filminsanity

So I Have Been Away...It's Oscar Month! HUGE MASSIVE FILM/TV/MAKE-UP GIVEAWAY

2011-02-08T16:23:00.001Z

I know I have been away for 6 months, but that's all in the past. I've decided to dedicate my time to my blog fans (all five of you). Let's get right into it. Those pictures aren't up there to confuse thine eyes. Oh no.

As I have been the proverbial 'cheating husband' since August I thought i'd seduce you all with a stupendously gargantuan giveaway to warm the cockles of your so-forgiving hearts.

So what am I giving away? Well not second hand wantaways for a start. Five film/tv prizes plus one L'Oreal/ Lancome make-up/cosmetic/men hygeine giveaway. I just want to also add that what you see on those two images is NOT the totalus summus of what i'll be giving away. Got an extra £150 loot (new releases too) hidden away.

Always leave the customer wanting more. Unless the customer is Hitler/ Winona Ryder/ etc.

So how do you win? Simple. I'll pose five questions on my facebook page on 17/18th Feb. Each question answered correctly puts you in the draw for that prize. Answer one Q right and i'll put you in the draw for the cosmetic prize and your wife/daughter/sister/brother/husband/son/baby/foetus/milkman will love you for the next year or so.

Ill draw the winners hourly on the night of the Oscars and the winners will be announced during my live blog of the night. Fair game? Good stuff.

The Suburbs. Chew Up. Spit Out.

2010-08-02T14:13:00.001+01:00

Desolation.
Mundane.
Kids.
Home.
Sprawl.
The Streets.
Drive in my car.
The Time we wasted, I'd waste again.
I would rather be alone than pretend I feel alright.

Grade: A (9/10)

UK Film Council Axed.

2010-07-26T20:06:00.000+01:00

Says it all in the title really.

A sad day for independent and commercially driven film lovers. Enjoy Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky? Or perhaps Ken Loach's The Wind That Shakes The Barley? This Is England, In The Loop, Cheri, Bright Star..

The list is overwhelming.

A sad day for UK filmmakers and cinephiles.

i have this theory

2010-07-24T17:53:00.002+01:00

i have this theory. it goes something like this. we are endlessly reborn through the archives of history, with the only constant being the evergreen tree at the end of each chapter. i'm enchanted by the lushness of the leaves and the strength of its branches. i remember there was something important I was supposed to spread. but what it is, I can't quite pinpoint. eventually the earnestness of youth leads to the slow decaying of age. i realise i've watched the whole world crumble. i'm 90 years old. its too late. i hide a note at the bottom of the stairs. i see the evergreen tree stand smugly at the end of the novel. i'm enchanted by the lushness of the leaves and the strength of its branches. i'm 9 years old, i see the evergreen tree at the end of the chapter. a lumberjack is ready to bring it to earth. insouciantly i carry on playing, my former 90 year old body clinging on for dear life..

The Tropopause of Dreams - Inception Review

2010-07-24T17:52:00.002+01:00

There is an inherent problem with the nature of dreams. Let me revise that. There is an inherent problem with the subjective nature of the beholder of a dream. The key lies in the detail, the moments, which naturally transcribe and proliferate in the 'real' world.

Imagine sharing the same dream. Each individual would deduce an understanding, an embracing of light, at an altered angle from the other. This is not solely an issue of volume either. If we are able to experience the same dream then we draw strength and/or fall to weakness from varying situations and circumstances (after all, we are built from vast pools of reason and moral frameworks).

This is where dreams share a DNA-like identity with cinema. Like films, they are open to criticism and analysis which amend their standing in public perception, creating fervent support and hatred amongst fans. Perhaps this is an explanation of our idolization of those who have passed. Were Marilyn and Cary truly great or have we somehow extracted something which was not there in the first place? Is the dream truly revelatory? Or is it just a part of our imagination which should remain just that, imagination?

Pure creation (and entertainment) of one sort or another.

Inception has created this sort of divide. What is Christopher Nolan attempting to acheive? A pure distillation of 'Entertainment' or something approaching 'Art'?

My view; The use of either would be misnomers. On hindsight this is a straightforward conclusion to arrive at. The film has already shown it can perform at the box office and the general premise has prompted frantic discussion on internet forums.

A caveat before I summarise what is essentially an overwhelmingly positive view on the film: Describing the plot is a thankful and pointless task for two reasons;

1) An aspect of the satisfaction gleaned is feeling your way through the plot mechanics as a first-time experience. I'm not about to dilute that particular nectar...

2) The great red herring of the film is the 'MacGuffin' or the completion of the job for reward. Cobb's (Leonardo Di Caprio) relationship with his wife, Mal (Marion Cotillard), is the central arch without which the film would be bereft of emotional heft. The plot very cleverly positions the film as many things, essentially as a thinking-man's actioner. It's various complexities masking what is ultimately a personal transition from instability to understanding.

What makes the film great (although it is far too early and patronising to call it a masterpiece) is that it is essentially an existentialist tale progressing into emotional reality or perceived stability depending on how you view the Schrodinger's Cat ending...

Concommitant regret, love and commitment are all emotive themes enveloped in this meshwork of ideas and visuals providing a delectable treat for those willing to complete the homework...

Grade: A (9/10)

You Turn Again, The Storm Adjusts... Inarritu's Biutiful

2010-07-16T15:23:00.000+01:00

Fashionistas Of The Month (June '10)

2010-07-05T13:20:00.002+01:00

I am back! To posit completely useless meanderings on what fashion means to me (on a month to month basis). Exams are finished for the time being and so we can all reconvene on an assault of the senses which brothers film and fashion so ably provide.

Thats a welcoming opener right? I'm a sucker for speeches.

I thought for this month i'd start with two fashionistas for whom the overwhelming theme is confidence. Plain and simple. Both carry an insouciant nonchalence which elevates their fashion and projection of themselves to a degree of cool which wears as easy as the white flats on the soles of the lady's feet. It's an almost understated youthful elegance which comes from blending classic shades to form a coherent, sexy and quasi-formal look.

Where do you start with the man! From the woody green tie pin clashing with the navy-checkered print to the over-sized plastics. Personally its the slanted pockets accentuated by the bumblebee yellow which had me at hello. Sometimes these combinations can be tumultuous and scream ''OVER-COMPENSATION'' but here its carried off in an easy, unmeticulous manner which many aim for but rarely achieve.

