Director: Bart Freundlich
Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Justin Bartha
Genre: Romantic comedy
Rating: ***
Although it does have the occasional laugh and tear-jerker, there is actually nothing remarkable about this film apart from the charming performance by lead Zeta-Jones. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Bartha - he simply seems a little bland in comparison.
The scenarious are too unlikely for the relationship between the leads to have any real emotional attatchment with the audience. Saying this, The Rebound is actually very enjoyable, and probably the perfect film for a girlie night in. Thankfully, the moment in which the couple break up in the middle of the film is more inventive and an actual reason (however unlikely) than those found in many other romantic comedies.
Overall, enjoyable, but nothing special.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Race for Life
Clicking this link will take you to a Race for Life sponser page which my mum set up for her, my sister and I.
We are running the Race for Life again this year, after raising £230 last year. It would mean a lot if you would sponser us as my aunt recently relapsed and has breast cancer for the second time.
Thank you for your support.
Ellie May
We are running the Race for Life again this year, after raising £230 last year. It would mean a lot if you would sponser us as my aunt recently relapsed and has breast cancer for the second time.
Thank you for your support.
Ellie May
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Julia Roberts
Genre: Drama
Rating: ****
Drama in which a newly divorced woman embarks on a journey around the world, on a quest of self-discovery and inner balance.
A radiant Julia Roberts stands out from this film, delivering a beautiful, moving performance. Eat Pray Love is a charming, sweet drama which should appeal to most - let's face it, the majority of us all wanted to find ourselves and change our lives before. And now, we can watch as someone else starts out on their journey and completes it.
It is the part of the film set in Italy which is the best part - learning how to enjoy life, change yourself, and learn new things. It is such a relatable, beautifully filmed adaptation of a book which I do confess to never have read before, so unfortunately no comparisons can be made between them. The film really does deliver interesting sentiments and opinions on life. And, the 'prophecy' at the beginning fortunately prevents us wondering about the ending - we know what happens, without actually seeing it.
A truly engrossing, inspirational film, and something definitely worth watching.
If you have any film requests, please comment on this post, or e-mail elliemayblogs@live.co.uk
Please remember to vote for me in the Little Blog Awards and Blogger's Choice Awards - links are on the right of the page
Starring: Julia Roberts
Genre: Drama
Rating: ****
A radiant Julia Roberts stands out from this film, delivering a beautiful, moving performance. Eat Pray Love is a charming, sweet drama which should appeal to most - let's face it, the majority of us all wanted to find ourselves and change our lives before. And now, we can watch as someone else starts out on their journey and completes it.
It is the part of the film set in Italy which is the best part - learning how to enjoy life, change yourself, and learn new things. It is such a relatable, beautifully filmed adaptation of a book which I do confess to never have read before, so unfortunately no comparisons can be made between them. The film really does deliver interesting sentiments and opinions on life. And, the 'prophecy' at the beginning fortunately prevents us wondering about the ending - we know what happens, without actually seeing it.
A truly engrossing, inspirational film, and something definitely worth watching.
If you have any film requests, please comment on this post, or e-mail elliemayblogs@live.co.uk
Please remember to vote for me in the Little Blog Awards and Blogger's Choice Awards - links are on the right of the page
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Salt (2010)
Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ***
Thriller in which a CIA agent is accused of being a Russian spy.
Unfortunately, even Angelina Jolie cannot fully make this film anything more than mediocre. She is a fantastic actress, even in this film - but the film does absolutely nothing for her.
There is very little emotion throughout the entire film, even with the death of Evelyn Salt's husband. The plot and characters leave no room for any emotional bonding of the audience, so we do in fact not really care at all whether Salt survives. The script is, again, simply average, and does not suit Jolie's character - notice various moments of speech which are almost wince-worthy. And notice that about 99% of the film is made up of action sequences, with the final 1% flashbacks. It is a little 'bambambam' - no rest between the action (most of which, like other thrillers/action films, is ridiculously unrealistic) at all.
The only thing that does make up a little bit for the film's averageness is the nice, interesting twists which come through the film - is, or is she not, a Russian spy? And, regardless of the silly action parts, you can't really help enjoying this film a little bit in places.
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ***
Unfortunately, even Angelina Jolie cannot fully make this film anything more than mediocre. She is a fantastic actress, even in this film - but the film does absolutely nothing for her.
There is very little emotion throughout the entire film, even with the death of Evelyn Salt's husband. The plot and characters leave no room for any emotional bonding of the audience, so we do in fact not really care at all whether Salt survives. The script is, again, simply average, and does not suit Jolie's character - notice various moments of speech which are almost wince-worthy. And notice that about 99% of the film is made up of action sequences, with the final 1% flashbacks. It is a little 'bambambam' - no rest between the action (most of which, like other thrillers/action films, is ridiculously unrealistic) at all.
The only thing that does make up a little bit for the film's averageness is the nice, interesting twists which come through the film - is, or is she not, a Russian spy? And, regardless of the silly action parts, you can't really help enjoying this film a little bit in places.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
The Crazies (2010)
Director: Breck Eisner
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker
Genre: Horror
Rating: ****
Horror in which a small, insignificant town is affected by a virus which turns people into bloodthirsty 'crazies'.
A lot of horror films are made simply to show the maximum amount of gore, and to terrify people, with little thought to the cinematography, soundtrack etc. The thing which stands out the most about this film is that the camera shots are quite breathtaking, and the whole thing has been put together as not just a horror film, but also a work of (scary) art. With a menacing soundtrack and a fantastic performance from Joe Anderson, in which we see him gradually transform into a crazy, The Crazies is honestly haunting and terrifying. It is not without its jump moments, but does not go overboard with them, and instead makes them extremely clever rather than just there for scares.
With some black humour and clever twists, this film has it all. And, I must say, it is a nice, original variant from the generic zombie film.
If you have any requests, e-mail me at elliemayblogs@live.co.uk, or post a comment.
Please vote for me at the Little Blog Awards and the Blogger's Choice Awards!
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker
Genre: Horror
Rating: ****
A lot of horror films are made simply to show the maximum amount of gore, and to terrify people, with little thought to the cinematography, soundtrack etc. The thing which stands out the most about this film is that the camera shots are quite breathtaking, and the whole thing has been put together as not just a horror film, but also a work of (scary) art. With a menacing soundtrack and a fantastic performance from Joe Anderson, in which we see him gradually transform into a crazy, The Crazies is honestly haunting and terrifying. It is not without its jump moments, but does not go overboard with them, and instead makes them extremely clever rather than just there for scares.
With some black humour and clever twists, this film has it all. And, I must say, it is a nice, original variant from the generic zombie film.
If you have any requests, e-mail me at elliemayblogs@live.co.uk, or post a comment.
Please vote for me at the Little Blog Awards and the Blogger's Choice Awards!
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
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
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
Monday, 20 December 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 20 September 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
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...
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...
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
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).
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.
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.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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