winning the lead role in the ballet Swan Lake, a young woman who dedicates herself to obedience and dicipline gives into her darker urges to play the role to her full potential."
Natalie Portman is a knock out in this film. She embraces it with every single ounce of her being, its a subdued performance at times, but one where she manages to get every audience member to feel for her. Not an easy task, but she takes to it like a duck (or swan) to water. The direction here is truly beautiful, though in full colour it feels at time that it could be in monochrome, it truly gives a seediness to the world its presented here.
Despite being a film based upon ballet, it is more character driven that anything else, though the main premise of the film might be put off by Black Swan this would be truly stupid thing as it really is good enough to appeal to a broad range of people.
Though it is Natalie Portman that leads this film with guns a blazing, other significant women in this film stick out. Mila Kunis's bad girl plays off against Portman brilliantly and the two form an unexpected and mysterious friendship. Barbara Hershey works well as the mother, who plays every second of the film with malevolence with what seems to be delight.Winona Ryder takes what little she is given and turns it to gold.
Black Swan is a power house of stunning direction and an ensemble of great performances. A film I literally cannot recommend any higher.
Horrible Bosses ***
An often amusing and fun comedy, that with a bit more spark could have been hilarious
"Three men fed up with their jobs, attempt to kill their horrible bosses to make their lives a little easier"
We've all had them haven't we, that man or woman you despise in a position of power over you despite the fact they may not deserve that power. We all know or know of someone who abuses that little sprinkle of power that they have. I personally have worked in catering all my adult and half my teen-aged life, and that particular industry has those types of people in spades, even when you do everything in you can to please them, its still not enough! Ever fantasised about throwing said person out of a window, I know I have. I could just have a sick sense of humour that others may not share, but I generally have hated a lot of my bosses. So in comes Horrible Bosses, a film that promises to fore fill that immoral fantasy we cannot undertake.
The promise is made, but unsurprisingly not kept. The Villains of the piece include Kevin Spacey's CEO of a major company, that tortures his employee's like a playground bully. We also have Colin Farrells, coke snorting, spoilt brat wannabe playboy who inherits his fathers company with no intention of upholding it's values. And Finally Jennifer Anistons nymphomaniac dentist, with a rather ridiculous obsession with her dental assistant. The bosses are delightfully horrible, Jennifer Anistons is particularly nasty and you can easily see why the employee's would want to off these particular human beings.
Now the premise is here, it works for the most part and the bosses are in place. But now you need your employee's and I believe this is where the stumbling block may have been. The three male leads are funny and do have great moments , but they're all one piece of the same puzzle. Variety is the spice of life so they say and more varied characters would have made this all the enjoyable. Having a female or a homosexual or an ethnic minority I believe would have been funnier. Jennifer Aniston coming on to her gay assistant as opposed to her straight one would have been far more entertaining and unexpected. Thats my own opinion anyway, and many of the ethnic stereotypes in Horrible Bosses come across as a little crass.
There some rather brilliant bits, two of the employee's getting high off cocaine dust is brilliant and the bosses seem to have a lot of fun here. Of the R rated films I've seen this year Horrible Bosses manages to come off somewhere in the middle, better than The Hangover: Part 2, but not quite as good as Bridesmaids. Its most comparable film is probably Bad Teacher, in that both films took some jokes too far while others didn't go far enough. I think with a smarter plot the film could have been wittier and more exciting, it manages to stagger on the line of entertaining without really stretching the audience in any way.
Its a risk free comedy, that doesn't live up to the premise. There is much to enjoyed here, but generally this is a middle of the road comedy that had way more potential.
"Three men fed up with their jobs, attempt to kill their horrible bosses to make their lives a little easier"
We've all had them haven't we, that man or woman you despise in a position of power over you despite the fact they may not deserve that power. We all know or know of someone who abuses that little sprinkle of power that they have. I personally have worked in catering all my adult and half my teen-aged life, and that particular industry has those types of people in spades, even when you do everything in you can to please them, its still not enough! Ever fantasised about throwing said person out of a window, I know I have. I could just have a sick sense of humour that others may not share, but I generally have hated a lot of my bosses. So in comes Horrible Bosses, a film that promises to fore fill that immoral fantasy we cannot undertake.
The promise is made, but unsurprisingly not kept. The Villains of the piece include Kevin Spacey's CEO of a major company, that tortures his employee's like a playground bully. We also have Colin Farrells, coke snorting, spoilt brat wannabe playboy who inherits his fathers company with no intention of upholding it's values. And Finally Jennifer Anistons nymphomaniac dentist, with a rather ridiculous obsession with her dental assistant. The bosses are delightfully horrible, Jennifer Anistons is particularly nasty and you can easily see why the employee's would want to off these particular human beings.
Now the premise is here, it works for the most part and the bosses are in place. But now you need your employee's and I believe this is where the stumbling block may have been. The three male leads are funny and do have great moments , but they're all one piece of the same puzzle. Variety is the spice of life so they say and more varied characters would have made this all the enjoyable. Having a female or a homosexual or an ethnic minority I believe would have been funnier. Jennifer Aniston coming on to her gay assistant as opposed to her straight one would have been far more entertaining and unexpected. Thats my own opinion anyway, and many of the ethnic stereotypes in Horrible Bosses come across as a little crass.
There some rather brilliant bits, two of the employee's getting high off cocaine dust is brilliant and the bosses seem to have a lot of fun here. Of the R rated films I've seen this year Horrible Bosses manages to come off somewhere in the middle, better than The Hangover: Part 2, but not quite as good as Bridesmaids. Its most comparable film is probably Bad Teacher, in that both films took some jokes too far while others didn't go far enough. I think with a smarter plot the film could have been wittier and more exciting, it manages to stagger on the line of entertaining without really stretching the audience in any way.
Its a risk free comedy, that doesn't live up to the premise. There is much to enjoyed here, but generally this is a middle of the road comedy that had way more potential.
Saturday 23 July 2011
The Art of the Comedy Series....
Comedy is genre of movie that is loved by all, whether you are 3 years old or 100 years old there is something in the comedic universe for everyone. Lets face it other genres aren't quite as universal, horrors are very much 50/50 split betwwen those that can't get enough of them, to those that literally hate them. Thrillers seem to be enjoyed by the vast majority of the population, but usually difference in opinion from film to film is rather vast. And drama's are an definately an acquired taste and most people will avoid drama's especially in the younger male demographic, no matter how good the film itself may be. But comedy; well thats another story entirely and though people's sense of humour differs there is a comedy out there for everyone. I may have completely missed the mark on that statement and I could be utterly wrong, but though not everyone wants to cry or be scared, everyone wants to laugh don't they?
If I'm honest I've seen more bad comedies than good ones, The Coen Brothers remake of The Ladykillers nearly destroyed my soul it bored me that much. And I have great respect for the Coens, True Grit, their most recent endevour was exemplary, but The Ladykillers was badly paced and from what I've read, an unnecessary remake of a cult classic. Suffice to say I didn't even finish it, a rare feat for any film I watch, let alone a Coen Brothers Film. So a lot comedies don't rank high on my lists of my favourite films, and to be honest to crack into my top 50 a film would probably have to be more than just a straight up comedy.
The most recent comedy to impress me was Judd Apatow's Bridesmaids, which I've now seen twice and could probably watch at least another two times before it stopped being funny. But before I saw Bridemaids, I saw two rather mediocre films the first being The Hangover: Part 2 which was utterly apaulling, but actually did raise a couple of laughs out of me. The second was the slightly better Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz as a truly awful teacher that I must admit I aspire to be one day (I dislike children), but the movie felt like it didn't take its jokes far enough at times and at others felt like it took the joke way too far. All three films I've mentioned above I enjoyed, The Hangover: Part 2 was just an inessential sequel that acted more like a remake, though with a great commercial success it will ensure Part 3 will be on its way shortly. I must admit that the original Hangover film they tied the story up enough at the end that I had no real desire for a sequel. Bridemaids Does tie up its loose ends, but I would like to see another as some of the characters feel like they haven't been used to they're full potential.
So here we have two films, one that I didn't really want them to make into a series and one that I do and they probably won't. Now there are plently of Thriller series The Bourne Trilogy, The Matrix Trilogy, The Alien Qradrilogy to name but a few and horror movies seem to never just leave it one film; A nightmare on elm street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Saw. But when it comes to comedy there seems to be rather scarse selection of film series, The Hangover seems to be the first in a while. Other ones I can think of are the Police Acedemy films (which aren't funny), The Naked Gun, The Carry On films (also not particularly funny), Meet the parents. The latter of which has had a steadily declining quality which seems to be something that happens a fair bit in comedy films. They recycle the same bits and they get less and less funny each time you see them. This is also done in horror as well, the same gags and ideas are done to death. They do get tiresome after a while there isn't anything worse than a joke that you hear to many times.