Ultimately, the Fiorentini have a inpregnable confidence to mix and match and splash and splosh.

We could all take note.

Many Thanks to Scott Schuman (thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

Brides At War

2010-07-05T12:35:00.001+01:00

I think it is safe to say that I love my rom-coms. From your quirky indie gems like 500 days of summer, to your tear-stricken Titanic, I’ll watch them all. Well at least try to.

So the latest one added to the list? Bride Wars. Typically, this was released over a year ago, but I only watched it recently as is my trademark... This cat-fight comedy about two best friends wanting their respective perfect weddings is a solid laugh from beginning to end. Providing enough spark to get even the most tenous couple through.

Our leads, Anne Hathaway (recently Oscar nominated) and Kate Hudson, both want June weddings at the Plaza. And why not? It is, after all, the only place to get married. But what happens when your weddings are booked on the same date? Well all out war, that’s what according to this film. Hathaway and Hudson give the term Bride-zilla a new meaning. From dying one’s hair blue, to spraying the other a ‘blood orange’, it gets increasingly crazy such that it makes you wonder why these two even were able to 'force' men to marry them in the first place!

Enough jokes for a lazy Sunday afternoon rental. So grab your Vera Wang loving girlfriends, some chocolate and cosy up to this flick.

Rating: C (5.5/10)

From Up In The Air

2010-01-15T18:56:00.004Z

A neoclassical setting for a post modern romantic comedy...

Over to you George!

Divination.

Location:Oxford St,Manchester,United Kingdom

A Giveaway Update of Sorts!

2010-01-04T16:57:00.001Z

Where have we been?! Well exams tend to take over lives at this point, but a quick post on what to expect from Filminsanity in february.

The main thing is this giveaway lark. Over the past couple of months I have gathered a smorgasbord of bits and pieces and will be dishing them out to lucky readers/ visitors from Feb so keep an eye out.

ASOS, Chanel & Lancome just a few of the big names I have waiting in the wings!

Film wise it'll be straight into Oscar Season with some DVD/ film related memorabilia giveaways leading up to the big night in LA.

'Til next time!

Nikesh

Location:Belle Vue Ave,Leicester,United Kingdom

'The Women' Aren't So Great!

2009-12-02T15:31:00.001Z

Flicking through the movie channels last night, I came across a film simply entitled, ‘The Women’. I gave the blurb a quick read, and settled down to watch. Before I continue, I must point out that I was after some easy viewing and didn’t really want to think too hard about the film. Luckily, ‘The Women’ fitted the bill.

Meg Ryan is the leading lady, and is back at her best. One of our favourite rom-com queens, she delivers in every sense. Playing the Manhattan wife, Mary Haines, she discovers that her hot shot husband is cheating on her with a Saks ‘spritzer’ girl (perfume to you and me). Eva Mendes, who plays the gold-digging marriage breaker, is everything you want from the ‘other woman’. Sexy. Confident. A bitch. The film revolves around Mary receiving advice from all the women in her life, including her three best friends, mother, house-keeper and even strangers.

So what’s so good about this ‘Sex and the City wannabe’? To be honest I’m not too sure. The story itself lacks any real substance. The characters are bland are each try to portray a stereotype of women, and fail in doing so. I have to say, it’s the acting that makes up for it. Meg Ryan is particularly excellent, especially the scene where we see her eating butter dipped in cocoa powder. There are also colourful cameos from Carrie Fisher and Bette Midler, while Candice Bergen steals all the best lines as Mary's mother.

So overall, its one of those films that easy to watch, and easy to forget. Nothing great, nothing special. It lacked the sparkle of films like ‘Sex and The City’ and ‘The First Wives Club’ (Yes I know, I’d forgotten how good that was!) Its only cool gimmick was having an all female cast up until the last scene when Debra Messing's character gives birth to a baby boy.

Apparently this film is based on the classic 1939 film by George Cukor, of the same name. Maybe I need to hunt that down and compare. Might as well see why director Diane English wanted to desperately re-make it, and potentially ruin it.

Grade: C- (4.5/10)

My Q&A with Richard Linklater (School of Rock, Before Sunrise/Sunset)

2009-11-27T13:11:00.000Z

I was lucky to have the opportunity to ask Richard about some of his career highs and future plans. Due to the number of q's being diverted towards his general direction, it's short, but I guess I managed to put across most of what I had planned so not the end of the world...

Q. I want to know how richard and his director of photography managed to create real
time scenes in before sunset.was a lot of it spontaneous?

A. That was the conception of the movie, that it would unfold in real time, in the
later afternoon - of course that made shooting a bit tricky as we had to match the light - often we would
rehearse all day and shoot a seven minute scene over and over for about the hour half window that the
light was right - we had painted ourselves in a corner conceptually, but every film needs something
about it that makes it near impossible.

Q. School of rock 2..? would it work? i mean the first one kinda did everything...

A. Greatly exaggerated at this point, so not on the front burner

Q. What was it like witnessing the chemistry between Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy
on camera? Was it as big a thing for you as it was for audiences? Will there be a third?

A. Who knows? It took us 9 years the first time around... We love working
together but that alone isn't reason enough to make a movie, if the single compelling core idea
emerges I suspect I'm sure we'd all be back at it.

Q. Any news on the 'Untitled 12-year Richard Linklater Project' iMDB seems to be
covering?

A. Ah... my 12 year project that I was hoping to do and complete in anonymity...
Damn that IMDB! Strange to talk about a film that no-one can see for another five or so years, but I just
filmed another section a week ago, we tend to shoot about two or three days a year - the kid I'm
creating a fictional world around is in junior high now.

Richard Linklater's new film, Me & Orson Welles, stars Zac Efron & Claire Danes and is widely released on 4th December!

BFC Vogue Fashion Fund!

2009-11-05T18:28:00.000Z

Better keep this short cos the proof is in the pudding. And in this case the pudding is;

http://www.britishfashioncouncil.com/designerfashionfund

Through some bizarre coincidence, the British Fashion Council have announced a similar fund scheme for
emerging designers with the winner receiving £200,000 for their troubles. Virtually the same as the CFDA Vogue Fund but in Blighty!

