The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Director: David Fincher
Rating: *****

This film is honestly one of the most exquisite and breathtaking things I have ever seen. A devastating drama in essence, yet tinged with subtle comedic moments, the film never goes overboard with any of the emotions presented to the audience. Even though the film is just under three hours long, it is just under three hours of pure genius, with the last half hour battling down your emotional walls so successfully you will still have a gobstopper-sized lump lodged in your throat and tears trickling down your face long after the film has ended.

Pitt's performance as Benjamin Button is well worth his Academy Award nomination, but should have been awarded the Academy Award itself - portraying a man at various different stages in his life must be extremely difficult, yet he still manages to make it completely believable. Blanchett's own performance should at least have deserved a nomination, especially towards the end when she is nursing her love, who, due to aging backwards, is now a young child with dementia. The only thing which could have been improved here is her accent, which occasionally drifts off the contagious New Orleans tang, but not enough to easily notice it.

This is an absolute must-see for anyone who adores a tear-jerker, or simply a fantastic film.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Director: Gore Verbinski
Rating: ***

One of the film's (and perhaps even the series') finest scenes is the opening one, in which hundreds of people found to be associating with pirates are hanged. A young boy starts up the singing of 'Hoist the Colours', a pirate song. The other prisoners soon join in, to a moving chorus of hope amidst the death of these prisoners.

The main word I would use to describe this film is 'enjoyable'. It certainly was - Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow was, as ever, extremely amusing (although I am not sure the parts in which there are more than one of him work). However, it is spoilt slightly by the fact that much of the humour in the film is simply a little too silly, mainly between Mackenzie Crook and Lee Arenberg's characters.

There is a spectacularly filmed fight scene with brilliant special effects at the end of the film which, unfortunately, is ruined by its length of over 20 minutes. The crew could definitely have condensed it by cutting out a lot of Jack Sparrow's fighting with Davey Jones, much of which is monotonous and slow.

Overall, with a witty script and fabulous acting by leads Depp, Bloom and Knightley, the film passes as enjoyable, but does not live up to the original film in the series, which is a masterpiece. It could even be said that making Pirates of the Caribbean into a films series was unnecessary.



As ever, if you have any requests, please comment and let me know

Dorian Gray (2009)

Director: Oliver Parker
Rating: ****

A beautifully-filmed, wonderfully-acted, and brilliantly-horrific adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel.

Barnes is absolutely perfect as Dorian Gray, beginning the movie as an attractive, naive young man, and ending it as a terrifying monster. Firth is, of course, tantalisingly believable as Henry Wotton.

The wonderful thing about this film is that is portrays so easily how people can become corrupted over superficial things, in this case, staying young and beautiful forever. Yet it also shows that just because you live a life of pleasure, it does not necessarily mean you are happy.

Sexually charged and yet not obscene in the slightest, the film as a whole is a fantastic work of art, with the dark filters used to make it seem more gothic, and a darker film. The camera angles are experimental and sometimes slightly offputting, but this only adds to the layer of mystery and evil nature of Dorian Gray.

Worth seeing, especially if one has a love for darker and deeper films.

Remember Me (2010)

Director: Allen Coulter
Rating: ***

An interesting love story in which you will find yourself utterly involved. The acting is possibly the best part of this film, in which it all seems extremely natural, especially when it comes to Ruby Jerins' role as Pattinson's younger sister.

Unfortunately, due to the film portraying yet another mopey, misunderstood teenage story (which is getting rather old now), many of the characters seem unlikeable, especially Pattinson's (although at times you do rather admire his courage/stupidity). It is not a funny film, and it is not a film that has blown me away, but it sure does work as an indie film.

There is not really much to say about the film, as not much actually happens until the end, in which a cruel twist of events leaves the audience partially traumatised. The end actually was not too well done in itself - it seemed the only forced, unnatural part of the whole film, as if it simply served as an Atonement-style loss of hope moment.

