I have heard a lot about how great the original book is upon which this film is based, however a great book and a decent screenplay does not guarantee a great film.
This is a film with a number of problems, firstly it needs to decide if it is in English or German as it seems to flit between the two, sometimes in the same sentence. Secondly the German accents are an issue although some are a lot better than others.
The story plods along at a very pedestrian pace, there are huge chunks of the film where there appears to be very little happening, I'm also not sure that the narration works, a book narrated by Death probably works a whole lot better than a film.
On the positive side the acting performances are very good, especially from Sophie Nelisse as Liesel, and Geoffrey Rush as her Foster Dad.
On the whole thou this was a little disappointing 5/10
Thursday 27 February 2014
Sunday 23 February 2014
A New York Winters Tale
I really should stop reading reviews until I have been to see a film, having read quite a lot of pretty negative comments about A New York Winters Tale, I really didn't think it would be much good, but actually it's not as bad as those reviews made me think.
Starring Colin Farrell it tells the story of Peter Lake a thief in 1916 New York who falls in love with a dying girl. In a world full of Angels, Demons and Miracles he believes it is his destiny to save her, but perhaps not all is as it seems.
It is not a film without fault, Russell Crowe's Irish accent is terrible and it does get terribly confusing at times, but it is ultimately satisfying. The best thing in this film is Will Smith as Lucifer, who manages to steal the show despite only having limited screen time.
Confusing, with a couple of very strange plot points, but a story about love and miracles that is not as awful as it sounds 6/10
Starring Colin Farrell it tells the story of Peter Lake a thief in 1916 New York who falls in love with a dying girl. In a world full of Angels, Demons and Miracles he believes it is his destiny to save her, but perhaps not all is as it seems.
It is not a film without fault, Russell Crowe's Irish accent is terrible and it does get terribly confusing at times, but it is ultimately satisfying. The best thing in this film is Will Smith as Lucifer, who manages to steal the show despite only having limited screen time.
Confusing, with a couple of very strange plot points, but a story about love and miracles that is not as awful as it sounds 6/10
Sunday 16 February 2014
Her
Set in the near future, Her stars Joachim Phoenix as Theodore, a man who is in the middle of getting divorced. He purchases a new intelligent operating system, and finds himself falling in love with "Her"
For me this is a great concept, with Siri becoming more intelligent, it is not beyond the possibility for future operating systems to think for themselves. However although I like the concept, I didn't find myself enjoying the execution. For me the film loses it's way in the balance between love and sex, I can understand someone falling in love with an intelligent OS, but when the OS is having/faking an orgasm then it loses credibility. There is also an early scene involving a dead cat and some unnecessary full frontal nudity, which just annoyed me.
It also loses the plot a bit in the ending, I don't want to post spoilers, but if all the Siri's in the world decided to do what Samantha and the other OS' decide to do, Apple would be out of business very quickly.
This is perhaps the most disappointing film of 2014 so far, based on the trailer I was looking forward to this, as the concept looked really interesting. Unfortunately the reality didn't deliver for me 3/10
For me this is a great concept, with Siri becoming more intelligent, it is not beyond the possibility for future operating systems to think for themselves. However although I like the concept, I didn't find myself enjoying the execution. For me the film loses it's way in the balance between love and sex, I can understand someone falling in love with an intelligent OS, but when the OS is having/faking an orgasm then it loses credibility. There is also an early scene involving a dead cat and some unnecessary full frontal nudity, which just annoyed me.
It also loses the plot a bit in the ending, I don't want to post spoilers, but if all the Siri's in the world decided to do what Samantha and the other OS' decide to do, Apple would be out of business very quickly.
This is perhaps the most disappointing film of 2014 so far, based on the trailer I was looking forward to this, as the concept looked really interesting. Unfortunately the reality didn't deliver for me 3/10
The Monuments Men
Directed by and Starring George Clooney, The Monuments Men tells the true story of a group of art lovers who join World War II in order to stop the Nazis destroying much of the cultural history of Europe by stealing books, paintings and statues etc.
This is, perhaps, one of the lesser well known stories of the war, and I can understand why Clooney wanted to make this film, however I found it to be slightly misjudged. It is trying to do two very different things, and in the end does neither very well. It's almost as if the film wants to be a comedy caper movie, with lots of jokes that work quite well, but then 2 minutes later it wants to be a serious war movie and is reminding you of the horrors of the holocaust. It seems to flit between these two differing stances.
The film asks a very interesting question regarding whether this mission was ill judged, and was it worth the lives of those who died in order to protect art. The problem is that the film asks this question repeatedly until you are sick of it. The film then ends with another question, for which the existance if this film is the answer.
A story worth telling, and a film that deserves to be made, but unfortunately I'm not sure that Clooney has done it justice 5/10
This is, perhaps, one of the lesser well known stories of the war, and I can understand why Clooney wanted to make this film, however I found it to be slightly misjudged. It is trying to do two very different things, and in the end does neither very well. It's almost as if the film wants to be a comedy caper movie, with lots of jokes that work quite well, but then 2 minutes later it wants to be a serious war movie and is reminding you of the horrors of the holocaust. It seems to flit between these two differing stances.