Here is the link for further guidelines and that all important application form. Nice.

http://www.britishfashioncouncil.com/uploads/media/62/12372.pdf

From Page To Screen: The Kite Runner

2009-11-03T15:17:00.000Z

My TV decided to go on the blink last night, which led me into watching a film that I have wanted to see for quite some time. With it being based on an exceptional novel by Khaled Hosseini, I had already made a pre-conception that the film could never be as good as the book. I was almost wrong.

The Kite Runner is a roller coaster of emotions, moving you to tears at many different points throughout. Very much ‘epic’ like in the sense that it takes a on a huge historical event, and breaks it down to the very core, the people involved.

The movie is filmed over three decades of war-torn Afghanistan, allowing us into a world of torment, anger and hurt. Amongst, which we are presented with the main characters of the story, Amir and Hassan. The main storyline revolves around Amir, a well-to-do middle class boy, witnessing Hassan, his servant and friend being raped. It is from this point in that their friendship suffers as Amir’s guilt and feelings of powerlessness take over. Various compelling situations occur and we see the two separate with Amir moving to the USA and leaving Hassan (and his guilt) behind.

Almost 20 years later, Amir is forced to go back to face his demons and with that, finally achieve an ultimate sense of redemption for the betrayal of his friend all those years ago.

One of the many reasons as to why I loved this film was because of how real it felt NAY was. Not only did it refrain from taking away anything from the original novel (apart from certain monologues), but also stayed true to the historic and cultural elements throughout. However, the film focused on the relationships of the characters rather than the underlying political theme that simmered beneath parts of the book. It’s the film’s quasi-darkness and social edge that help provide it its backbone and strength (although it could be argued the producers don't quite push the artistic side far enough. NG)

I must say this is a more than solid adaptation by director, Marc Forster (who incidentally went on to direct the latest Bond opus, The Quantum of Solace).

Grade: B+ (7.5/10)

CFDA / Vogue Fund Nominees 2009

2009-11-02T18:03:00.001Z

The Council of Fashion Designers in America and Vogue team up every year to provide an opportunity for budding male and female designers to submit designs for a competition set up for emerging artists. A fund is set up so that the winner, receives a grant of $200,000 to help set up their business.

A few of you have asked about opportunities across the pond and this, it seems, is the best!

The winners will be announced on the 16th November, so I'll post more information on or around that date with details of how the nominees applied and 'emerged' so to speak.

Should be of some use!

Michael Jackson's This Is It! Depending On Your Point Of View Of Course...

2009-11-02T12:56:00.004Z

Review #1

Michael Jackson is a revelation in these clips of rehearsal footage. His ability to micro-manage and bring together such a talented and varied pool of performers remains unwavered. Jackson's vocals seem to pierce through in a manner not seen since the HiStory tour (almost 15 years ago). The choreography for the dance routines shows a man more than able to compete with others fully half his age. His ability to retain an almost eeriely air of steel-armoured composure and in such a succinct manner remains a wonder to behold. The perfectionist in Jackson would have made the concerts (at least a fair number of them) a spectacular success.

Grade: A- (8/10)

Review #2

It remains without query that Michael Jackson retained a need to deliver the highest level of performance attainable, ensuring the final product would always be something to be cherished forever by the fans. Almost ten years spent out of the artistic spotlight (for a plethora of reasons, discussed exhaustively elsewhere) and now finally he BELIEVED that the songs that provided the platform for his former glory were ready to be rolled out again.

It was expedient as these songs mirrored a public outlook which would be dwindling towards various interests towards the environment, war, love for each other and so on. The film shows us that these 'interests' were paramount in Jackson's mind, especially as 'Man In The Mirror' was to be the ending note of the encore (a song Jackson had omitted occasionally during the troublesome HIStory tour).

What is the point to be made from this? Well, firstly, fifty shows was an unprecedented statement and more than doubled the number preformed by Prince (Jackson's artistic nemesis). I believe Jackson wanted to make these shows the greatest of his entire career, almost a two-fingered salute to those who had doubted him and seen/documented his downfall since his 'Thriller' heyday.

The footage here shows this to some extent, especially 'Human Nature' and 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You'. However, though the undiminished talent of Jackson cannot be doubted, this was very much a work in progress (not a shock considering the first date was three weeks away). One part of me believes that Jackson was a revelation in these rehearsals whereas the other believes he was merely marking out and warming up. Even if the truth lies somewhere in between, Jackson would NOT have wanted us to see these pictures unless they were perfect. No matter how faithfully and lovingly director Kenny Ortega compiles the footage to provide a tangible whole, the mean does not quite justify the end...

A hagiographic portrayal is more than understandable (from a marketing standpoint and as a goodbye present for us fans) but this is the same man who died days after much of this footage was taken and very little emphasis is put on the pressures and demands put on an artist who was clearly underweight and ultimately taken advantage off. It leaves a sickening taste in the mouth for sure, as under the bridal veil something far more evil lurked.

Grade: C (5/10)

N.B. The original purpose of the tens of hours of footage taken were for Jackson's private home collection and therefore not for us to see (no matter how great and loyal fans we may be). I haven't even made any reference to the cash grab this is (looking at Sony here, not the film producers) or how, without a crowd in the Staples Arena, the atmosphere at times is a little apathetic in nature (it's a rehearsal, duh!). But again this just reinforces the point that although Jackson is very good here (and at points, great), THIS IS NOT IT, it was merely the beginning...

Final Grade: B- (6.5/10)

Fashionistas Of The Month (Oct' 09)

2009-10-23T14:10:00.010+01:00

Every month I will be adding an image of everyday fashion at its best (male/female, and any age as fashion embalms us all). These will be images taken by the fantastic Scott Schuman (see link at post footer).

The first was taken in London. I love how the different textures are displayed with an easy assuredness, almost nonchalence with the underlying white vest top providing a platform for vivid and imaginative outlayers.

P.S. shoes like those should be curated!

This was taken on Rue St. Honore in Paris.

The white vest top again provides the rythmic underlay, but here the richest blues caress and overlap each other resulting in an opulent, cerulean cool.

The sandals finish off the outfit well in this instance. Most men will generally wear sandals (desultorily) with any piece of clothing resulting in a completely distasteful look, but these are elegant and restrained which helps...

Many Thanks to Scott Schuman (thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

Won't Be Remembering The Name (Fame)

2009-10-22T13:09:00.001+01:00

Remember, remember, remember my name... So the cast of a retrodden musical plead. But unfortunately, I have to say, I do not think I will be.