So why does comedy suffer so much more than the others? Many used to call it the curse of the sequel, but I think that convention been broken countless times nowadays. The Dark Knight was way better than Batman Begins (though both are truly great), Spiderman 2 was better than the original and Toy Story 3 I felt was the best in the series. But I no comedy series of films seems to have retained the quality of the original. I find this odd as their are television shows that have kept they're comedic elements funny and original for several years. So why can't film do the same.
To sum up I'm generally hoping that Bridemaids makes a sequel that can keep up with the suberb original. And who knows maybe some great mind will create a comedy series of films that keeps my interest and that doesn't make me wanna jump off a building like The Ladykillers almost drove me too.
If I'm honest I've seen more bad comedies than good ones, The Coen Brothers remake of The Ladykillers nearly destroyed my soul it bored me that much. And I have great respect for the Coens, True Grit, their most recent endevour was exemplary, but The Ladykillers was badly paced and from what I've read, an unnecessary remake of a cult classic. Suffice to say I didn't even finish it, a rare feat for any film I watch, let alone a Coen Brothers Film. So a lot comedies don't rank high on my lists of my favourite films, and to be honest to crack into my top 50 a film would probably have to be more than just a straight up comedy.
The most recent comedy to impress me was Judd Apatow's Bridesmaids, which I've now seen twice and could probably watch at least another two times before it stopped being funny. But before I saw Bridemaids, I saw two rather mediocre films the first being The Hangover: Part 2 which was utterly apaulling, but actually did raise a couple of laughs out of me. The second was the slightly better Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz as a truly awful teacher that I must admit I aspire to be one day (I dislike children), but the movie felt like it didn't take its jokes far enough at times and at others felt like it took the joke way too far. All three films I've mentioned above I enjoyed, The Hangover: Part 2 was just an inessential sequel that acted more like a remake, though with a great commercial success it will ensure Part 3 will be on its way shortly. I must admit that the original Hangover film they tied the story up enough at the end that I had no real desire for a sequel. Bridemaids Does tie up its loose ends, but I would like to see another as some of the characters feel like they haven't been used to they're full potential.
So here we have two films, one that I didn't really want them to make into a series and one that I do and they probably won't. Now there are plently of Thriller series The Bourne Trilogy, The Matrix Trilogy, The Alien Qradrilogy to name but a few and horror movies seem to never just leave it one film; A nightmare on elm street, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Saw. But when it comes to comedy there seems to be rather scarse selection of film series, The Hangover seems to be the first in a while. Other ones I can think of are the Police Acedemy films (which aren't funny), The Naked Gun, The Carry On films (also not particularly funny), Meet the parents. The latter of which has had a steadily declining quality which seems to be something that happens a fair bit in comedy films. They recycle the same bits and they get less and less funny each time you see them. This is also done in horror as well, the same gags and ideas are done to death. They do get tiresome after a while there isn't anything worse than a joke that you hear to many times.
So why does comedy suffer so much more than the others? Many used to call it the curse of the sequel, but I think that convention been broken countless times nowadays. The Dark Knight was way better than Batman Begins (though both are truly great), Spiderman 2 was better than the original and Toy Story 3 I felt was the best in the series. But I no comedy series of films seems to have retained the quality of the original. I find this odd as their are television shows that have kept they're comedic elements funny and original for several years. So why can't film do the same.
To sum up I'm generally hoping that Bridemaids makes a sequel that can keep up with the suberb original. And who knows maybe some great mind will create a comedy series of films that keeps my interest and that doesn't make me wanna jump off a building like The Ladykillers almost drove me too.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
The BOX OFFICE BIGGUNS
The vast majority of the biggest grossing films of all time I actually really dislike. Avatar was beautiful and awe-inspiring, but storyline and dialogue wise it was pretty crap. Titanic another of James Camerons babies was more style than substance, and the love story lacked pinache. Pirates Of the Caribean is probably my most disliked film franchise, (except maybe the Twilight saga) but yet it entertains the masses. Is it me or is the "masses" really dumb?
The Pirates movies have slid downhill since the first one. Johnny Depp's character may have been a saving grace once, but four times not so much. Though with great effects and some slightly intuguing storylines, pirates is at times non sensicle and utter hollywood fodder that I couldn't get on board with.
Other big hitters I have enjoyed more, The Dark Knight is utterly brilliant as is Toy Story 3, anf though not my cup of tea The Lord of Rings are well made films. And I do love the Harry Potter series even if the quality of the films varies.
So why do people cue and pay shit loads of money on films that aren't really all that great. I think the next big hitter will be Dark Knight Rises, which I am eagerly anticipating. And Deathly Hallows Part 2 looks set to be another film that breaks the 1 billion dollars margin. But lets make the next Kings Speech type film number 1 shall we.
The Pirates movies have slid downhill since the first one. Johnny Depp's character may have been a saving grace once, but four times not so much. Though with great effects and some slightly intuguing storylines, pirates is at times non sensicle and utter hollywood fodder that I couldn't get on board with.
Other big hitters I have enjoyed more, The Dark Knight is utterly brilliant as is Toy Story 3, anf though not my cup of tea The Lord of Rings are well made films. And I do love the Harry Potter series even if the quality of the films varies.
So why do people cue and pay shit loads of money on films that aren't really all that great. I think the next big hitter will be Dark Knight Rises, which I am eagerly anticipating. And Deathly Hallows Part 2 looks set to be another film that breaks the 1 billion dollars margin. But lets make the next Kings Speech type film number 1 shall we.
Xmen: First Class ****
Clever, exciting, funny and stylish. What more could you want?
"The origins of Professor X and Magneto."
I love the Xmen, I won't beat around the bush. There are so many mutants, heroes and anti-heroes that you relate can to at least one of them. The franchise has had its ups and downs. The first two films made the superhero genre what it is today. Stunning set pieces, breath taking special effects and a group dynamic that was brilliantly cemented in the second film. The third struck a middle ground where the spectacle overshadowed the narrative but was still a fun ride, and the last title Xmen Origins: Wolverine, was the only miss-step in the series. Xmen first Class is really very good. It manages to keep up with the first two whilst retaining an originality in its own right.
The Direction is great, Vaughn's clearly got a knack for angles and keeping the audience engaged whilst the story chops and changes. The look of the film is modern, yet still has a 60's and almost retro look about it. The special effects are very good, though some how not quite up there with Xmen: The Last Stand. The energy is fast and relentless and the action sequences blend in with the dialogue sequences seamlessly.
The acting is very good, though Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellen are definitely missed, McAvoy and Fassbender do excellent jobs and really are in keeping with the characters you already know and love. Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw are deliciously malevolent and Moira Mctaggart is perfectly pitched. My only reservation about the acting in the film is of Mystique, who I believe wasn't quite right, her motives in the film don't seem in complete continuity with the rest of the films.
A sequel has already been planned and I shall be eagerly awaiting it. Having Storm back in the series would be a personal highlight for myself, but not necessary. I would highly recommend this film to anyone that has watched the original films and even for newcomers.
One thing I will add that I have noticed since watching the original trilogy is that in 1980 Charles is walking, but according to First Class he loses this ability in the 60's...
"The origins of Professor X and Magneto."
I love the Xmen, I won't beat around the bush. There are so many mutants, heroes and anti-heroes that you relate can to at least one of them. The franchise has had its ups and downs. The first two films made the superhero genre what it is today. Stunning set pieces, breath taking special effects and a group dynamic that was brilliantly cemented in the second film. The third struck a middle ground where the spectacle overshadowed the narrative but was still a fun ride, and the last title Xmen Origins: Wolverine, was the only miss-step in the series. Xmen first Class is really very good. It manages to keep up with the first two whilst retaining an originality in its own right.
The Direction is great, Vaughn's clearly got a knack for angles and keeping the audience engaged whilst the story chops and changes. The look of the film is modern, yet still has a 60's and almost retro look about it. The special effects are very good, though some how not quite up there with Xmen: The Last Stand. The energy is fast and relentless and the action sequences blend in with the dialogue sequences seamlessly.
The acting is very good, though Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellen are definitely missed, McAvoy and Fassbender do excellent jobs and really are in keeping with the characters you already know and love. Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw are deliciously malevolent and Moira Mctaggart is perfectly pitched. My only reservation about the acting in the film is of Mystique, who I believe wasn't quite right, her motives in the film don't seem in complete continuity with the rest of the films.
A sequel has already been planned and I shall be eagerly awaiting it. Having Storm back in the series would be a personal highlight for myself, but not necessary. I would highly recommend this film to anyone that has watched the original films and even for newcomers.
One thing I will add that I have noticed since watching the original trilogy is that in 1980 Charles is walking, but according to First Class he loses this ability in the 60's...
Thor ***
Utter Nonsense, but loads of fun
"Thor is exiled by his father, but he is determined to return and become a true hero"
I have not read the Thor comics, nor do I no much about the marvel incarnation other than the fact that he has a hammer. So I really am taking this film as it comes, I'm taking it as a fan of science fiction and superheroes. In my opinion the major leader in the comic book movie world is Batman, and mainly the most recent Dark Knight. I've always found some of the marvel stories a bit harder to swallow, and Thor is no exception to this. In a way Thors back story is probably the most far fetched, I'd even go as far to say its utterly ridiculous, however that almost added to the fun of it.