Overall, quite a slow film which will keep the audience wrapped up in its plot, until the rather unnecessary twist at the end.

S. Darko (2009)

Director: Chris Fisher
Rating: **

Donnie Darko is one of my favourite films. Sadly, I cannot say the same for the sequel, and understand why the director of the original (Richard Kelly) refused to be involved in any way with the making of a sequel.

To explain - Donnie Darko is an extremely well thought out film, with everything seamlessly tied together at the end. And although it is also complicated, it does make complete sense to those who ponder endlessly over it. Everything is perfect. Sadly, this is not the case with S. Darko.

It seems Fisher has taken the basic elements from the original film - time travel, a complicated plot, and the future trails - and exploited them.

Let's take the future trails: he uses them more often than he should, and makes it seem on a couple of occasions that they are alive (they react to the person). Although it is fine to interpret these things differently, as a viewer, I did not think it worked.

The whole thing seems yet another film about a misunderstood, mopey teenager, which we have seen enough of in Twilight. Although Donnie in the original film was mopey, the audience were also led to believe he was slightly mad. In this film, the main character is simply dislikeable.

One final flaw - the special effects resemble something out of Smallville. They make the film so much less believeable, and prevent the viewer from becoming lost in the universe, as they were in the original.

If you are a huge Donnie Darko fan, I highly suggest you skip the sequel altogether.

A Single Man

Year: 2009
Director: Tom Ford
Starring: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult
Rating: *****

A congratulations is in order for Tom Ford. For directing an absolute masterpiece that has turned out to be my joint-second favourite film (with 'Inception'. Doesn't quite match up the ;The Lord of the Rings', but then again, nothing ever does).

Colin Firth plays George, a gay man unable to get past the death of his lover, eight months previously. The film follows him as he tries to find meaning in life. Set over one day, but including many flashbacks, he encounters several people who bring colour back into his life (literally). These include best friend and previous lover Charley (Moore), and student Kenny (Hoult).

The majority of the scenes included in this film completely took my breath away. The first one that comes to mind is the car scene. The camera looks out of the window of Firth's car, as he drives in slow motion. Mixed with the score, this is a beautifully put-together piece of cinematography which should never be forgotten, and should be seen by everyone.

The film itself has its more humourous moments, as well as the deadly-serious ones that make you want to sob. The right amount of both, in fact. The performances of Firth and Hoult, especially, must be commended. Hoult, best known from television drama 'Skins', proves just how much talent he really has here. I expect good things from him. Firth, glorious as usual, puts the cherry on top of the giant cake of his career. The film is decorated by its stunning soundtrack, and fantastic script. This is more than just a film. It is a work of art.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

Director: David Slade
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Genre: Fantasy romance
Rating: **

The third film in the film series based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, Eclipse will be enough to please the many teenage fans of the films (and Edward and Jacob), but will most likely do nothing to please those more sceptical and aware of the poor quality of the first two films.

In this installment, Bella (Stewart) is forced to choose between dead brooding vampire Edward (Pattinson), and "I'm hotter than you" werewolf Jacob (Lautner), whilst overcoming an attack from old red-head enemy Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her army of newborn vampires.

Although this film is by far the best from the series so far, Stewart's acting simply refuses to improve, and we are still stuck with her universal facial expression that conveys boredness rather than anything else. Lautner's acting is no better, although it must be said that he does deliver his couple of comedic lines pretty well. In fact, it is evident that the only decent actor of the main three is Pattinson, seeming to easily portray Edward's pain and making the best scene of the movie work single-handedly - this scene is when he explains to Bella what he would have done if she had been alive when he was, and talking about courtship.

Acting aside, the script of the film has improved since the previous installment, although there were too many excruciating flashbacks, two of which were so terrible it was unbearable to watch. The only one worthwhile of being in the film was Rosalie's (Nikki Reed), and she as a character deserved more screen-time, as did the entire Cullen family. For example, Esme (Elizabeth Reaser) only had two lines in the entire film.