Fame, the re-make hit our screens earlier this month. For me, this was a big deal.

I loved the original and I was in raptures over the West-End stage play, so waiting in cinema, I was eagerly anticipating and mentally rehearsing what and how Tancharoen (director) was going to deliver.

Sadly, he didn’t and couldn't. His background in made-for-tv concert films meant that cinematic flare was missing, sapping potential dramatic moments straight from the offset. The picture from beginning to end was a let-down. If you had walked into the cinema with a blindfold on, you would have had no clue as to what it was you were watching. Assuredly, there were several ‘Fame-esque’ moments (sassy dance routines, and fame-hungry characters) but all in all, I would say, it was a pitiful attempt at trying to re-hype old buzz.

The film revolves around a handful of students, all trying to better their craft and 'make it big'. For me, none of the characters stood out, or ‘shone’, so if it were an audition, none of them passed the test. The acting is mediocre and the storylines, passable. I don’t know what went wrong with this film as it had such a great base to work from. Perhaps, without sounding too cynical, the problem is in whom the intended target audience is. I think the only thing that I did enjoy ever so fleetingly, were the actual dance performances. The dancing was seductive, enticing and at times inventive with the singing leaving me with goosepumps.

All-in-all Fame misses a trick by reaching out to a far younger audience than previous iterations. I think it is safe to say that sometimes (nay, most of the time), classics are best left alone.

So sorry Fame, but I won’t be remembering your name.

Grade: C- (4.5/10)

(Thrills) of Summer

2009-10-21T14:45:00.001+01:00

An un-romantic film from a broken-hearted guy’s perspective. As a woman, I never knew men could be so emotional. Lines such as ‘it’s not what they said, it’s the way they said it’ I thought, were only a part of a woman’s vocabulary. How wrong I was.

(500) Days of Summer, contrary to its name, is not about the longest heat-wave known to man. It is in fact an un-conventional film spreading a conventional message, ‘love hurts.’

Tom (played by a charismatic Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls for his bosses new assistant, Summer (the glorious Zooey Deschanel). For him, its all hearts and roses, for her its ‘a bit of fun’ – (a line uttered by many a male). So when she ends things, we can’t help but to feel a little heartbroken ourselves.

The film is cleverly directed, bouncing back and fourth through Tom’s 500 days with Summer, much to the likeness of when you analyse every little detail of where the relationship went sour. You see things through Tom’s eyes. You see what he thinks, and what actually happens, again something that I think we are all guilty for. A terrific scene playing out to the sound of Regina Spektor's Hero is one of the most poignant this year.

This un-love story (as I like to call it) shows us ‘relationships’ for what they are and both Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel are ace at playing their respective roles. Although for some Deschanel's 'kookiness' is not a new direction. We sympathise with them, we love them and we dislike them often at the same. It’s fresh, it’s witty and is definitely one to watch over and over with the girlies (and guys?!). But, oh wait, it isn’t a romcom. Or is it? A fateful romance dressed in rom-clothes perhaps?

Grade: B+ (8/10)

Glasgows Fashionista's must wait another year...

2009-10-21T12:53:00.002+01:00

Having missed London Fashion Week this year, Glasgow would have be have been the next stop on the UK calendar (11-14th Nov). However due to event partners, The Lighthouse, going into administration the event has been postponed until 27th October 2010...

The next stop on the world conveyor belt is Tokyo which premieres from 18th Jan. More on that closer to the time.

For now a couple of photos of some of the standout designers from last year.

Ricky Sarkany

Benito Fernandez

N.B. I will publish posts on Men's Fashion as soon as the season starts in Paris next year!

Five Wes Anderson Moments

2009-10-20T11:56:00.001+01:00

How we love a list in this country. So neat and organised. So quaint and accessible.

5) Hotel Chevalier

This short film which preceded the feature length, The Darjeeling Limited, is probably the better film. The world in an oyster fits into these 12 minutes cohesively and ultimately thrillingly.

4) Owen Wilson's Guru Moment

3) Sixteen times a week...

2) The Jaguar Shark

One of his most moving...

1) Rushmore Revenge

Max and Herman ramp it onwards and upwards.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is released this forthcoming Friday. I'll have more on it in the next few days. Enjoy!

This Is It

2009-10-19T17:28:00.002+01:00

I want to be hypercritical, but with mini nugget-like gems released every so often perhaps its best to hold back with any prior reservations...

Thirst Notice

2009-10-16T14:57:00.005+01:00

Just a quick point regarding Thirst!

A list of cinema chains not showing this film.

Odeon
Vue
AMC
Cinema De Lux
Cineworld

A hearty round of applause to Cornerhouse (Manchester, of course) to have the decency to show the film. Focus Features what is going on??! Just one screen somewhere in the Midlands would suffice...

What To Watch (12th Oct)

2009-10-12T12:06:00.012+01:00

It has been 6 months since I went on an unannounced and insouciant hiatus, but like the lover who just can't stay away, I just can't stay away.

Moving swiftly on to the weeks releases...

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (dir. Gilliam)

Without focussing on what we all tragically know, plaudits must go to Gilliam on finishing a film which he had every right to shut down. It would be expedient to note Depp, Farrell and Law filled in the eponymous doctor role (incidentally donating their fee to Ledger's daughter, Matilda).

The resulting picture is likely to maintain Gilliam's knack of unsettlingly vivid imagery but ultimately perhaps one in which an inculcation of the director's imaginarium of ideas, is one too bloated to swallow whole.

Thirst (dir. Park Chan-wook)

In all seriousness vampire movies are not all they are perceived to be. Recently comedy vampires and teenage vampires have been bestowed upon esurient, blood thirsty audiences gargling before the next available bite.

I would like to exculpate Sarah Michelle Gellar. But Stephanie Meyer is as much a culprit as the aforementioned 'teenage slayer'.

BUT! This is Park Chan-wook! The man who gave us the splendour which was Oldboy. I expect a fresh, quirky and almost balefully witty tale. Not, however, for the faint hearted.

HOME ENTERTAINMENT OF THE WEEK

Synecdoche, New York (dir. Kaufman)

It's difficult to describe the greatness of a film whose unwillingness to subscribe to the perceived standard, which is 'great', belies its position as a newcomer to the term 'classic'.