Thor keeps it light all the way through to its conclusion, and the drama is always in the melodrama making it all the more likable. It has epic and outlandish action sequences and even louder costumes than its special effects. The romance between Natalie Portmans scientist and Thor is laughable, misconstrued and cheesier than the old Stilton in my fridge. But for some strange reason this film works. It is so very entertaining, and really very funny. It has an almost self aware attitude that lends itself very well to this particular story. Other films of this genre could have taken a leaf out of its book, choosing spectacle and comedy instead of heavy drama and characterisation made Thor far more pleasant than its rivals.
Take a film like spider-man, that is almost as stupid, but attempts to make it more grounded.When it attempts go for laughs its very false and Peter Parker never raised much of a smile out of me. Thor on the other hand is beautifully humorous and a fairly flawed hero. On a more negative note, though funny, Thor at times experiences some turbulence when it comes to its actors. No one really knows quite how to play the supporting roles. Thors allies are to often a bit serious and self conscious for the pantomime that there leader puts on. Kat Dennings was an obvious standout and Portman was once again great, even if her performance doesn't quite match Black Swan, but was it ever going to match that performance.
All in all I believe Thor is a very enjoyable ride. Non science fiction fans will undoubtedly hate this so steer clear if you're not. But generally if you like Marvel movies this will not put you off. Its got me very much in the mood for Xmen: First Class.
"Thor is exiled by his father, but he is determined to return and become a true hero"
I have not read the Thor comics, nor do I no much about the marvel incarnation other than the fact that he has a hammer. So I really am taking this film as it comes, I'm taking it as a fan of science fiction and superheroes. In my opinion the major leader in the comic book movie world is Batman, and mainly the most recent Dark Knight. I've always found some of the marvel stories a bit harder to swallow, and Thor is no exception to this. In a way Thors back story is probably the most far fetched, I'd even go as far to say its utterly ridiculous, however that almost added to the fun of it.
Thor keeps it light all the way through to its conclusion, and the drama is always in the melodrama making it all the more likable. It has epic and outlandish action sequences and even louder costumes than its special effects. The romance between Natalie Portmans scientist and Thor is laughable, misconstrued and cheesier than the old Stilton in my fridge. But for some strange reason this film works. It is so very entertaining, and really very funny. It has an almost self aware attitude that lends itself very well to this particular story. Other films of this genre could have taken a leaf out of its book, choosing spectacle and comedy instead of heavy drama and characterisation made Thor far more pleasant than its rivals.
Take a film like spider-man, that is almost as stupid, but attempts to make it more grounded.When it attempts go for laughs its very false and Peter Parker never raised much of a smile out of me. Thor on the other hand is beautifully humorous and a fairly flawed hero. On a more negative note, though funny, Thor at times experiences some turbulence when it comes to its actors. No one really knows quite how to play the supporting roles. Thors allies are to often a bit serious and self conscious for the pantomime that there leader puts on. Kat Dennings was an obvious standout and Portman was once again great, even if her performance doesn't quite match Black Swan, but was it ever going to match that performance.
All in all I believe Thor is a very enjoyable ride. Non science fiction fans will undoubtedly hate this so steer clear if you're not. But generally if you like Marvel movies this will not put you off. Its got me very much in the mood for Xmen: First Class.
The Hangover Part 2 **
Not so funny the second time around
"The same as the first film"
I loved the Hangover. The first film made me literally cry with laughter, what made it so funny was the element of surprise. Around every turn something you wouldn't expect happened. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy part 2, but I the laughs were so blatantly obvious. Part 2 isn't so much second instalment so much as a remake of the first one. It is quite literally a carbon copy of the first one, The events that take in The hangover come in the exact same order. I am a firm believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it, but such similarity with the first one cannot be overlooked.
Even making the film based around a wedding I think was a mistake, they could have made they're literal hangovers from a night out anywhere for any reason. And the film didn't have to involve looking for a missing person again. This film suffers from sex and the city syndrome where the first one had way more laughs and felt more coherent, the second follows a similar format and falls flat. Though the negative reviews for the Hangover haven't put off potential cinema goers as Sex and the City 2's did.
The film doesn't entirely sink though. It maintains an energy through out and and still has some pretty funny gags. It's not a joyless ride by any stretch, just one that feels overly familiar. Hopefully the writers will get some spark for Part 3 and make a much funnier movie.
"The same as the first film"
I loved the Hangover. The first film made me literally cry with laughter, what made it so funny was the element of surprise. Around every turn something you wouldn't expect happened. Don't get me wrong I did enjoy part 2, but I the laughs were so blatantly obvious. Part 2 isn't so much second instalment so much as a remake of the first one. It is quite literally a carbon copy of the first one, The events that take in The hangover come in the exact same order. I am a firm believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it, but such similarity with the first one cannot be overlooked.
Even making the film based around a wedding I think was a mistake, they could have made they're literal hangovers from a night out anywhere for any reason. And the film didn't have to involve looking for a missing person again. This film suffers from sex and the city syndrome where the first one had way more laughs and felt more coherent, the second follows a similar format and falls flat. Though the negative reviews for the Hangover haven't put off potential cinema goers as Sex and the City 2's did.
The film doesn't entirely sink though. It maintains an energy through out and and still has some pretty funny gags. It's not a joyless ride by any stretch, just one that feels overly familiar. Hopefully the writers will get some spark for Part 3 and make a much funnier movie.
Scream 4 ***
Great fun and I was pleasantly surprised
"A new killer returns 10 years later, with new ideas and new new knowledge"
Who could forget the first time Drew Barrymore met her end after being hunted down by ghost face in the original scream film some 15 years ago. Its been a decade since scream underwhelmed everybody with its lacklustre third instalment and with a fourth on the way I was sceptical about how the fourth would go and how it would affect the introduction to the review I would to write about it.
In my second paragraph, I can now write about how much I enjoyed the film and how I can now use my summary in that Scream 4 (or Scre4m)was "great fun and I was pleasantly surprised". I can't begin to tell you how true this statement is, the plot manages to weave a tidy little knot of a mystery that comes to a surprising and comical climax. The body count is large, making killings in this instalment come thick and fast. Though with a reduced age rating, scream 4 is far more gruesome than the previous threesome and a lot more in keeping with the current horror movie gore fest. To finish off the second paragraph of my review I will conclude that Scream manages to stick to its guns, but modernise itself not unlike the remakes it satirises.
Paragraph 3 contains scenes of critical nature. Now the film is paced very well, however there are a lot of characters to get through. And despite its self aware nature the two-dimensional characters are so underplayed that its hard to feel much for them as they quickly get stabbed to death. The only characters you feel much dread for is Gale, Dewey and Sidney as familiar faces that you don't want to meet there bloody doom,however the new cast have so little characterisation that you really couldn't care less if their stabbed to death and left to dry on their parents lawns. The film also wasn't as scary as the original and despite the "kids" knowing the rules of the horror movie they were starring in they all seem to go outside to investigate a strange noise when they know they're all being hunted by a killer. Whether this is done on purpose, as to mock other horror films is a possibility, but to be honest it would make the film a lot less predictable if they didn't make there predecessors mistakes.
So my conclusion is gonna be as sharp and concise as a horror movie should be. Scream 4 is entertaining, funny and thrilling. And one of the last lines of one of the survivors is bloody great.
"A new killer returns 10 years later, with new ideas and new new knowledge"
Who could forget the first time Drew Barrymore met her end after being hunted down by ghost face in the original scream film some 15 years ago. Its been a decade since scream underwhelmed everybody with its lacklustre third instalment and with a fourth on the way I was sceptical about how the fourth would go and how it would affect the introduction to the review I would to write about it.
In my second paragraph, I can now write about how much I enjoyed the film and how I can now use my summary in that Scream 4 (or Scre4m)was "great fun and I was pleasantly surprised". I can't begin to tell you how true this statement is, the plot manages to weave a tidy little knot of a mystery that comes to a surprising and comical climax. The body count is large, making killings in this instalment come thick and fast. Though with a reduced age rating, scream 4 is far more gruesome than the previous threesome and a lot more in keeping with the current horror movie gore fest. To finish off the second paragraph of my review I will conclude that Scream manages to stick to its guns, but modernise itself not unlike the remakes it satirises.
Paragraph 3 contains scenes of critical nature. Now the film is paced very well, however there are a lot of characters to get through. And despite its self aware nature the two-dimensional characters are so underplayed that its hard to feel much for them as they quickly get stabbed to death. The only characters you feel much dread for is Gale, Dewey and Sidney as familiar faces that you don't want to meet there bloody doom,however the new cast have so little characterisation that you really couldn't care less if their stabbed to death and left to dry on their parents lawns. The film also wasn't as scary as the original and despite the "kids" knowing the rules of the horror movie they were starring in they all seem to go outside to investigate a strange noise when they know they're all being hunted by a killer. Whether this is done on purpose, as to mock other horror films is a possibility, but to be honest it would make the film a lot less predictable if they didn't make there predecessors mistakes.