One of the faults in the entire of the film series, and even the book series, is that the characters are so young. For example, Jacob is meant to be sixteen, and he is already professing his undying love for Bella. Being sixteen, it is hard to believe he actually knows what love is, and it just gets annoying to hear his constant whining. This is similar with Bella (although being 18 she just about pulls it off. Or she would if she moved her eyebrows around a bit).

Speaking of constant whining though, it actually seems like the whole film is made of that, and mumbling. It does get tedious to be unable to hear what the characters are actually saying.

The painful screams of Riley (Xavier Samuel) must be commended.

Overall, a much better film than the others, but it still has a long way to go before it hits the bar of being anything more than an average film.

Tormented (2009)

Director: Jon Wright
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, April Pearson, Dimitri Leonidas, Calvin Dean, Tuppence Middleton
Genre: Horror/comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A witty script mixed with perfect acting from actors all relatively unknown (excluding Pettyfer) creates a refreshingly interesting experience in horror comedies. It captures the different attitudes of various school crowds - from the uncaring, bullying 'popular' group, to the girl who is willing to drop her true friends in order to become more popular herself.

The horror element is absolutely brilliant - with way too much gore involved, making the film hilarious in a more...ridiculous way. The actor playing Mullet is great to bring on the chills - as the film goes on, you start to genuinely fear him and his psychopathic revenge spree.

A horror film for teenagers? Definitely. But also for adults. Who wouldn't want to see pencils shoved into someone's brain, or an amputated hand? And even those aren't the worst...

40 Days and 40 Nights (2002)

Director: Michael Lehmann
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon, Paulo Costanzo
Genre: romantic comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A romantic comedy always follows the same layout - boy meets girl, fall in love, something separates them for awhile, one apologises, finally get together, etc. This is no different, other than that it extends the 'something separates them...' part over three different 'somethings'. This perhaps is unnecessary, but at least it separates this film from all the other romantic comedies out there.

Yes, this film is charming in a sexual, occasionally vulgar way, but it is also laugh-out-loud funny and a relatively realistic display of a couple falling in love. Without the sex. Hartnett's peformance is genius, from his awkwardness to his various states of arousal. The plot is exceptional - using Lent to give up all sexual contact for 40 days, but unfortunately meeting who is most probably 'The One' during that time.

My one main criticism is the CGI - flying over mountains of breasts should look relatively realistic (the flying part - the cartoon-like visuals of the breasts did, for some reason, work pretty well).

The Edge of Love (2008)

Director: John Maybury
Starring: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys
Genre: romantic drama
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Firstly, this film is probably not for fans of poet Dylan Thomas - they would probably not be impressed with this film, as he is portrayed as a weak, selfish man.

However, the plot, which in some cases may be slightly too complex for a romantic drama, does drive the film forwards, with some fantastic acting from Knightley and Miller. Set over a long period of time in the second world war, you can easily see the relationships and characters develop throughout the film, but it would be nice to have the main one (between Knightley and Murphy) have a bit more screentime. As it was, it would have been unlikely for Knightley's character to forgive Murphy's as easily as she did. Again, towards the end, the reaction of Dylan Thomas (Rhys) when Vera (Knightley) confronted him about taking her husband to court perhaps should have been made more simple to understand that he was refusing her plea.

Although the plot does lack some simplicity, it does serve to keep the audience interested and enjoying the film, and that is mostly all that matters.

1408 (2007)

Director: Mikael Håfström
Starring: John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack
Genre: horror
Certificate: 15
Rating: **

Although adapted from what is probably a great Stephen King novel (I cannot say for sure, having not actually yet read it), 1408 displays little of the charm of King's writing.

Cusack's acting is the centre of the film - without him, I doubt I would have even given it two stars. His delightfully cynical and seemingly carefree character gives all the laughs available.