Synecdoche, pronounced Synecdoche (sic) is (in the daintiest of nutshells) the story of a writer seeking to tell truth and reality in a new theatre production. What follows is really a deontological study of ambition and missed opportunities (all part of the nature of humanity) leading to refined redemption.

No doubt this is a tough, almost infuriating watch as scenes flutter in and out of hazy dreamlike segues without a drop in dizzyingly intricate tone (the animated sequences just one such example). You will need to watch the film again and again just to luxuriate in its finer details. Some will call it insipid and overly indulgent. For me, it was transcendental.

Grade: A (10/10)

Avatar Tid-Bits

2009-04-07T12:54:00.006+01:00

An interview with a cast member of...Avatar!

Christina Radish: What can you say about the film and who you play in it?

Laz Alonso: Unfortunately, I can’t say anything because that was part of what we signed. None of us are allowed to talk at all about the script or what the story is about. All I can say is that the technology is something that no one has ever seen or used before. We were being filmed by 197 cameras, simultaneously, in real time. It was something that took two and a half years to do, and when you see it this December, you’re going to know why it took that long. It is just unrivaled by anything that my eyes have ever seen in cinema. It blew me away, when I saw some of the finished scenes.

Christina: How does it affect your performance when you’re dealing with all of that technical stuff?

Laz: It affects the beginning and the end of the day because there’s a huge process. It literally takes over an hour to prepare and get synced in with the technology that they’re using, in addition to make-up and all the other stuff you have to do. So, there’s a whole ritual that takes place, at the beginning of the day, but once you get on set with Jim, you literally get transported into a different place. Once you’re there, you’re there, and you don’t leave for the next 15 hours, until you wrap. Working with him, you work long hours, but then you get to set the next morning and he’s cut the scene that you did the day before, and you realize that he never got any sleep. You’re a foot soldier and this guy is at war, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when he finds something that he’s passionate about, and he’s passionate about this movie. That’s why I know the movie is going to do well.

So at least we know umm nothing still...except 197 cameras were used at one time and the film will change the way we feel about cinema forever (tm). Apart from those little nuggets of non-information, even by saying diddly squat, I still feel excited deep down. And so should you reader, so should you.

A Musical Lesson (1921-1930)

2009-04-07T11:48:00.014+01:00

Since its cinematic breakthrough in the early 20's, the musical genre has had a tumultuous reputation with film goers and critics alike. Having been a staple diet in theatres for many years before any sort of palpable film success, the musical has a history deserving of a commentary beyond The Sound Of Music, Grease, Wizard of Oz...

In this series I'll make several attempts to document the rise and fall of the genre and hopefully open a box of revelations which will just make you watch (or at least record) that old musical when it hits the box at some god-darned-hideous hour.

It'll be more exciting than Marley & Me and Lesbian Vampire Killers combined and that is a heartening thought!

The first real hit for the film musical genre was The Jazz Singer (released in 1927). The film went on to attain success from all quarters including special commendations at the annual Oscar ceremony. Technically speaking the first Hollywood musical was The Broadway Melody (1929), however The Jazz Singer is generally credited for being the first film to pull of songs within a narrative and for those songs to enhance the film rather than interfere with the pacing.

It's success is stunning bearing in mind the sound revolution was still over a decade away (although most of the film plays in silence).

The Broadway Musical (produced by MGM), as previously mentioned, is accredited to be the first musical and its easy to see why. It's the first musical to win the Best Picture Oscar and first musical to gain wide distribution across America.

The next in the series will look at 1930-1945, a time where change meant a whole deal to the tale of world history and as a consequence, film.

How To Defend Against Two Dildos...

2009-04-05T14:15:00.000+01:00

What To Watch (3rd April)

2009-04-03T14:40:00.006+01:00

It's a been another week of haphazard, on-the-spur reactions. But enough of the protests outside the G20 conference (sic).

In all seriousness however I have been all over the place this week and for that reason this is only the third post of the week.

Moving past the blubbering and onto the weeks releases...

The Boat That Rocked (dir. Curtis)

It could be argued that Richard Curtis hasn't written, directed or produced anything decent since 1999's Notting Hill. Even the aforementioned film has a pack of wolves ready to tear it apart. Just bring it up in conversation at a party, it'll run and run...

So 'The Boat That Rocked' comes along without a huge marketing push and looking to put the terrible wrongs of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, right.

Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost & Kenneth Branagh. Quite the 'pick and mix' of a cast. The story revolves around this group of rag-rats who set up an illegal radio station out in the North Sea in the 60's.

Opening reviews are middling for this one, though I can see why many people would go and watch this without much hesitancy. Richard Curtis + British Cast = Box Office. I can honestly promise you this won't be as bad as Mr Bean's Holiday...or anything Mr Bean!

Monsters Vs Aliens (dir. Letterman/Vernon)

Monsters Vs Aliens is the almost quarterly animated release to reach out to audiences and soak up their cash. Shot by the directors of Shark Tale & Shrek 2 (hardly an endorsement) im guessing the film does exactly what it says on the poster. Maybe a sub-Monsters Inc?

The voice cast is strong not unlike other Dreamworks animations. Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogan, Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Kiefer Sutherland...the list goes on.

The reviews have been gently positive for this one, with Rotten Tomatoes scoring it a 72% average sought from critics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Not too bad a weekend then. Solid if not spectacular. Next week brings us the much anticipated Fast & Furious (likely to be hideous if early notices are any valid indication...)

The Class & Knowing in 15 words

2009-03-30T12:06:00.005+01:00

The Class/Entre Les Murs (dir. Cantet)

Notorious teenagers make hay in riveting dramatization of French classroom struggles. Indispensibly witty and rewarding.

Grade: A (9/10)

Knowing (dir. Proyas)

Sci-fi mush. Nicholas Cage on dull mode. Miserable effects though Friday night could be worse.

Grade: 5/10 (C)

What To Watch (27th Match)

2009-03-27T12:06:00.019Z

Feverishly anticipating a climactic friday evening to end your working week? Stuck in fusty, moss-sodden offices/libraries creaking at the underbelly of your consciousness?

The olive branch? A preview of the week's most poignant of offerings...

Two Lovers (dir. Gray)

O joyous spectacle!

Well well well, what have we here? This is what seems to be Joaquin Phoenix's final performance before he delves into a romping hip hop career. Bizarrely, this seems to be acclaimed as one of Mr Phoenix's finest roles to date making this sudden acting/rhyming juxtaposition that much more baffling. Of course he could just be leading us all on (see the odd Letterman 'performance' to judge it yourself).