So my conclusion is gonna be as sharp and concise as a horror movie should be. Scream 4 is entertaining, funny and thrilling. And one of the last lines of one of the survivors is bloody great.
Salt ****
loved it.
"Russian sleeper agents plot of assassinate various figures, but what side does Salt fight for?"
O loved it, I really did. Salt's heroine is interesting, complicated and for want of a better word "awesome". The storyline in hind sight is pre-posterous, but whilst watching, you're swept up in the interweaving sex appeal of the two leads, the meandering storyline and the high octane action sequences.
Jolie as always is a solid and deep seeded lead, and with the support of Liev Schreiber who plays to his "tough hiding a secret guy" keep the film from falling where lesser actors may have let it. Giving Jolie the lead over a man was the right idea, she makes an hero that Bruce Willis and Tom Cruise wouldn't have been able to make. Vulnerable, but deadly and secretive may have been a stretch for there overtly masculine persona's. The direction is nothing you haven't seen before in the Bourne trilogy or other slick spy flicks, but the pace is relentless and won't ever have you yawning at any point.
It may well be popcorn fodder for most and there may be some kind of misinterpretions of certain countries, but it is a work of fiction, forgetting reality and getting into the story will help with enjoyment of this film.
By no means the perfect action caper, however one of the best I've seen since The Dark Knight. Jolie is fantastic and I hope the franchise grows in popularity as it is "The Best" female action vehicle I've seen.
"Russian sleeper agents plot of assassinate various figures, but what side does Salt fight for?"
O loved it, I really did. Salt's heroine is interesting, complicated and for want of a better word "awesome". The storyline in hind sight is pre-posterous, but whilst watching, you're swept up in the interweaving sex appeal of the two leads, the meandering storyline and the high octane action sequences.
Jolie as always is a solid and deep seeded lead, and with the support of Liev Schreiber who plays to his "tough hiding a secret guy" keep the film from falling where lesser actors may have let it. Giving Jolie the lead over a man was the right idea, she makes an hero that Bruce Willis and Tom Cruise wouldn't have been able to make. Vulnerable, but deadly and secretive may have been a stretch for there overtly masculine persona's. The direction is nothing you haven't seen before in the Bourne trilogy or other slick spy flicks, but the pace is relentless and won't ever have you yawning at any point.
It may well be popcorn fodder for most and there may be some kind of misinterpretions of certain countries, but it is a work of fiction, forgetting reality and getting into the story will help with enjoyment of this film.
By no means the perfect action caper, however one of the best I've seen since The Dark Knight. Jolie is fantastic and I hope the franchise grows in popularity as it is "The Best" female action vehicle I've seen.
Mother's Day ***
Though entertaining, a nonsensical plot leaves you underwhelmed
"A group of friend celebrate moving into they're new house, but the previous owners come back for what they think is rightfully theirs"
Rebecca De Mornay is always a great villain in every capacity and this is no different. Her performance is fantastic and generally keeps the film from falling. The rest of the cast do an adequate job, but it is De Mornay who keeps the tension high and makes sure the thrills come fast.
The film is shot nicely, just enough gore and violence to keep you wincing, but not too much that the film is driven by it. The script though nothing special gives the villains of the piece something to play with. The victims however seem to fall at this hurdle speaking the same lines you expect to hear from this type of film. Jaime King is the biggest disappointment, her performance is flat and her characters motives are idiotic.
The plot is the biggest problem here, the holes in the plot can be seen from space and characters just don't mesh into the story properly. Despite an intriguing premise and knock out lead antagonist, Mother's Day falls in with a lot of sub-standard mainstream horror/thriller's of the moment.
I enjoyed the film a lot, but the plot holes unfortunately left me feeling underwhelmed. I spent more of film tutting at it than sitting back and enjoying it. And I'm pretty sure the intention of the film wasn't for me to be rooting for the "bad" guys at the end.
"A group of friend celebrate moving into they're new house, but the previous owners come back for what they think is rightfully theirs"
Rebecca De Mornay is always a great villain in every capacity and this is no different. Her performance is fantastic and generally keeps the film from falling. The rest of the cast do an adequate job, but it is De Mornay who keeps the tension high and makes sure the thrills come fast.
The film is shot nicely, just enough gore and violence to keep you wincing, but not too much that the film is driven by it. The script though nothing special gives the villains of the piece something to play with. The victims however seem to fall at this hurdle speaking the same lines you expect to hear from this type of film. Jaime King is the biggest disappointment, her performance is flat and her characters motives are idiotic.
The plot is the biggest problem here, the holes in the plot can be seen from space and characters just don't mesh into the story properly. Despite an intriguing premise and knock out lead antagonist, Mother's Day falls in with a lot of sub-standard mainstream horror/thriller's of the moment.
I enjoyed the film a lot, but the plot holes unfortunately left me feeling underwhelmed. I spent more of film tutting at it than sitting back and enjoying it. And I'm pretty sure the intention of the film wasn't for me to be rooting for the "bad" guys at the end.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 *****
Harry Potter concludes. It will take your breath away...
"The final Potter film is an epic battle to beat Lord Voldermort once and for all"
The final instalment is epic, beautiful, heart wrenching, funny, jaw dropping and enthralling. Part 1 sets the scene perfectly for the final instalment and the action comes in thick and fast. The final hour is an adrenaline rush of another kind, similar to that of Lord Of the Rings or even Return Of The Jedi every heart pounding second is deliciously played out to optimum effect and the special effects are (to put it lightly) incredible.
The Harry Potter films in general are always a joy to watch, and this one is no different. Its soul purpose is to entertain its audience and boy does it work. Scenes featuring Britains finest actors are among the most enjoyable, Helena Bonham Carter is scrumptiously evil as Bellatrix Lestrange, and another side of her is shown to fantastic comedy value. Maggie Smith was always able to steal the show even when only in the film for mere seconds, here she demonstrates just how good she really is and her scenes are some of the most enjoyable in the entire film. And Ralph Fiennes' Lord Voldermort is a joy to watch, and gives the character an almost down-to-earth characteristic that makes him all the more threatening and to a lesser extent even sympathetic.
The core core three Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are no longer playing around in this one. Radcliffe's progression as an actor has been slow, but ultimately very good. I was worried in the fourth film when I truly believed Radcliffe could ruin the rest of the series, but by film five he got back on track and managed to hold his own against Watson and Grint who certainly have a more natural knack for acting. His Harry Potter really is fantastic by this last instalment, he gives the character a warmth and humanity that he missed at times in previous films.
All the characters in the film cement there lasting relationships in this last film, and though some rather beneficial and important moments are only scanned over, this is minor grievance as virtually nothing of significant importance is left out of the film from the book.
Harry Potter has been with me since child hood all the way to adulthood and the films have continued the magic that JK Rowling first bought to my imagination with the Philosophers (Sorcerers) Stone. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows part 2 is a fitting ending and the best in the series. And though I was never a fan of the epilogue from the book, even I struggled to hold back the tears as I bid goodbye to my childhood and my favourite fantasy saga.
"The final Potter film is an epic battle to beat Lord Voldermort once and for all"
The final instalment is epic, beautiful, heart wrenching, funny, jaw dropping and enthralling. Part 1 sets the scene perfectly for the final instalment and the action comes in thick and fast. The final hour is an adrenaline rush of another kind, similar to that of Lord Of the Rings or even Return Of The Jedi every heart pounding second is deliciously played out to optimum effect and the special effects are (to put it lightly) incredible.
The Harry Potter films in general are always a joy to watch, and this one is no different. Its soul purpose is to entertain its audience and boy does it work. Scenes featuring Britains finest actors are among the most enjoyable, Helena Bonham Carter is scrumptiously evil as Bellatrix Lestrange, and another side of her is shown to fantastic comedy value. Maggie Smith was always able to steal the show even when only in the film for mere seconds, here she demonstrates just how good she really is and her scenes are some of the most enjoyable in the entire film. And Ralph Fiennes' Lord Voldermort is a joy to watch, and gives the character an almost down-to-earth characteristic that makes him all the more threatening and to a lesser extent even sympathetic.
The core core three Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are no longer playing around in this one. Radcliffe's progression as an actor has been slow, but ultimately very good. I was worried in the fourth film when I truly believed Radcliffe could ruin the rest of the series, but by film five he got back on track and managed to hold his own against Watson and Grint who certainly have a more natural knack for acting. His Harry Potter really is fantastic by this last instalment, he gives the character a warmth and humanity that he missed at times in previous films.
All the characters in the film cement there lasting relationships in this last film, and though some rather beneficial and important moments are only scanned over, this is minor grievance as virtually nothing of significant importance is left out of the film from the book.