1408 definitely does have its chilling moments, but these generally occur when he first enters the room. Towards the end, the scares seem to become forced rather than being natural, causing them to have much less of an effect.

Overall, although it has its moments, this film comes across as slightly silly - especially the ending, which could have been much more clear.

American Pie (1999)

Director: Paul Weitz, Chris Weitz
Starring: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott
Genre: teen comedy
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

A hilariously disgusting teenage comedy, suitable for girly sleepovers or even family viewing (if you are close to your family, that is).

Although the script itself is not the best, and neither are the directors (New Moon and The Golden Compass ring a bell, anyone?), this film still serves to be absolutely brilliant. From its sick yet remembered 'apple pie moment' to the simplicity of falling in love for the first time, this film will keep you amused and wanting more. And even wanting the main guys to use girls and get laid.

For me, the two cast members who stand out in this film are Eugene Levy, and Eddie Kaye Thomas. Levy's perfect awkwardness of being a father is easily portrayed, especially with his excruciating father-son talks about sex and masturbation. Thomas' more pretentious yet believable character, aptly nicknamed 'Shit Break', and his accidental seduction of Stifler's Mom simply cause the audience to fall in love with his charm. The best thing about this film is the actors' abilities to make each moment their own.

A teenage classic.

Robin Hood (2010)

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac
Genre: adventure
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***

More a prequel to the Robin Hood legend than a story of the legend itself, Robin Hood will please some and disappoint others. Many people have disagreed with the choice of Crowe as Robin Hood - however, I must point out now that, although nowhere near as good as he was in Gladiator, Crowe does a good job of proving others wrong. He is fantastic, and his on-screen chemistry with Blanchett is definitely there.

The main let-down with this film is that it simply comes across as average: good script, but not amazing; good plot, but not amazing; good cinematography, but not amazing. The characters do not really seem developed enough either - not just the main ones, but also the supporting roles. Saying that, there are many laughs in all the right places (mostly by Hood's henchmen), and this coupled with great acting performances causes this film to be something slightly more than 'average' - it makes it enjoyable to watch.

One last thing - women need to stop coming to fight in the final battles. It works with Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings, but really, Marian would not have been trained to fight, and would most likely have been killed within two minutes. In those days, it simply would not have happened.

What Happens in Vegas (2008)

Director: Tom Vaughan
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Rob Corrdry, Dennis Farina
Genre: romantic comedy
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***

The first thing I will mention is that romantic comedies are highly predictable. But that doesn't mean they can't be good.

What Happens in Vegas is far from the funniest film I have ever seen - however, it does have its moments (one bit I would have to include on my 'Funniest Moments' list, due to it causing tears to prick my eyes).

Kutcher really outdoes himself in this film - he portrays his character brilliantly, from his witty thinking to his laidback lifestyle. And Diaz is nearly always glorious - this is no exception.

Although the cinematography is nothing special, and the script is nowhere near as good as, say, that of Mean Girls, it definitely is something sweet and funny, if not predictable, to watch.

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Title: Drag Me to Hell
Year: 2009
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao, Adriana Barraza, Reggie Lee
Genre: Horror
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

With a delightfully shocking beginning, the tension of Sam Raimi's 'Drag Me to Hell' doesn't waver once throughout the entire two hours of horror. With brilliant performances from both the main cast members (Alison Lohman; Justin Long), as well as a horrifying one from elderly gypsy Lorna Raver, this film is completely believable, despite its horrific content. Namely flies crawling up noses and the old gypsy appearing whenever it is least expected.

The script is witty, the action both hilarious and gripping. The ending...well, let's just say you won't be expecting it.

Avatar (2009)

Title: Avatar
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Michalle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore
Year: 2009
Genre: Science-fiction
Certificate: 12
Rating: *

I must say first that yes, this has been a breakthrough in cinema. The visual effects (aside from being jerky at times) were impressive, and Pandora is a relatively believable planet. However, I still cannot understand how exactly this film is being hailed one of the greatest films of all times?

