Film Review for: Lincoln – 2012

Film: Lincoln

Year: 2012

Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley, Bruce McGill, Tim Blake Nelson, Joseph Cross, Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Peter McRobbie

Plot: In 1865, as the American Civil War winds inexorably toward conclusion, U.S. president Abraham Lincoln endeavours to achieve passage of the landmark constitutional amendment which will forever ban slavery from the United   States. However, his task is a race against time, for peace may come at any time, and if it comes before the amendment is passed, the returning southern states will stop it before it can become law. Lincoln must, by almost any means possible, obtain enough votes from a recalcitrant Congress before peace arrives and it is too late. Yet the president is torn, as an early peace would save thousands of lives. As the nation confronts its conscience over the freedom of its entire population, Lincoln faces his own crisis of conscience — end slavery or end the war.

Review: Its not often you get asked to actually review a film before it comes out but I was really looking forward to this film, I thought a star laden epic bio pic, and a love of History would be enough to keep me enthralled by this cinematic masterpiece.

Unfortunatley it wasn’t to be, but before you shoot me for being a philistine,  lets look at the film itself.

Luckily there weren’t any vampires in this one, it was serious look at Lincoln himself and the people and events in 1865 coming toward the end of the American Civil war,  Daniel Day-Lewis is just uncanny as Lincoln How can someone look so like another person is amazing, also they way he acted the part of Lincoln is just flawless.

The scenery the costumes were out of this world and there is a fantastic supporting cast who carried the film along.

So why was it not for me? Well I think it has a lot to do with the political ins and outs of the era, political history was never for me. Not even English Politics it bores me rigid, I think this was the issue the opening credits showed the battle of Gettysburg which was promising start for me then it quickly turned into the political bio pic that it is, this unfortunately couldn’t keep me entertained for more than the first half hour, I was confused [doesn’t take much] and started to get bored.

With that said, this is another outstanding Spielberg production well edited fantastic lighting and camera work, acting was first rate.

Just not for me I’m afraid maybe if I watch it again it would be different, maybe not.

 

8/10 If you like politics and lengthy dialogue then this is for you

 

Trailer: http://youtu.be/KJVuqYkI2jQ

 

Film Review For: Jack Reacher – 2012

Film: Jack Reacher

Year: 2012

Cast: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, David Oyelowo, Werner Herzog, Jai Courtney, Vladimir Sizov, Joseph Sikora, Michael Raymond James, Alexia Fast, Josh Helman, Robert Duvall, James Martin Kelly, Dylan Kussman, Denver Milord

Plot: In an innocent heartland city, five are shot dead by an expert sniper. The police quickly identify and arrest the culprit, and build a slam-dunk case. But the accused man claims he’s innocent and says “Get Jack Reacher.” Reacher himself sees the news report and turns up in the city. The defence is immensely relieved, but Reacher has come to bury the guy. Shocked at the accused’s request, Reacher sets out to confirm for himself the absolute certainty of the man’s guilt, but comes up with more than he bargained for

Review: went to see this film this week expecting it to live up to the Hype, it didn’t. This film is based on the 2005 book by Lee Child called “one Shot” which was adapted into this film; I did however read “Killing Floor” and “Tripwire” from the late 90’s. The pace and the detail in the books written by Child is lost in this film. I know that a lot of people have gone on about the height difference between the character of Reacher and cruise but this shouldn’t matter as this kind of anomaly happens all the time, for example in the original book of “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson the character Robert Neville was a white guy, last time I looked Will Smith was black!