The film asks a very interesting question regarding whether this mission was ill judged, and was it worth the lives of those who died in order to protect art. The problem is that the film asks this question repeatedly until you are sick of it. The film then ends with another question, for which the existance if this film is the answer.
A story worth telling, and a film that deserves to be made, but unfortunately I'm not sure that Clooney has done it justice 5/10
Saturday 15 February 2014
Cuban Fury
Cuban Fury Stars Nick Frost as Bruce, a 40 something overweight loner, in his teenage years he used to a Salsa Dancer until he got bullied and gave it up. When he discovers that his new female boss is a Salsa Dancer he has to put aside his childhood traumas and rediscover his dancing in order to win the girl.
This is a very funny comedy, whist at the same time having a lot of heart, Nick Frost's performance is superb, apparently he learnt all of the dance moves, and aside from one particularly difficult step, all the footwork is his.
Being a movie about Salsa Dancing, the Latin music of the soundtrack just made me want to get up and dance, and join Bruce on the dancefloor.
My only real issue with this film is the Chris O Dowd Character, I think his character is overplayed, and goes to far beyond being unlikeable and an arsehole, and almost becomes a parody, his performance could be toned down a little and not lose the essence of his character.
On the whole though this is funny and quirky, and the soundtrack left me uplifted and wanting to break out my dancing shoes 7.5/10
This is a very funny comedy, whist at the same time having a lot of heart, Nick Frost's performance is superb, apparently he learnt all of the dance moves, and aside from one particularly difficult step, all the footwork is his.
Being a movie about Salsa Dancing, the Latin music of the soundtrack just made me want to get up and dance, and join Bruce on the dancefloor.
My only real issue with this film is the Chris O Dowd Character, I think his character is overplayed, and goes to far beyond being unlikeable and an arsehole, and almost becomes a parody, his performance could be toned down a little and not lose the essence of his character.
On the whole though this is funny and quirky, and the soundtrack left me uplifted and wanting to break out my dancing shoes 7.5/10
Sunday 9 February 2014
The Lego Movie
The ultimate piece of product placement sees a movie made entirely of Lego. Other than one scene, the movie is made entirely from Lego, using mixture of stop animation and CGI.
The story follows Emmett, and ordinary construction worker, who discovers he is "the special one" the only man who can stop the evil professor from destroying the Lego universe by using a weapon known as the Kragle.
Although this film is a U, i wouldn't say that its a kids movie. Yes there is lots for the children to enjoy, but an awful lot of the funniest jokes in this film are so subtle that a lot of adults might miss them. With a lot of Lego Jokes and send ups of an awful lot of cliché storylines this is the sort of film that needs multiple viewings in order to fully appreciate its hidden depths. That said, this lacks straight laughs, and finding hidden meanings and jokes at every turn can become a bit tiresome, in fact the best straight joke that can be enjoyed just be being very funny is the last one just as the credits role.
Entertaining for Kids, fun for Adults, but jokes so subtle you have to think an awful lot, and no huge laughs 6/10
The story follows Emmett, and ordinary construction worker, who discovers he is "the special one" the only man who can stop the evil professor from destroying the Lego universe by using a weapon known as the Kragle.
Although this film is a U, i wouldn't say that its a kids movie. Yes there is lots for the children to enjoy, but an awful lot of the funniest jokes in this film are so subtle that a lot of adults might miss them. With a lot of Lego Jokes and send ups of an awful lot of cliché storylines this is the sort of film that needs multiple viewings in order to fully appreciate its hidden depths. That said, this lacks straight laughs, and finding hidden meanings and jokes at every turn can become a bit tiresome, in fact the best straight joke that can be enjoyed just be being very funny is the last one just as the credits role.
Entertaining for Kids, fun for Adults, but jokes so subtle you have to think an awful lot, and no huge laughs 6/10
Saturday 8 February 2014
Robocop
I went into Robocop with a little trepidation, I am a big fan of the original 1987 film, and didn't think it needed a remake, having read Peter Bradshaw's 1 star review in the Guardian I was concerned that this would make a dogs breakfast of what was a perfectly good movie, however I was pleasantly surprised, and don't agree with Peter's assessment of it.
Is it as good as the original? No, but it is much better than I feared.
This is perhaps a bit more of an action movie than the original, however a lot of the satirical undertone remains, particularly in the opening, pretitle sequence and the performance of Samuel L Jackson as Pat Novak a TV presenter with an agenda.
The action is very well shot, and looks great, although at one point I did feel a little queesy with the amount of shoulder cam footage and lateral movement of the camera.
Did it need a remake? I'm still not convinced, but whilst this is not a patch on the original, it is a 12A and will introduce a new generation to a wonderful movie 7/10
Is it as good as the original? No, but it is much better than I feared.
This is perhaps a bit more of an action movie than the original, however a lot of the satirical undertone remains, particularly in the opening, pretitle sequence and the performance of Samuel L Jackson as Pat Novak a TV presenter with an agenda.