Harry Potter has been with me since child hood all the way to adulthood and the films have continued the magic that JK Rowling first bought to my imagination with the Philosophers (Sorcerers) Stone. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows part 2 is a fitting ending and the best in the series. And though I was never a fan of the epilogue from the book, even I struggled to hold back the tears as I bid goodbye to my childhood and my favourite fantasy saga.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 ****
Surprisingly impressed
"Part 1 see's Harry and co hunting the horcruxes to finally deteat Lord Voldermort"
I love the books. I like the films. They're watchable at best. Philosophers Stone and Chamber Of Secrets were faithful though lacked any particular style and fell in with most generic early noughties fantasy films. Prisoner Of Azkaban took a more stylistic approach and managed to capture a medieval look. The Goblet Of fire (the first of the big ones) in my opinion was utter shambles. The acting was inferior to the others, the style seemed to attempt to copy its predecessor with little success and the comedy was forced, staged and unfunny. Order Of the Pheonix tried to cram a lot of story into a short space of time. Clever ideas and directorial sharpness kept it from falling the way Goblet had. Though Yates had much to celebrate with Order of the Pheonix, Halfblood prince seemed to skim the book leaving gaping holes in a pretty simplistic plot. The romance between Potter and Ginny Weasley was hopelessly unengaging and both actors lacked any chemistry.
This film is probably the most faithful to the books. The books narrative is the final installment is written like it should be translated to film, so the cross over shouldn't have been as hard as the others. Being in two halves was definitely the correct approach though the end of this film annoyed me some what. I know the ending, but I am now desperate to see the next one. To me thats job well done to director David Yates, his third of four Potter films. The action is well timed, the horror is just enough to make adult feel a slight amount of dredd, and may only give kids nightmare for a day or two, which in opinion is a good thing. The "adult" cast once again tower over the teens, but with less screen time for the "adults" the teens are not dwarfed like in previous installments. The film though grim and gritty, is beautifully shot cinematography is superb once again and the special effects are amazing to say the least.
I was really not holding out much hope for Deathly Hallows part 1, but I was pleasantly surprised. Virtually anyone who has watched the others will go see this one, but rest assured to those that are let down by the films as I have been time after time, this one could well be the best outing. Bring on part 2.
"Part 1 see's Harry and co hunting the horcruxes to finally deteat Lord Voldermort"
I love the books. I like the films. They're watchable at best. Philosophers Stone and Chamber Of Secrets were faithful though lacked any particular style and fell in with most generic early noughties fantasy films. Prisoner Of Azkaban took a more stylistic approach and managed to capture a medieval look. The Goblet Of fire (the first of the big ones) in my opinion was utter shambles. The acting was inferior to the others, the style seemed to attempt to copy its predecessor with little success and the comedy was forced, staged and unfunny. Order Of the Pheonix tried to cram a lot of story into a short space of time. Clever ideas and directorial sharpness kept it from falling the way Goblet had. Though Yates had much to celebrate with Order of the Pheonix, Halfblood prince seemed to skim the book leaving gaping holes in a pretty simplistic plot. The romance between Potter and Ginny Weasley was hopelessly unengaging and both actors lacked any chemistry.
This film is probably the most faithful to the books. The books narrative is the final installment is written like it should be translated to film, so the cross over shouldn't have been as hard as the others. Being in two halves was definitely the correct approach though the end of this film annoyed me some what. I know the ending, but I am now desperate to see the next one. To me thats job well done to director David Yates, his third of four Potter films. The action is well timed, the horror is just enough to make adult feel a slight amount of dredd, and may only give kids nightmare for a day or two, which in opinion is a good thing. The "adult" cast once again tower over the teens, but with less screen time for the "adults" the teens are not dwarfed like in previous installments. The film though grim and gritty, is beautifully shot cinematography is superb once again and the special effects are amazing to say the least.
I was really not holding out much hope for Deathly Hallows part 1, but I was pleasantly surprised. Virtually anyone who has watched the others will go see this one, but rest assured to those that are let down by the films as I have been time after time, this one could well be the best outing. Bring on part 2.
Eclipse **
An overly serious and underwhelming installment
"Bella must be saved for reasons unbeknown to me"
I have to admit that I really did not enjoy the simplistic and shallow narrative of the first twilight book, however I quite enjoyed the first film, I was impressed with direction of the original director. Though I still find the story fairly childish and naive as a form of light entertainment I would 100% recommend the first film.
Moving on to New Moon, which I must admit I have not read, but I watched the film as I wished to see where the film would go after being impressed with the first film. I was unfortunately very disappointed. The direction was uninspired, safe and ugly compared to the original. The special effects were also fairly substandard for such a money making franchise such as this. The story was over dramatic and humourless, and the character of Bella is unrelatable and pathetic.
When Eclipse reared it's ugly head I was excited by the director and the prospect of a far more action orientated installment. But I was once again let down by a film that is much the same as New Moon, stilted and lacklustre action sequences, poor computer generated imagary and Bella once again unrelatable and humourless. The two leading gentleman look good but give stiff performances. One thing in Eclipse's favour is the way it's shot. The scenery is stunning and is shown off in subtle and yet grandeur way, so kudos to the director for this but it really is not enough to lift this film from the badly melodramatic and pretty anti-feminist story.
I will complete the series too see how it all pans out, but I'm praying that things improve. The producers should get Joss Whedon to come and help them out.
"Bella must be saved for reasons unbeknown to me"
I have to admit that I really did not enjoy the simplistic and shallow narrative of the first twilight book, however I quite enjoyed the first film, I was impressed with direction of the original director. Though I still find the story fairly childish and naive as a form of light entertainment I would 100% recommend the first film.
Moving on to New Moon, which I must admit I have not read, but I watched the film as I wished to see where the film would go after being impressed with the first film. I was unfortunately very disappointed. The direction was uninspired, safe and ugly compared to the original. The special effects were also fairly substandard for such a money making franchise such as this. The story was over dramatic and humourless, and the character of Bella is unrelatable and pathetic.
When Eclipse reared it's ugly head I was excited by the director and the prospect of a far more action orientated installment. But I was once again let down by a film that is much the same as New Moon, stilted and lacklustre action sequences, poor computer generated imagary and Bella once again unrelatable and humourless. The two leading gentleman look good but give stiff performances. One thing in Eclipse's favour is the way it's shot. The scenery is stunning and is shown off in subtle and yet grandeur way, so kudos to the director for this but it really is not enough to lift this film from the badly melodramatic and pretty anti-feminist story.
I will complete the series too see how it all pans out, but I'm praying that things improve. The producers should get Joss Whedon to come and help them out.
Catwoman **
This film is not that bad
"A shy woman is murdered and becomes Catwoman, she then must uncover the truth of her murder"
Enjoyment can be had when watching this film. Its often very funny, possibly when it isn't supposed to be funny, but who cares where the humour stems from at least its there. If this film had been done more as a pastiche than a serious superhero film, it may have survived a little better. Shot like an extra long music video, the film does have some decent directorial ideas, but they just don't come through. Pitof puts some great angles in, and often has some flair for imagination, but to often the film chops and changes set pieces and moves at such a pace that you have no time to take in the fact that the film is actually quite pretty.
The script and storyline are just terrible. Whoever is responsible should never write ever again. Killer face cream... enough said. Sharon Stone and Halle Berry do well with the little characterisation they're given. Had this been a showdown between Michelle Pfeiffers Catwoman and Sharon Stones Katherine Tramell I can't help think this film may have been a hit.
Its a real shame that this film just didn't go correctly. It is my belief that Catwoman is a great Superhero/Villain and I think if done correctly it could be great, but until then sit back, relax and take in this Catwomans absurdities. It's not good, however it is watchable.
Halle Berrys Razzie win does seem a little extreme, though her acceptance speech is brilliant.
"A shy woman is murdered and becomes Catwoman, she then must uncover the truth of her murder"
Enjoyment can be had when watching this film. Its often very funny, possibly when it isn't supposed to be funny, but who cares where the humour stems from at least its there. If this film had been done more as a pastiche than a serious superhero film, it may have survived a little better. Shot like an extra long music video, the film does have some decent directorial ideas, but they just don't come through. Pitof puts some great angles in, and often has some flair for imagination, but to often the film chops and changes set pieces and moves at such a pace that you have no time to take in the fact that the film is actually quite pretty.
The script and storyline are just terrible. Whoever is responsible should never write ever again. Killer face cream... enough said. Sharon Stone and Halle Berry do well with the little characterisation they're given. Had this been a showdown between Michelle Pfeiffers Catwoman and Sharon Stones Katherine Tramell I can't help think this film may have been a hit.
Its a real shame that this film just didn't go correctly. It is my belief that Catwoman is a great Superhero/Villain and I think if done correctly it could be great, but until then sit back, relax and take in this Catwomans absurdities. It's not good, however it is watchable.