This film just lacked momentum it’s a great story, well panned out and acted characters believable, to a point, however the Character of Jack Reacher pretty much stayes as an enigma with very little background being given to him at all, the film is just very stop, start just as you get in to a chase scene were all sat round a table talking or the camera man is trying to get down Rosamund Pikes top with his lens, not that I’m complaining ;o)

There was a welcome cameo from Robert Duvall who I haven’t seen in anything since “the Road” in 2009 so nice to see his talents are being used if only briefly

So what can I say about the film? Weeeeeeellllllllll it’s taken from a great series of books, well directed and acted, if you like your action films with plenty of talking then this one is for you, would I go and watch it again? … no I wouldn’t just because it’s just not as fast paced as the books  but Tom Cruise fans will Love it as it is a pure Tom Cruise film.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/kK7y8Ou0VvM

7/10 Stop, start action and plenty of Dialogue, wait for the DVD. It’s cheaper!

Film Review for: The Lovely Bones – 2009

Film: The lovely bones

Year: 2009

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli, Saoirse Ronan, Rose McIver, Christian Thomas Ashdale, Reece Ritchie, Carolyn Dando, Nikki SooHoo, Andre James Alan, Jake Abel, AJ Michalka, Thomas McCarthy

Plot: A 14-year-old girl in suburban 1970’s Pennsylvania is murdered by her neighbor. She tells the story from the place between Heaven and Earth, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed all while attempting to get someone to find her lost body.

Review:This is a mad ass film, I wasn’t drawn to watch it when it came out as it wasn’t my kind of film, in some ways I was right and others I was wrong.

This film seems to be some kind of hybrid trying to be two different things, on the one hand you have the dark sinister Pedo and the moodiness of the film then in the middle you have the Willi Wonka set and all we were missing was the umpa lumpa’s oh no there she is “Holly!” don’t get me wrong once I got over the WTF syndrome I got it and actually enjoyed it for what it was, a clever film trying to cater for everyone. It as though they could have actually split this film in two and made two equally successful films.

That aside the acting in this film was first rate with Mark Whalberg and Rachel Weisz acting their emotional hearts out , Susan Sarandon was fantastic as the grandmother who hadn’t got a clue and was smashed out of her skull most of the time, until she got sensible near the end, didn’t see that coming  and Saoirse Ronan as the lead character was just the best choice they could have made for the role.

But the one that did it for me was Mr Creepy himself Stanley Tucci. What must it have taken this guy to play this role and have been so convincing in the part, he creeped me out [I so hope creeped is actually a word?] I was watching this film with my 15yr old daughter,  she, at times was hiding her eye’s behind her hand even when he wasn’t doing anything bad, that’s how creepy he was.

All things considered, the acting was first rate, the characters were believable and well fleshed out, the CGI for the heaven scene’s was well done and fantastical and the Creepy guy was well creepy, oh and before I forget a good ending for the bad guy, just when you think he’s going to get away with it and strike again… BAM have that.

8/10 once you get over the two film confusion it’s a good film

Trailer: http://youtu.be/jvWXV-c2hWo

Film Review for: Ted – 2012

Film: Ted

Year: 2012

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Joel McHale, Giovanni Ribisi, Parick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Jessica Barth, Aedin Mincks, Bill Smitrovich, Patrick Stewart, Norah Jones, Sam J.Jones, Tom Skerritt, Bretton Manley

Plot: As the result of a childhood wish, John Bennett’s teddy bear, Ted, came to life and has been by John’s side ever since – a friendship that’s tested when Lori, John’s girlfriend of four years, wants more from their relationship.

Review: This film was hyped months before it hit the streets and I was, just like everyone else dying to see what Seth MacFarlane had come up with. Let’s face it I wasn’t disappointed it was just family guy with the characters being played by, well by different characters.

It’s rude full of drug use and violence and is funny as f*ck the opening monologue by Patrick Stewart had me in tears as did some of the jokes, Mark Wahlberg as a stumbling Peter Griffin just slimmer was excellent with the excellent Mila Kunis as his Lois.

But without a doubt Ted was the star of the show, surrounding himself with hookers then a dumb blond girlfriend, to thanking Nora Jones for 9/11 he was Brian down to a T.