The action is very well shot, and looks great, although at one point I did feel a little queesy with the amount of shoulder cam footage and lateral movement of the camera.
Did it need a remake? I'm still not convinced, but whilst this is not a patch on the original, it is a 12A and will introduce a new generation to a wonderful movie 7/10
Thursday 6 February 2014
Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor tells the true story of an operation gone wrong in Afganistan, when a forward reconnaissance group are discovered spying on a Taliban general.
My biggest issue with the film is that the title is a rather massive spoiler, 4 men go out, the title tells you the rest.
Mark Wahlberg once again proves what a diverse actor he is, and puts in a really good performance as Marcus, the leader of the squad. The story is well told, and the middle gun fight is really well shot (no pun intended)
If you like war movies, then this is really worth a watch 8 5/10
My biggest issue with the film is that the title is a rather massive spoiler, 4 men go out, the title tells you the rest.
Mark Wahlberg once again proves what a diverse actor he is, and puts in a really good performance as Marcus, the leader of the squad. The story is well told, and the middle gun fight is really well shot (no pun intended)
If you like war movies, then this is really worth a watch 8 5/10
Tuesday 4 February 2014
Dallas Buyers Club
Dallas Buyers Club stars Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodruff, an electrician and Rodeo cowboy who is told he has HIV and 30 Days to live. He then sets about a battle with the authorities to get the drugs that he and fellow sufferers require to keep them alive.
This film is up for several Oscars, including Best Actor for McConaughey and Best Supporting Actor for Jerard Leto. It is a superb performance by both, Leto especially as transvestite Rayon, I would be extremely surprised if he doesn't win.
The screenplay is well written, the light hearted joke moments alongside its serious subject matter make this a very accessible film, especially the supermarket scene.
Whilst I don't think this will be a serious contender for the best film Oscar, this is definitely a must see film 9/10
This film is up for several Oscars, including Best Actor for McConaughey and Best Supporting Actor for Jerard Leto. It is a superb performance by both, Leto especially as transvestite Rayon, I would be extremely surprised if he doesn't win.
The screenplay is well written, the light hearted joke moments alongside its serious subject matter make this a very accessible film, especially the supermarket scene.
Whilst I don't think this will be a serious contender for the best film Oscar, this is definitely a must see film 9/10
Monday 3 February 2014
Mr Peabody & Sherman
Mr Peabody & Sherman is an animated feature about a highly intelligent dog, who adopts a human boy. When Sherman gets bullied at school, Mr Peabody invites his bully over for dinner, and Sherman shows her the time machine.
I found the storyline of this film to be very contrived, and the jokes to be very corny, with a lot of really poor puns. This might be quite amusing for small children, but there is little to keep the adults amused.
The film feels very patronising, and almost talks down to it's audience in places, some of the best "kids" movies do not treat their audience as kids 3/10
I found the storyline of this film to be very contrived, and the jokes to be very corny, with a lot of really poor puns. This might be quite amusing for small children, but there is little to keep the adults amused.
The film feels very patronising, and almost talks down to it's audience in places, some of the best "kids" movies do not treat their audience as kids 3/10
Sunday 2 February 2014
Inside Llewyn Davis
Inside Llewyn Davis is the latest film from the Coen Brothers, following a 1960'sbfolk singer trying to eek out a living. Llewyn is portrayed as a bit of a hopeless case, homeless, and sleeping on various friends sofas, he goes from one crisis to another.
I have read reviews saying this could be "the film of the year" or "The best Coen Brothers Movie ever" but actually I struggled to penetrate it. Perhaps I just lacked a bit of empathy for Llewyn, and maybe others will enjoy it more than I did, I can see where those that really enjoyed this are coming from, but maybe it's just not the film for me 6/10
I have read reviews saying this could be "the film of the year" or "The best Coen Brothers Movie ever" but actually I struggled to penetrate it. Perhaps I just lacked a bit of empathy for Llewyn, and maybe others will enjoy it more than I did, I can see where those that really enjoyed this are coming from, but maybe it's just not the film for me 6/10
Saturday 1 February 2014
That Awkward Moment
That Awkward Moment Stars Zac Efron, Michael B Jordan and Miles Teller as 3 Guys, who pledge to remain single together following the break up of Michael B Jordan's marriage. It is supposed to be a different take on the traditional rom com, however, while there is plenty if "Rom" this film is far to light on the "com" with most of the jokes either about toilet habits, or penis gags.
The storyline, such as it is, is interesting, but nothing surprising as it follows the "will they, won't they" format to the letter.
On the plus side, it moves quickly, and is quite short, so holds the attention well throughout, and I never found myself bored wiry it, but it needs a whole load more decent jokes to make it even halfway funny 4/10
The storyline, such as it is, is interesting, but nothing surprising as it follows the "will they, won't they" format to the letter.
On the plus side, it moves quickly, and is quite short, so holds the attention well throughout, and I never found myself bored wiry it, but it needs a whole load more decent jokes to make it even halfway funny 4/10
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