Halle Berrys Razzie win does seem a little extreme, though her acceptance speech is brilliant.
Burlesque **
Good choreography and staging cannot make a film alone
"A young woman with a hidden talent joins a burlesque club run by Cher, and saves it from financial ruin"
Being a Christina Agulera and Cher fan, the prospect of this film, and the trailer really enticed me to go and see it, however I was bitterly disappointed. Where the film really excels is on the stage. The dance routines are well choreographed and staged and do have an air of excitement about them, however once the heftier dialogue scenes took place you can see that neither the script nor the storyline have legs.
The characters were very two-dimensional especially from the younger cast. Agulera's character didn't even seem to transition as she went from place to place, through each struggle. She played a so sweet she'd rot your teeth small town girl, with a big brain and big talent and her aggressive outbursts were laughable. Clearly Agulera does have a talent, which was over showcased, for singing. Her acting ability needs more work, her chemistry with the insanely good looking Cam Gigandet was as flat as the glass of coke thats been by my bed for 2 weeks. Other performers also failed to shine, Stanly Tucci who I am a fan of played his usual gay character with little enthusiasm and Kirsten Bell acting her abysmal dialogue as best she could.
Cher clearly had the best character to work with, and played it reasonably well, and though with an inferior voice to Agulera, her numbers were a nice break from the excessive use of Agulera. Her face, however is so frozen in time that her acting ability is marred by the lack of expression her face can muster.
The storyline was extremely weak and some of the scenes in the movie seemed to come straight out of the far superior Cabaret, starring Liza Minelli. Even though musicals don't have to have amazing story lines, it at least has to try and make the one it has as enjoyable as possible. Too much was crammed in. Several love affairs, the financial difficulties of the club, rivalry between the girls, hidden talents and friendships. Choosing one or two paths may have made this film far better, but it tried to fill too much into its excessive running time. The songs in the film though enjoyable were a little uninspired, and with Christina Agulera singing virtually every number they all start to sound a little too similar.
All in all I really would not recommend this film, good song and dance sequences cannot lift this film from mediocrity and below. I went in knowing Christina Agulera had a good voice, I came out knowing nothing of the contrary. A little more scope and storyline could have made this film a whole lot more enjoyable. Instead I recommend watching Chicago or Cabaret again.
"A young woman with a hidden talent joins a burlesque club run by Cher, and saves it from financial ruin"
Being a Christina Agulera and Cher fan, the prospect of this film, and the trailer really enticed me to go and see it, however I was bitterly disappointed. Where the film really excels is on the stage. The dance routines are well choreographed and staged and do have an air of excitement about them, however once the heftier dialogue scenes took place you can see that neither the script nor the storyline have legs.
The characters were very two-dimensional especially from the younger cast. Agulera's character didn't even seem to transition as she went from place to place, through each struggle. She played a so sweet she'd rot your teeth small town girl, with a big brain and big talent and her aggressive outbursts were laughable. Clearly Agulera does have a talent, which was over showcased, for singing. Her acting ability needs more work, her chemistry with the insanely good looking Cam Gigandet was as flat as the glass of coke thats been by my bed for 2 weeks. Other performers also failed to shine, Stanly Tucci who I am a fan of played his usual gay character with little enthusiasm and Kirsten Bell acting her abysmal dialogue as best she could.
Cher clearly had the best character to work with, and played it reasonably well, and though with an inferior voice to Agulera, her numbers were a nice break from the excessive use of Agulera. Her face, however is so frozen in time that her acting ability is marred by the lack of expression her face can muster.
The storyline was extremely weak and some of the scenes in the movie seemed to come straight out of the far superior Cabaret, starring Liza Minelli. Even though musicals don't have to have amazing story lines, it at least has to try and make the one it has as enjoyable as possible. Too much was crammed in. Several love affairs, the financial difficulties of the club, rivalry between the girls, hidden talents and friendships. Choosing one or two paths may have made this film far better, but it tried to fill too much into its excessive running time. The songs in the film though enjoyable were a little uninspired, and with Christina Agulera singing virtually every number they all start to sound a little too similar.
All in all I really would not recommend this film, good song and dance sequences cannot lift this film from mediocrity and below. I went in knowing Christina Agulera had a good voice, I came out knowing nothing of the contrary. A little more scope and storyline could have made this film a whole lot more enjoyable. Instead I recommend watching Chicago or Cabaret again.
Bridesmaids ****
Great comedy for all to enjoy
"Annie is given the duty of maid of honor, but her after a string if disasters she begins to question her abilty to cope with the responsibilty and her life in general"
What I loved about this film mostly is these ladies don't mind not looking glamorous if it means they will get a laugh. This is a rare thing, Hollywood women rarely are seen in an uncompromising state. Taking a film like the hangover, the women are sensible and the men make complete fools of themselves. Heaven forbid the ladies look like they have fun, its a rather stifling look at women in comedy, especially when you look at romantic comedies where the female leads rarely make much of a lasting impression.
Enter Bridesmaids which is unashamedly funny, there are so many laugh out loud moments that some of the slower moments can be forgiven. The lead performance by Kristen Wigg is fantastic, as a neurotic down her luck girl, with a sharp tongue and a magnet for disaster. Bridesmaids works in the same way The hangover did, a great ensemble in that each bring something different to the table. Though at times I felt more could have been done with the supporting cast, Kristen Wiggs character is so much fun its only a minor grievance.
The film is a laugh riot that should appeal to everyone, despite it looking more like a girls film, it is genuinely universally amusing. In fact there is enough gross out humour to compete with likes of American Pie.
Bridesmaids is without a doubt the funniest film I've seen this year, though the ending I felt was a little bit too neat any negatives are fairly minor and are made up for by so many laugh out loud moments. I would rather watch this a thousand times than watch the hangover part 2 again.
"Annie is given the duty of maid of honor, but her after a string if disasters she begins to question her abilty to cope with the responsibilty and her life in general"
What I loved about this film mostly is these ladies don't mind not looking glamorous if it means they will get a laugh. This is a rare thing, Hollywood women rarely are seen in an uncompromising state. Taking a film like the hangover, the women are sensible and the men make complete fools of themselves. Heaven forbid the ladies look like they have fun, its a rather stifling look at women in comedy, especially when you look at romantic comedies where the female leads rarely make much of a lasting impression.
Enter Bridesmaids which is unashamedly funny, there are so many laugh out loud moments that some of the slower moments can be forgiven. The lead performance by Kristen Wigg is fantastic, as a neurotic down her luck girl, with a sharp tongue and a magnet for disaster. Bridesmaids works in the same way The hangover did, a great ensemble in that each bring something different to the table. Though at times I felt more could have been done with the supporting cast, Kristen Wiggs character is so much fun its only a minor grievance.
The film is a laugh riot that should appeal to everyone, despite it looking more like a girls film, it is genuinely universally amusing. In fact there is enough gross out humour to compete with likes of American Pie.
Bridesmaids is without a doubt the funniest film I've seen this year, though the ending I felt was a little bit too neat any negatives are fairly minor and are made up for by so many laugh out loud moments. I would rather watch this a thousand times than watch the hangover part 2 again.
Batman Returns ****
An extremely ambitious, greatly directed superhero movie
"Batman does battle with evil Penguin, whilst being side tracked by the slinky Catwoman who has scores of her own to settle."
Tim Burton the man behind the original Batman film and Beetlejuice, brings the world the sequel to Batman, that exceeds the original in more ways than one. Firstly Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny De Vito are a great mix of Batmans enemies. The dark, deadly and sexy Catwoman works well to rattle some heads within the story and penguin works in the same way that the joker worked in the original. The sets are stunning and immaculate. Gotham city has so many dark alleyways that you could never know what's happening at one time or another. The only thing that gives it a bad name is its script, which at times seems to lapse and then not recover for while. Tim Burtons direction bring superhero films into a new realm. Beats all the superman films and the other Batman films by a mile. Though in terms of realisation the new Batman begins has a bite where this one lacks, but Burton is a more original director than Nolan.
*First review written by me at 16. Re-written at 21*
Tim Burton has an interesting history in film, between the surreal Pee Wee's Big Adventure and mis-interpreted Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton's career has gone from an artistic darkly comic director, to unimaginative copy-cat of his own work. I still stand by my original review in that this film is very cleverly directed, beautifully shot, with stunning towering set pieces, but a script that goes from cheesy melodrama, to cheap and nasty humour.
Though with some terribly written scenes there are some, incredible ones. Mainly those concerning antagonists Catwoman and Penguin. One scene in particular concerning the two concocting a frivolous ploy to destroy batman is one that springs to mind. The acting is first class, Danny DeVito is deliciously theatrical and sinister, Michelle Pfeiffer relentlessly sexy and smooth.
Since my original review Dark Knight was released. Unfortunately for Burton I retract my youthful statement of his originality over Nolan. Dark Knight surpasses Batman Returns and almost eclipses its existence, but this instalment still has great merit and will stand out as one of the greatest superhero films, not to mention cementing Batman as the greatest superhero franchise ever.