For a start, the script. I was wincing throughout the film, it was so dire. It seems Cameron decided to add in several four-letter words just for the sake of appealing to a wider audience, when all it actually served to do was make him look like a bit of an arse, if I'm honest. Now, I am a great fan of Sigourney Weaver - she was brilliant in Alien - but here? No, her acting was absolutely appalling, her character empty. In fact, the only decent acting in the entire film was by Joel David Moore, and his part was excruciatingly small.

One last thing before I finish - never ever do a sex scene between two blue, computerised characters. It just looks wrong. Seriously.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Title: Paranormal Activity
Director: Oren Peli
Year: 2007
Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
Genre: Horror
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Whilst watching this film you must first bear in mind the tiny budget and mainly improvised dailogue, as well as two actors who have never had any experience beforehand. Well, I say 'bear in mind', but actually, you simply forget that, as the film is completely believeable, regardless of the paranormal side of it. Whenever the two main characters put their camera on the tripod in order to go to sleep, your pulse rate immediately accelerates, as you are aware that this is when the freaky stuff happens. And by God is it freaky. Even the mild scares at the beginning are enough to make you understand just how terrifying this film will become. It is definitely a must-see for those who are Grudge fans, and even just those who love ghosts. Or even just anyone searching for a good scare.

Although it was filmed using a hand-held camera, in a 'found footage' style, the cinematography is still extremely interesting, and it simply serves to make you feel like you are actually experiencing what the characters are going through.

Definitely a shocker.

Kick-Ass (2010)

Title: Kick-Ass
Year: 2010
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Mortez, Mark Strong, Nicholas Cage, Lyndsy Fonseca
Age certificate: 15
Rating: *****

This absolutely stunning superhero film is up there with my all-time favourite, the Lord of the Rings. But, before you expect elves and orcs to show up, it's a favourite for a completely different reason, and of course, set in modern-day New York.

The hilarity, the gore, and the sheer brilliance of this film is complimented by the breathtaking cinematography and acting (especially by Chloe Mortez, who was only eleven at the time of shooting, performing many of her own stunts and using taboo to the extremeties).

My advice is to stop your knitting, and go out to the cinema and WATCH IT RIGHT NOW.

District 9 (2009)

Title: District 9
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James
Genre: Science-fiction thriller
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Apart from a rather slow start, this film proved to definitely be worthwhile watching. The special effects were absolutely stunning for such a low-budget film, whilst the acting was brilliant, along with the screenplay. There was the exact right amount of gore, and in places, some of the actions of all the characters were appalling.

This is by no means one of the best films ever made, but it is definitely worth watching, and enjoying.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Title: Inglourious Basterds
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: War/black comedy
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent
Certificate: 18
Rating: *****

This is an outstanding film. Tarantino again proves that he is one of the finest directors in the history of film. Brad Pitt portrays his character BRILLIANTLY, and the mixture between French, German, and English works extremely well.

One of the things I respect and admire most about Tarantino's work is the way the scenes just play out, in so much more of a realistic way: each scene is long, yet they never become boring. Every little attention to detail is there - the actors are cast perfectly and seem to have the crucial understanding of their characters. Not to mention that this film is HILARIOUS.

Death Proof (2007)

Title: Death Proof
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Action
Starring: Kurt Russell, Zoë Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Ladd, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Tracie Thoms, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rose McGowan.
Age certificate: 18
Rating: ***

This has got to be one of the most pointless films ever made. For the majority of the time it is on, nothing is happening, then suddenly, a load of action takes place. Although the visuals are stunning, and Tarantino does, as always, a brilliant job, it is still nowhere near his best work, and is actually pretty boring most of the time.

What redeems this film are the brilliant fight/death scenes, at the middle, and right at the end.