There is just a bunch of stuff going on in this film that makes you want to watch it a bunch of times just to make sure you did see it and get it right first time that includes the appearance of flash Gordon! [Not flesh Gordon]

There really isn’t much to say about this film apart from, Watch it, but leave your political correctness and your kids at home you’ll spend too much time tutting or trying to explain what’s going on otherwise.

10/10 glad Mary Whitehouse isn’t still around!

Trailer: http://youtu.be/VxKfC77XAp8

FIlm Review for: The Hunger Games – 2012

Film: Hunger Games

Year: 2012

Cast: Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Jennifer Lawrence, Willow Shields, Laim Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Paula Malcomson, Rhoda Griffis, Sandino Moya, Josh Hutcherson, Raiko Bowman, Dwayne Boyd, Anthony Reynolds, Judd Lormans, Woody Harrelson, Toby Jones, Kimio Gelman, Nelson Ascencio, Brooke Bundy, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Dayo Okeiyi, Leven Ramblin, Jack Quaid, Latarsha Rose, Donald Sutherland, Alexander Ludwig, Isabella Fuhrman

Plot: In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.

Review: well the plot sums it up really, apart from this is definitely a teen girl flick bit like twilight but more interesting and my daughter says the books are awesome. Who am I to argue? This is well acted film with plenty of star names, excellent graphics and scenery as well as a good plot, until it starts to get soppy towards the end, what did I expect? Well just what I got a well acted good film, would I watch it again? Probably not as it’s not really my kind of film but if you have the choice of this or centipede, I’d watch this.

6/10 not for me, good Sunday afternoon, raining outside kind of film.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/FovFG3N_RSU

Film Review For: Cabin in the Woods – 2011

Film: Cabin in the woods

Year: 2011

Cast: Kristen Conolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Brian White, Amy Acker, Tim De Zarn, Tom Lenk, Dan Payne, Jodelle ferland, Dan Shea, Maya Massar.

Plot: Five teenagers head off for a weekend at a secluded cabin in the woods. They arrive to find they are quite isolated with no means of communicating with the outside world. When the cellar door flings itself open, they of course go down to investigate. They find an odd assortment of relics and curios but when one of the women, Dana, reads from a book she awakens a family of deadly zombie killers. There’s far more going on however than meets the eye as the five campers are all under observation.

Review: This was a really strange film, not what I thought it was at all. I was the trailers and thought it was some kind of horror film, especially with the Zombies. However not what I was expecting. First clue CIA looking guy on the roof when the “kids” drove off, second the matrix looking wall when the bird flew into it! I must admit at this time I did nearly choke on my popcorn.

This was one mixed up film, a film that was a bit of everything and nothing all at the same time I kept being lulled into the fact that it was going to be a horror film then we get scenes with the men in black? Wasn’t sure what that was all about at all.

However there are about two points where things start to fall into place about what’s happening one when the stoner and the girl are in the glass lift and you see all the entities with items that were in the cellar and right near the end when Sigourney Weaver explains about the gods and the sacrifices, all very bizarre yet partly entertaining film, not good by any stretch of the imagination but entertaining kind of, not a blockbuster movie but not a B movie either  somewhere in-between and that’s what it is really a nowhere film destined for the 50p bin sooner than you think

5/10 being generous really, watch the trailer you get the whole film.

Film Trailer:  http://youtu.be/7ENUBUdFswM

Film Review for: Iron Sky – 2012

Film: Iron Sky

Year: 2012

Cast: Julia Dietze, Peta Sergeant, Kym Jackson, Udo Kier, Stephanie Paul, Christopher Kirkby, Gotz Otto, Monika Gossmann, Yuki Iwamoto, Jim Knobeloch, Tero Kuakomaa, Nick Dong-Silk, Tilo Pruckner, Jeffrey Coulas, Michael Cullen.

Plot: In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers.

Review: This is as surprise of a film; my son told me about it, I hadn’t seen it advertised anywhere or any trailers. It sounded like a real B movie so I though “go on I’ll give it a go” on first watching I thought this Cannot be a be B Movie the start to it was fantastic great CGI good concept, then the acting started. Oh yes this is a B Movie just a well made one.