"Batman does battle with evil Penguin, whilst being side tracked by the slinky Catwoman who has scores of her own to settle."
Tim Burton the man behind the original Batman film and Beetlejuice, brings the world the sequel to Batman, that exceeds the original in more ways than one. Firstly Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny De Vito are a great mix of Batmans enemies. The dark, deadly and sexy Catwoman works well to rattle some heads within the story and penguin works in the same way that the joker worked in the original. The sets are stunning and immaculate. Gotham city has so many dark alleyways that you could never know what's happening at one time or another. The only thing that gives it a bad name is its script, which at times seems to lapse and then not recover for while. Tim Burtons direction bring superhero films into a new realm. Beats all the superman films and the other Batman films by a mile. Though in terms of realisation the new Batman begins has a bite where this one lacks, but Burton is a more original director than Nolan.
*First review written by me at 16. Re-written at 21*
Tim Burton has an interesting history in film, between the surreal Pee Wee's Big Adventure and mis-interpreted Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton's career has gone from an artistic darkly comic director, to unimaginative copy-cat of his own work. I still stand by my original review in that this film is very cleverly directed, beautifully shot, with stunning towering set pieces, but a script that goes from cheesy melodrama, to cheap and nasty humour.
Though with some terribly written scenes there are some, incredible ones. Mainly those concerning antagonists Catwoman and Penguin. One scene in particular concerning the two concocting a frivolous ploy to destroy batman is one that springs to mind. The acting is first class, Danny DeVito is deliciously theatrical and sinister, Michelle Pfeiffer relentlessly sexy and smooth.
Since my original review Dark Knight was released. Unfortunately for Burton I retract my youthful statement of his originality over Nolan. Dark Knight surpasses Batman Returns and almost eclipses its existence, but this instalment still has great merit and will stand out as one of the greatest superhero films, not to mention cementing Batman as the greatest superhero franchise ever.
Alien *****
Classic horror, classic sci fi, classic film
"A group of space delivery people come across a strange creature that picks them off one by one"
Alien is truly a work of art. Ridley Scott hand carved this monster in space epic from almost nothing, a fairly limp script and a budget that required some imagination. Scott delivered on every front and made this classic that I believe will live on well after Hollywood does a shoddy remake of it.
Alien manages suspense like no other, its music is so haunting and mellow that it murmurs beneath the surface until its ready to pounce. The pace is an uncomfortable speed in its first half and very little happens, though it doesn't drag it pulls you along giving you just enough interest to keep you attached, but keeping the audience at an arms length to make u feel like you are a peeping tom, making it all the more creepy. The famous chest bursting sequence is where the film really kicks off and literally drives at a speed which is relentless and horrifying.
The scenery in the film is just stunning. From Gigers towering and disturbing Alien set pieces to claustrophobic nostromo. Every inch of the film is thought through superbly, the scenery and the lighting and the music compliment every aspect as the film goes on. Sigourney Weaver is nothing short of amazing, her first major role is one that she will be remembered for forever. Ripley is the quintessential female action hero, a tough as nails captain that displays a ferocious side, but at the same time has a warmth and nurturing aspect that makes her oh so likable.
Alien's three sequels (I'm excluding Alien Vs Predator)all attempt a new take on the original film. The sequel Aliens captures something new, but retains the same feel of the original. Some argue it as better than Alien, but I disagree, Alien is unbelievably refined and well done, whereas Aliens offers a staggering action caper with a great weighted drama as well. Alien 3 is the major miss step in the franchise, but it still has some merit. And Alien: Resurrection tries something new and half achieves its goal, but I can't help thinking they could have gone further with it.
Alien is incredible, a classic film that all should see. And though not to everyones taste it is undeniable that this film has stood the test of time because its so damn good.
"A group of space delivery people come across a strange creature that picks them off one by one"
Alien is truly a work of art. Ridley Scott hand carved this monster in space epic from almost nothing, a fairly limp script and a budget that required some imagination. Scott delivered on every front and made this classic that I believe will live on well after Hollywood does a shoddy remake of it.
Alien manages suspense like no other, its music is so haunting and mellow that it murmurs beneath the surface until its ready to pounce. The pace is an uncomfortable speed in its first half and very little happens, though it doesn't drag it pulls you along giving you just enough interest to keep you attached, but keeping the audience at an arms length to make u feel like you are a peeping tom, making it all the more creepy. The famous chest bursting sequence is where the film really kicks off and literally drives at a speed which is relentless and horrifying.
The scenery in the film is just stunning. From Gigers towering and disturbing Alien set pieces to claustrophobic nostromo. Every inch of the film is thought through superbly, the scenery and the lighting and the music compliment every aspect as the film goes on. Sigourney Weaver is nothing short of amazing, her first major role is one that she will be remembered for forever. Ripley is the quintessential female action hero, a tough as nails captain that displays a ferocious side, but at the same time has a warmth and nurturing aspect that makes her oh so likable.
Alien's three sequels (I'm excluding Alien Vs Predator)all attempt a new take on the original film. The sequel Aliens captures something new, but retains the same feel of the original. Some argue it as better than Alien, but I disagree, Alien is unbelievably refined and well done, whereas Aliens offers a staggering action caper with a great weighted drama as well. Alien 3 is the major miss step in the franchise, but it still has some merit. And Alien: Resurrection tries something new and half achieves its goal, but I can't help thinking they could have gone further with it.
Alien is incredible, a classic film that all should see. And though not to everyones taste it is undeniable that this film has stood the test of time because its so damn good.
Sunday 10 April 2011
What makes a bad actor/actress?
So when you watch a film one of the first things you'll list as the reason why you liked it will be a stand out performance by a certain someone or dynamic or chemistry between couples or groups. You notice these for the good usually how often do you really enjoy the the film and you think it was a good film, but the acting was a pile of bollocks. Its rare.
Who are the actors in this world who send us into dizzying messes when it comes to there performances, and I'm talking bad dizzying messes not good?
I will be adding actors and actresses to my list often stay tuned
Nicolas Cage
I think Nic Cage is a terrible actor, and after watching a video from youtube of him "losing his shit" he really isn't a good actor. He can't do wierd like Johnny Depp, he can't do straight down the line like Brad Pitt and his action roles are more Pink Panther than Bruce Willis. Yet his films do remarkably well... The remake of the wicker man was terrible, Season of the Witch hurt like a hang over and The Sorcerers Aprentice was also pretty awful. But Kick Ass stars Cage and I really enjoyed that. It is my belief that when he steps away from the lead role and lingers in the background he is far more watchable and enigmatic. He's like a room adouriser smells good, but too much in the air and your breathing deadly poisonous fumes.
Madonna
Not quite an actress, but she has got fairly substantial back catalogue of films to count as an actress, as well as earning herself some acolades (good and bad). The good; four films Desperatly Seeking Susan, A league of their own, Four Rooms and Evita. None of these bar Evita was Madonna the lead actress, which I believe helped her rise above the critisism she normally gets. I believe she was a great addition to A league of their own and no one else could have played Susan. Evita really is her stand out, perfectly sung, and an Oscar worthy performance. But a string of really bad film didn't help her ever morphing career and even cameos in Girl 6 and Die Another Day garnered enough critisism from joe public and press. Poor Madonna, when she gets it right, it's good, but when its wrong it is oh so wrong. Never watch Sanghai Suprise or Swept Away they are moments in your life you won't get back, however I actually enjoyed Who's that Girl which was panned by critics, so might as well give it a go.
Who are the actors in this world who send us into dizzying messes when it comes to there performances, and I'm talking bad dizzying messes not good?
I will be adding actors and actresses to my list often stay tuned
Nicolas Cage
I think Nic Cage is a terrible actor, and after watching a video from youtube of him "losing his shit" he really isn't a good actor. He can't do wierd like Johnny Depp, he can't do straight down the line like Brad Pitt and his action roles are more Pink Panther than Bruce Willis. Yet his films do remarkably well... The remake of the wicker man was terrible, Season of the Witch hurt like a hang over and The Sorcerers Aprentice was also pretty awful. But Kick Ass stars Cage and I really enjoyed that. It is my belief that when he steps away from the lead role and lingers in the background he is far more watchable and enigmatic. He's like a room adouriser smells good, but too much in the air and your breathing deadly poisonous fumes.
Madonna
Not quite an actress, but she has got fairly substantial back catalogue of films to count as an actress, as well as earning herself some acolades (good and bad). The good; four films Desperatly Seeking Susan, A league of their own, Four Rooms and Evita. None of these bar Evita was Madonna the lead actress, which I believe helped her rise above the critisism she normally gets. I believe she was a great addition to A league of their own and no one else could have played Susan. Evita really is her stand out, perfectly sung, and an Oscar worthy performance. But a string of really bad film didn't help her ever morphing career and even cameos in Girl 6 and Die Another Day garnered enough critisism from joe public and press. Poor Madonna, when she gets it right, it's good, but when its wrong it is oh so wrong. Never watch Sanghai Suprise or Swept Away they are moments in your life you won't get back, however I actually enjoyed Who's that Girl which was panned by critics, so might as well give it a go.