Gwynnie Paltrow doesn't seem to care too much for a concerted attack on the film lover's psyche these days also. So a romantic drama starring the two walkabout stars may provide an isolated opportunity to see either on screen for a long time. Will it actually be any good? I doubt it, but then i'm a colossal pessimist when it comes to romantic dramadies so don't let my lingering nature dissaude you.

The Damned United (dir. Hooper)

This Peter Morgan adaptation of the novel of the same name marks an interesting shift in scenery for the writer having translated many larger than life characters to their on screen incarnations. Generally speaking, hagiographies don't flutter my ruffles, however Brian Clough/Michael Sheen do. Of course, with such well respected credits the football aspect is less of a focus than that of the flawed genius central to the project. With reviews ranging from good to very good, United should be the highlight of the weekend.

Genova (dir. Winterbottom)

Seriously, the only reason to mention this film apart from directing Colin Firth lovers in it's direction is the fact that Genova is brought to us by the director of A Mighty Heart and A Cock And Bull Story. Both very good genre films well worth a watch. Apart from that well...im searching with great difficulty to be honest!

The story revolves around a man who moves his two daughters to Genova, Italy after their mother dies. Of course, Colin Firth plays that man. The film also stars Catherine Keener (a perennial favourite of mine) and Hope Davis, so the credentials are for all to see. Who knows it may float your boat if you give it a punt!

Enjoy!

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer Surfaces...

2009-03-26T12:31:00.001Z

Discs To Spin (23rd March)

2009-03-24T14:32:00.010Z

Now with that god-darned anticipated list out of the way, new and exciting features can begin...

Hair tousled, fingers primed.

First, Discs To Spin!

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Quantum of Solace (dir. Forster)

Not as well recieved as Casino Royale on its initial release, the second in the Bond-reboot oeuvre has seen a slow decline over the past few months to a middling position in the 007 catalogue. Criticism was driven by the perceived 'lack of fun' sought by the titular character. Of course due to the fact that his love, Vesper, dies at the end of 'Royale,' the shock shouldn't be so shocking.

Even so, the pace remains belt-ripping and the action realistic (as imaginable).

I'd pick it up for 7 quid on Amazon no problemo.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Solace-DVD-Daniel-Craig/dp/B001QE1BDY/ref=br_nf_1_1?pf_rd_p=465004693&pf_rd_s=center-12&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=573412&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0X6XMEZG4YN1720NTTBV

OTHER RELEASES THIS WEEK

Wallace and Gromit - A Matter of Loaf and Death (dir. Park)

The loafsome twosome are back for their fourth TV installment. Like the others in the series, the 45 minutes just flies by. In fact, you will be hard pressed to catch all the visual puns in one viewing.

I would wait for a bundle of all the series to be released together, otherwise youll be paying a tenner for each. No petty sum!

If you missed this over Christmas, its well worth renting.

BARGAIN DISC OF THE WEEK

In Bruges (dir. McDonagh)

Pissingly hilarious in parts, touching drama in parts. In Bruges can be stolen this week for a mere fiver at a few online stores including play.com saving you fifteen gold boys.

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/3592854/In-Bruges/Product.html

UNCOVENTIONAL (RANDOM) BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Whitsun Weddings (Larkin)

I am not a poetry buff by any stretch of the imagination, but this classic set of poems by the late great Philip Larkin knocked me back several large strides and so I would recommend it to anyone with the luck of a spare few hours on any given weekend.

Ones To Watch #1 - Avatar

2009-03-21T10:00:00.001Z

#1

Avatar (dir. Cameron)

Expected Release Date: 18th December

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Risk #1 Avatar. Budget: $250-300. Million. Dollars

Counterpoint #1. Titanic Budget: $200. Million. Dollars

Risk #2 Avatar. Relatively Unknown Leads

Counterpoint #2 Titanic. Relatively Unknown Leads

Risk #3 Avatar. No Trailer, Plot Details or Photos

Counterpoint #3. This is James ‘King Of The World’ Cameron. When did he last let you down?

Risk #4 Avatar. Revolutionary 3-D approach

Counterpoint #4. Revolutionary 3-D approach

Oh Avatar, Avatar, what will you do to me oh Avatar? Virtually unknown outside of the Cameron hub, this is hugely exciting. There’s so many factors swinging this project one way then the other. I mean Cameron hasn’t directed a film for 12 years and that film went on to become the biggest film ever made. Then you look at his CV and realise he hasn’t made a bad film…yet! Even those which are less revered are watchable to the nth number of times.

Sam Worthington is the virtual unknown, though by the time Terminator: Salvation is released we’ll have a better idea of his abilities. Then Sigourney Weaver. Dearest Sigourney.

This one is about as mouthwatering as Wonka’s factory and as tantalising as a lolly to a baby.

It’s my number one anticipate film of the year.

Watchmen (NOT Spoiler Free!)

2009-03-19T14:12:00.008Z

Fanboy

'Fanboy is a term used to describe any individual who is devoted to a single subject in an emotional or fanatical manner, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an obsession'. (Wikipedia)

I’ll come back to that.

Watchmen, adapted from Alan Moore’s 1986 graphic novel now revered amongst the greatest of all graphic novels and one of TIME magazine’s 100 Greatest Novels. It’s themes expand beyond the plethora of cliched superheroes and supervillains, Moore prefering to develop ideas rather than outcomes. The actual term ‘Watchmen’ was taken from the supposed speech John F Kennedy was to deliver just minutes after his assasination. Americans, Kennedy vouched, would be “the watchmen on the walls of freedom.”

The film has been some time coming and for that Snyder should be commended. Since it’s inception the screenplay has jumped from 20th Century Fox, Universal, Paramount and finally, Warner Bros. Often thought to be ‘unfilmable’ (Moore famously had refused to be connected to the film in any way), Snyder has created what is ultimatelty a faithful retelling of the novel. However, fit into a generous 162 minutes running time the film still feels claustrophobic and unable to paint what becomes it’s ultimate dichotomy. Is it right to kill millions of people in order to prolong peace between those in our blue planet?

Few of you who have seen the film will have had the opportunity to read the original novel beforehand, though I will presume (however off the mark) that the majority haven’t and so it’s perhaps best to breakdown the film for both the converted and the not-yet converted.