So the Americans send a Rocket to the moon to win an election, with the slogan “Going back, Going Black” they send a Black model to the moon!!! This is where the fun starts especially when they turn him Aryan, and he goes back to earth.

The problem is he doesn’t know he’s now a white guy, so we have a white black guy and two Moon Nazies inNew York, bedlam ensues.

Although the Acting is a little rough it’s acceptable for this film most of the language is German so be prepared to read subtitles, this doesn’t take anything away from the film it actually adds to it.

Udo Kier is his usual spectacular self as the Fuhrer, this guy just takes creepy to another level, must be the eye’s but he always plays a good Baddie.

This is a very Tongue in Cheek film, with fantastic Dialogue, When the US President expresses her disgust that the rest of the world, apart from Finland have armed their space craft, the reply is “but you lied, you armed yours!”

She replies with we always lie, it’s expected of us! Hysterical.

This is a definite watcher and will become a cult classic, it’s all the little in Jokes and slights that make it. Leave your Political Correctness at home and give it a watch.

 10/10 a definate watcher

Trailer: http://youtu.be/Jth4yATniS4

Filme Review for: Prometheus – 2012

Film: Prometheus

Year: 2012

Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charliz Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall Green, Sean Harris, RAfe Spall, Emun Elliot, Benedict Wong, Kate Dickie, Patrick Wilson, Lucy Hutchinson,

Plot: A team of scientists journey through the universe on the spaceship “Prometheus” on a voyage to investigate Alien life forms. The team of scientists becomes stranded on an Alien world, and as they struggle to survive it becomes clear that the horrors they experience are not just a threat to themselves, but to all of mankind.

Review: ok so a bit of background, this film was due to be made after the original Alien film back in 1979 and be it’s prequel, this was eventually shelved and was resurrected back in 2010. This being the finished result.

So after that, what did I think of it? Well I was confused for most of it, as it doesn’t really follow any of the alien films, there is very little Alien action and what there is isn’t “Alien” I can understand it as a stand alone film, no need for any knowledge of the Alien Franchise etc… as part of this franchise it goes against pretty much all the films apart from the first one and would have worked well as the prequel before any more of the films were made.

That said as a stand alone film it was pretty good [but still confusing In parts] the special effects were great as you would expect the opening sequence shots were in Iceland which looked barren and hostile but beautiful at the same time.

Although this film is a stand alone film and the Alien references are subtle, they are there just subtle you just need to look for them.

The ending is left wide open for a new film which, by the way they have left it open would be a side movie rather than a follow on or yet another prequel of a prequel.

All in all this was a really good film, although I will have to watch it again and put aside the alien and AVP films, this is hard but I feel a must to watch this film then you can watch Miss Weaver in Alien and all will be well in the world, just don’t watch the AVP films because that will just confuse the issue!

10/10 good stand alone film, not for AVP fans

 

Wikipedia link gives a complete plot synopsis [SPOILER………………………….] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus_(film)

Trailer: http://youtu.be/iIJeQNyZ6VE

Film Review for: 21 Jump Street – 2012

Film: 21 Jump Street

Year 2012

Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, DeRay Davis, Ice Cube, Dax Flame, Chris Parnell, Ellie Kemper, Jake M. Johnson, Nick Offerman, Holly Robinson Peete, Johnny Pemberton, Stanley Wong.

Plot: In high school, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) was a dork and Jenko (Channing Tatum) was the popular jock. After graduation, both of them joined the police force and ended up as partners riding bicycles in the city park. Since they are young and look like high school students, they are assigned to an undercover unit to infiltrate a drug ring that is supplying high school students synthetic drugs.

Review: originally a long running TV Series from the late 80’s early 90’s with a very Youthful Johnny Depp, although not old enough to remember the original series, cough, cough splutter, splutter! this made a cracking one off comedy film, the comedy pairing of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is pure film magic, they bounce of each other with very little effort for maximum return. Also another Superbad actor Dave Franco makes an appearance as the posh drug pusher Eric Molson another great actor.