Thursday 7 April 2011
Animate Yourself
It really is amazing when a film designed to entertain children can come come and entertain the masses. Films like that should be rightly applauded. Leading the pack in todays animation is Pixar, who have yet to do a film that is truly bad. Closely followed by Dreamworks and then finishing with Disney (and I'm talking pure Disney not Disney and Pixar). Back as far as I can remember it has always been Disney that have been the market leaders, their films are still historic and have passed down the generations suberbly. Everyone remembers the epic moment when the witch turns into the dragon in Sleeping beauty or the doggy spaggetti scene in Lady and the Tramp or bambi's mother not coming to the aid of her baby deer (what a tear jerker). Disney really went off the rails in their attempts to follow in Pixars shadow, they stepped out of their comfort zone and they were clearly a fish out of water with it. More recently they've gone back to doing what they do best fairytale fantasy, Princess and the Frog went back to 2D animation and pulled it off beautifully and even managed some old school disney music with it and made another hit with Tangled, 3D old school disney how wrong it could have gone, but it was done incredibly well and actually managed to combine old and new with amazing success.
Dreamworks still have a long way to go in my book. Antz was suberb, very simular to A Bugs Life by Pixar, but generally a really well done film, the humour may have been directed more towards adults, but there is no denying the quality of it. Antz was swiftly followed by Shrek, the one film that may have made Pixar quake in their boots. Shrek is a highly original and side splittingly funny afair that came at exactly the right time. Not every animation studio had converted to computer animation yet, so it still felt fresh and after years of disneyfied stories, a parody of them was a sure fire hit. Shrek 2 was a rare occasion when the sequel is the equal of the original. I believe this is due to Jennifer Saunders' devious fairy god mother which had a bite where Lord Farquad had a nibble. Shrek then went on into its third film and oh how the mighty do fall, despite a record breaking box office taking, Shrek the third was lackluster at best, lack of storyline being its main issue and the jokes between Donkey and Puss starting to wear very very thin. Dreamworks have done plenty since most mediocre, and any above mediocre not exactly memorable. Dreamworks seem to rely on star power more than story, so even when they get a good idea it seems to buckle along under the weight of the Hollywood movie stars providing the "characters" voices.
Pixar are by far the leaders in the animation world both critically and commercially. Toy Story 3 they're most recent work was in a word, incredible. Emotional, funny, exhilarating, sweet, scary quite literally everything you want in a film. Though I thought The Kings Speech was a great film I really felt as though Toy Story 3 was robbed of the Oscar it so rightly deserved. Up was also a tremendous work of film making, the montage at the beginning of the film could melt the hearts of even the most hardened exteriors. Wall.E. was a work of genius, if a little bit stilted for my personal liking, Monster Inc and Finding Nemo yet another emotional tug of war with more funny bits than intentional comedies. Their only mis-step in my eyes is Cars, though not the car crash it could have been in the hands of a less experienced film makers.
All in all Pixar are the defining film makers at the moment, disney do seem to be back on form and Dreamworks latest offerings have aparently been very good. Animation is not for children, its for everyone and anyone, it is film making brilliance to which many have failed at. Japanese animation goes to places that Pixar and Disney could only touch the surface of. Spirited Away is so beautiful and sweet and strange its a must see for people that like film. If you like film watch animation, if you claim to like film and dislike animation you do not like film... end of story.
Dreamworks still have a long way to go in my book. Antz was suberb, very simular to A Bugs Life by Pixar, but generally a really well done film, the humour may have been directed more towards adults, but there is no denying the quality of it. Antz was swiftly followed by Shrek, the one film that may have made Pixar quake in their boots. Shrek is a highly original and side splittingly funny afair that came at exactly the right time. Not every animation studio had converted to computer animation yet, so it still felt fresh and after years of disneyfied stories, a parody of them was a sure fire hit. Shrek 2 was a rare occasion when the sequel is the equal of the original. I believe this is due to Jennifer Saunders' devious fairy god mother which had a bite where Lord Farquad had a nibble. Shrek then went on into its third film and oh how the mighty do fall, despite a record breaking box office taking, Shrek the third was lackluster at best, lack of storyline being its main issue and the jokes between Donkey and Puss starting to wear very very thin. Dreamworks have done plenty since most mediocre, and any above mediocre not exactly memorable. Dreamworks seem to rely on star power more than story, so even when they get a good idea it seems to buckle along under the weight of the Hollywood movie stars providing the "characters" voices.
Pixar are by far the leaders in the animation world both critically and commercially. Toy Story 3 they're most recent work was in a word, incredible. Emotional, funny, exhilarating, sweet, scary quite literally everything you want in a film. Though I thought The Kings Speech was a great film I really felt as though Toy Story 3 was robbed of the Oscar it so rightly deserved. Up was also a tremendous work of film making, the montage at the beginning of the film could melt the hearts of even the most hardened exteriors. Wall.E. was a work of genius, if a little bit stilted for my personal liking, Monster Inc and Finding Nemo yet another emotional tug of war with more funny bits than intentional comedies. Their only mis-step in my eyes is Cars, though not the car crash it could have been in the hands of a less experienced film makers.
All in all Pixar are the defining film makers at the moment, disney do seem to be back on form and Dreamworks latest offerings have aparently been very good. Animation is not for children, its for everyone and anyone, it is film making brilliance to which many have failed at. Japanese animation goes to places that Pixar and Disney could only touch the surface of. Spirited Away is so beautiful and sweet and strange its a must see for people that like film. If you like film watch animation, if you claim to like film and dislike animation you do not like film... end of story.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Scream for me
With the and coming Scream 4 rearing its head, I beleive its a pretty amazing feat to have a horror film become such an iconic piece of cinema. Obviously many others are iconic as well, the shining is one that springs to mind. But that opening sequence in the first film is probably the only truly iconic scene from a horror film in the last decade.
You know how it begins a stray phone call to Drew Barrymore from an unknown caller asking the youthful "teen" what her favourite scary movie is, which then twists to her being a victim in her house and being told she'll be gutted like a fish if she hangs up the phone. And soon enough Drew Barrymore is no more and her parents arrive home to see there child hanging from a tree dead and stabbed.
One of my all time favourite scenes. But my problem is, ok there have been some great horrors released since Scream some are probably even better than scream, but none are as memorable as the above scene. Why is this?
I have to give Saw some kudos for the traps in the first one, but u don't remember the dialogue, or really exactly what happens. All u know is two men are trapped in a bathroom and they have to saw there legs off to get free. But Saw is so torturous and gory it makes it difficult to watch, I personally love the franchise but I'm a horror fanatic, I know many people will not watch Saw whereas they will watch scream. Therefore in being less gory and "horrific" it works. Saw has little feeling of dread unlike that of the Scream film and I think thats what makes it iconic. U don't need to see someone carve there leg off to get scared, because thats just gross. But Drew Barrymore being tortured over the phone is far more frightening, because you know she is going to come off this worse than the guy on the phone as well as Drew Barrymore being a pretty solid actress shame they killed her so soon.
Well my rant is over. The original Scream is fantastic and still gets the adrenaline pumping even now, horror is great genre and I hope Scream 4 will be as good as the first two and I also hope another horror film will take up Screams mantle for most iconic horror movie scene.
You know how it begins a stray phone call to Drew Barrymore from an unknown caller asking the youthful "teen" what her favourite scary movie is, which then twists to her being a victim in her house and being told she'll be gutted like a fish if she hangs up the phone. And soon enough Drew Barrymore is no more and her parents arrive home to see there child hanging from a tree dead and stabbed.
One of my all time favourite scenes. But my problem is, ok there have been some great horrors released since Scream some are probably even better than scream, but none are as memorable as the above scene. Why is this?
I have to give Saw some kudos for the traps in the first one, but u don't remember the dialogue, or really exactly what happens. All u know is two men are trapped in a bathroom and they have to saw there legs off to get free. But Saw is so torturous and gory it makes it difficult to watch, I personally love the franchise but I'm a horror fanatic, I know many people will not watch Saw whereas they will watch scream. Therefore in being less gory and "horrific" it works. Saw has little feeling of dread unlike that of the Scream film and I think thats what makes it iconic. U don't need to see someone carve there leg off to get scared, because thats just gross. But Drew Barrymore being tortured over the phone is far more frightening, because you know she is going to come off this worse than the guy on the phone as well as Drew Barrymore being a pretty solid actress shame they killed her so soon.
Well my rant is over. The original Scream is fantastic and still gets the adrenaline pumping even now, horror is great genre and I hope Scream 4 will be as good as the first two and I also hope another horror film will take up Screams mantle for most iconic horror movie scene.
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