The main story revolves around six main characters. Ozymandias (Adrain Veidt), Silk Spectre (Laurie Jupiter), Dr Manhattan (Dr John Osterman), Nite Owl (Dan Dreiberg), Rorschach (Walter Kovacs) and The Comedian (Edward Blake). The plot revolves around the unexpected murder of The Comedian, thrown out of the window of his apartment, in a multi-storey building.

Other characters also play an important role but say any more and I would give too much away. As mentioned at the head, a fanboy is devoted to a single subject in an emotional and or fanatical manner, almost to the point of obsession. This becomes simultaneously the saviour and failing of Snyder.

Dr Manhattan (the only superhero with ‘powers’) is played by a wonderfully eerie and withdrawn Billy Crudrup. He is able to inject pathos into a character whose existence becomes a pawn in the USA/USSR conflict, on the edge of nuclear armageddon which, according to the doomsday clock, is just minutes away.

Unfortunately however, despite Crudrup’s effort, the film can in no way match the staggering depth of the psychological profile created in Moore’s novel. A prime example of this is in the (still good) scene explaining the making of Dr Manhattan. The novel, draws Manhattan’s withdrawal from any sort of compassion for humankind with subtle wondrousness. The photo in his hand, dissected to the same degree a watchmaker unravels a timepiece. It’s an apt analogy as in his youth, John wanted to become a watchmaker just like his father. Though the film cannot even delve into the moral abyss which traps Manhattan, his character is still the most realised out of the big six.

Almost as impressive is Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, for many the fan’s favourite as we follow through the a great bulk of the plot through Rorschach and his journal. Haley is perfect for a role which requires a performace of menacing and deeply woven nuances. I have no real arguments with most of Rorschachs scenes. Much of what should be on screen is on screen. Some short cuts are taken, but serve the film’s purpose respectively. I would argue that perhaps all the scenes between Rorschach and Dr Malcolm Long could have been added and that scenes between Dr Long and his wife were also important in creating a stronger gut punch for that final chapter. I’ll discuss that later.

From here the results become decidely mixed at best. Goode, Gugino and Akerman as Viedt, Sally Jupiter and Laurie Jupiter are awful though for different reasons. Patrick Wilson as the insecure Nite Owl also hits and misses. Veidt, supposedly the most intellingent man on the planet (able to retire from his superhero duties two years before the Keene Act was initiated) has been reduced from the charmingly persuasive, destructive and intellectually intimidating greek mythologist to basically a youthful clown-prince villain whose reasoning for his actions feels delusional rather than persuasively cohesive. The colour of his cape has been changed and from the first time he is seen on the screen you feel there is something not altogether wholesome about him. This is not the case in the novel, as there is a general sense of shock with the late turn of events.

The two Silk Spectres are also reduced to rubble. Malin Akerman, is written a role which just makes her look and feel like sex-for-hire without any of the burning fire of her novel incarnation. This Spectre would fall like a flea on any psychological questioning. Please give me some newsvendor back chat rather than this embarrassing spectacle. In general, all the superheroes deficiencies were glossed over far too complacently. Everything fits except the characters within.

The biggest difference of course, is the removal of The Squid from the final scene, instead placing the blame on Dr Manhattan and his tachyons. The Squid would have been a difficult creation and of course the focus shifts from alien invasion to a questionable Christ allegory in the form of Dr Manhattan. The main problem with the ending is not the choice of Squid/Nuclear Holocaust but more that I didn’t care for the destroyed human life. The film worked so gracefully to avoid any touch with humanity you are quite frankly not bothered whether millions of lives have been lost.

Veidt’s masterstroke becomes lost in the glacial air.

In terms of other differences between novel and film 'Tales of the Black Freighter' is the major omission. The novel within a novel which introduced us to the newsvendor and his namesake, a smart-alec kid, is completely left out (released as a lone animated feature on DVD). Though this is an understandable omission due to running time constraints, these two characters are the main flames of human interaction we experience before the city stoops into ravaging hell (the lesbian couple and Dr Long's home scenes the only exceptions). What is gained in cinematic bounce is savagely lost in terms of any attachment we feel towards the human life left dwelling in the basin of the hell-bound city. As mentioned previously, Snyder's greatest failure.

It is difficult to comment for those who haven’t read the novel because many of the thoughts that arise (on viewing) blossom from the storyboards of the novels. I think the action segments were overplayed and slo-mo is a tool which should be used sparingly rather than frantically. Again, the sex scene between Dreiberg and Jupiter is agonisingly squirmish played out to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Other than that aberration, the soundtrack works as well as one would expect (Bob Dylan’s Times They Are A Changin used in the opening credits a favourable example). Still, you feel Snyder is pandering to the late MTV generation rather than staying true to the plot situation. Would a score have been a better option?

Concluding from whence I began, I feel Snyder should be commended for even managing to get the 'unfilmable' filmed. No easy task for sure. However the fanboy in him has resulted in his obsession to get the film seen by as many people as possible, leading to large compromises being made.

A mini-series would have been a stronger artistic statement (perhaps helmed by a director with a known balance for human nature AND stylistic visual flourishes) but less people would have seen it. Was Snyder’s aim to have as many people watch his film and then read the novel? If so, it’s a failure on his part because what he has created, unfortunately, is hollow pulp nonsense and the spawn of thousands of comic book cliches.

I urge you to read the novel if you haven’t already.

Grade: 4/10 (C-/D+)

Thoughts? Conflicts?

Ones To Watch #2 - Shutter Island/Ashecliffe

2009-03-18T14:34:00.006Z

#2

Shutter Island/Ashecliffe (dir. Scorcese)

Expected Release Date: 9th October

Starring: Leonardo Di Caprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Williams, Max Von Sydow & Emily Mortimer.

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Based in a psychiatric hospital on Shutter Island, the film revolves around the disappearance of murderous patient Rachel Solando (Mortimer). U.S. Marshals Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule (Di Caprio and Ruffalo respectively).

To be fair, many will go and see this film simply due to it being a Scorcese’s latest. I am one of them. That cast will also bring people in. I am one of them.

As the film is #2 on my indulgent list, it is clearly anticipated to a gargantuan degree. Here I would rather look at where it could go wrong. As where it could go wrong is much more interesting to discuss. (Sigh… That cast! That director!)