Not very convincing as high school kids Hill and Tatum stumble their way to success after a dodgy start taking drugs in school, getting expelled then getting their man at the end.

The background to the two characters is explained fully at the start which is good, then also how they eventually become friends whilst both training to be cops, the first time they make a bust had me in hysterics, both on push bikes chasing down biker stoners. Although the reading of his rights became “you have the right to remain silent……. Mother fucker!” this is what gets them transferred to jump street.

Once at high school they don’t really get off on the wrong foot when Tatum hits a black kid for giving him attitude and telling him to turn they gay music off! The guys reply “you hit me because I’m gay?”

Confusing times for the two cops, with the dilemma of carrying you back pack one or two strapped just adds to Jenko’s confusion. However the real fun starts when the two get their identities mixed up, when the Jock Jenko [Tatum] ends up with the intellectual classes and Scmidt [Hill] ends up with the sports. At his point you know it’s not going to end well.

10/10 an absolute must see, comedy of the year, had me and my daughter in stitches.

Side note: Although un-credited both Peter DeLuise and Johnny Depp are in this film as under cover cops, they also make reference to once being in jump street which was a good touch, a short but comedic interlude by Mr Depp [Right on teh right in this pic]

Trailer: http://youtu.be/ZirgAYBcOgo

Film Review For: Your Highness – 2011

Film: Your Highness

Year: 2011

Cast: Danny McBride, James Franco, Rasmus Hardiker, Natalie Portman, Toby Jones, Justin Theroux, Zooey Deschanel, Charles Dance, Damian Lewis, Simon Farnaby, Deobia Oparei, B.J. Hogg, Matyelok Gibbs, Angela Pleasence, Anna Barry

Plot: Throughout history, tales of chivalry have burnished the legends of brave, handsome knights who rescue fair damsels, slay dragons and conquer evil. But behind many a hero is a good-for-nothing younger brother trying just to stay out of the way of those dragons, evil and trouble in general. As two princes on a daring mission to save their land, they must rescue the heir apparent’s fiancée before their kingdom is destroyed. Thadeous (McBride) has spent his life watching his perfect older brother Fabious (Franco) embark upon valiant journeys and win the hearts of his people. Tired of being passed over for adventure, adoration and the throne, he’s settled for a life of wizard’s weed, hard booze and easy maidens. But when Fabious’ bride-to-be, Belladonna (Zooey Deschanel), gets kidnapped by the evil wizard Leezar (Justin Theroux), the king gives his deadbeat son an ultimatum: Man up and help rescue her or get cut off…

Review: I saw the trailers for this film and wasn’t really that interested so I let it go without much interest, I was looking through my films the other day and noticed that I had actually downloaded it, I thought well I could do with a laugh and my choices were limited to this, rubber or Troll Hunter!

It started of with promise the part where he falls through the trap door of the dwarf kings gallows to find himself stood up with a slack rope round his neck! Genius. In fact the whole film turned out to be a work of genius Charles Dance as the king as professional as ever in his acting and delivery, the lovely if not dippy Zooey Deschanel was well, lovely in every aspect of the word. The comedy genius award has to be awarded to McBride and Hardiker as Thadeous and his man servant Courtney, the laughs roll in from the opening credits where Thadeous is waiting to be executed on a dwarf gallows as Courtney is being Tarred and feathered. There is very little let up in the comedy all the way through, the Minotaur’s cock as a trophy was genius also, if not a little off-putting.

This film is definitely more blazing saddles than Holy Grail, it’s not PC at all which means that, for that alone in today’s society if you like this film be prepared to be slated.

If you can put aside your morals for an hour this film is hysterical from start to finish, I bet even those that have slated it publicly have enjoyed it in private!

9/10 hilarious and a good PC antidote, you know you want to.

Trailer: http://youtu.be/aGLCQfsiSIs