HEADLINE! Scorcese/Di Caprio reteam AGAIN!

Now for many those are cursed words. I would just like to have you all know that there is at least one other film for these star-crossed lovers, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt set for release in 2011.

Gangs Of New York, The Aviator, The Departed & Shutter Island.

The first two, in my view are bloated mess ups with enjoyable side-shows. Though perhaps that is more an indication of my misanthropic demeanor. Who knows. Daniel Day Lewis is the gold in Gangs and The Aviator, well The Aviator just gets worse every time I watch it (though Blanchett as Hepburn is off the cuff).

However, to rebuff my own hypothesis, Di Caprio’s own performances have mirrored his director’s in that The Departed consists of Scorcese’s strongest material since Casino, 11 years its senior. Di Caprio is tremendous, growing to become the film’s strongest link with every move he makes. Far more gritty and vulnerable at the same time compared to the man-child in Gangs.

I wasn’t really able to argue too many potential problems here (unlike my #1). At the very worst this will be enjoyable and at best essential viewing. Plus the appearances of Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley and the under-appreciated Mark Ruffalo give this one several merited bonus points.

Nine! Well The Cap's Got His Work Cut Out...

2009-03-17T13:46:00.002Z

Ones To Watch #3 - Inglourious Basterds

2009-03-17T11:54:00.003Z

Inglourious Basterds (dir. Tarantino)

Expected Release Date: 21st August

Starring: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger, Mike Myers, Samuel L Jackson (Narrator)

Studio: A Band Apart

Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill (Vol 1 & 2) & Death Proof. Six films (five, if you’re dreaming of The Whole Bloody Affair). I can’t really recall any so-called-friend who hasn’t seen any of the above films or doesn’t own one of the above films on DVD or Blu-Ray. It seems the love for Tarantino is feverish among those who have followed his turbulent career.

I love the style, the cool and the irreverent super-enjoyable banter that exists in his films. Undeniably, Death Proof is the weakest of the bunch and was produced as the second part of a double bill with Planet Terror. Unfortunately, audiences this side of the North Atlantic were forced to watch both films seperately (although some art-house cinemas showed Grindhouse).

In my view, Inglourious Basterds is the most anticipated Tarantino film since Pulp Fiction. Having read the fantasticly violent script, I am confident this may just be up there with Quentin’s best.

Ones To Watch - #4???

2009-03-17T10:37:00.005Z

Good morning, loyal readers! I haven't posted anywhere near the amount of material I would have liked in the last fortnight due to a miscellaneous assortment of stumbling blocks thrust in my general direction. One being not being near a laptop...

Anyway, in the last week the #4 in my neverending top 20 anticipated list was switched to a Jan 2010 release date, which puts me in a mango pickle.

For the sake of true journalism, I will withdraw it from my list and reconsider it for the 2010 list (if I manage to make it that far). The image above gives it away!

This week!

Much anticipated and delayed Watchmen review, Discs To Spin, The Class review, What to Watch and of course, The Top 3 for 2009.

Stay tuned!

p.s. this is hilarious...!

Bolt Of The Heart

2009-03-12T11:55:00.003Z

Disney's latest animated release comes in the form of Bolt, the super-dog! This animated mutt fights crime and protects his beloved owner Penny (Miley Cyrus) from the evil clutches of Professor Calco. Through his ability to 'super bark' and 'zoom-zoom' Bolt (John Travolta) does whatever it takes to stop anyone getting anywhere near his 'person'.

One thing he doesn't know is, none of it is real. The poor little thing believes it can head-butt trucks, melt walls with its heat-vision and kill people with a tap of its paw. In actual fact, he is the star of his own television show and all of his stunts are cleverly timed so that he thinks he is actually doing them, when in fact its the handy work of some technical geek in the background. Why is this? so that the dog gives a more 'believable' performance.

However, the real test of Bolt's 'strength' comes when he accidentally ends up in New York City (thanks to America's ever so great postal system). Not only does he think he has lost his powers because of a mysterious substance called Styrofoam, but he has to rely on gutsy cat, Mittens, to get him back to L.A.

There is a lot to like about Bolt and I would recommend giving it a go. There is a lot to laugh at throughout, my favourite being the stupid pigeons, who are able to portray the stereotypes of each city unbelievably well! Whoever came up with the idea that a pigeon being a movie producer would work, is some sort of warped genius. It definately got me laughing!

It is a feel good movie for the family and is an easy way to kill some time on a lazy Sunday afternoon. A solid, formulaic attempt by Disney, just lacking that Pixar pizazz, whatever that may be! Maybe some more of Bolt's 'Zoom-Zoom' perhaps?

Grade: 6/10 (C+)

Ones To Watch #5 - Public Enemies

2009-03-11T12:15:00.006Z

A week's delay as I frolicked in the hay...

#5

Public Enemies (dir.Mann)

Expected Release Date: 3rd July

Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard & Billy Crudrup

Studio: Universal Pictures

So, finally! Into the Top 5. I think it’s fair to say these final five all claim their respective thrones as the most anticipated film of 2009 with much style and little dignity.

Certainly each of them could have won the crapshoot which is the #1 spot of my affection.

First up, Public Enemies. There’s so much to look forward to really. Michael Mann returns to the crime thriller genre which served him so well in Collateral and his crowning acheivement, Heat.

Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard, Christian Bale & Billy Crudrup. What a cast! Possibly the finest in a major picture this year. Arguably, this may be the year Crudrup truelly breaks out (with a potentially standout turn as Dr Manhattan in Watchmen also under the belt). Cotillard & Bale also follow up 2008 with a year which could take them to even dizzier heights with Nine & Terminator: Salvation respectively. Finally, Depp in the headline role has the opportunity to continue to provide the world with yet another character which leaps from the screen (Finding Neverland withstanding…)

The first trailer was released last week and provides a tantalising glimpse into the world Mann has created. Unsurprisingly, it seems to contain all the ingredients which made Heat a resounding success.

Crockett and Tubbs, De Niro and Pacino, Cruise and Foxx. Mann has a history of creating dynamic on-screen pairings (admittedly the score is at great: 2, indifferent: 1).

Let’s just hope Depp & Bale can round of a delightful triple.

Watchmen Weekend (6th March)

2009-03-04T11:44:00.010Z

Let's face it, most people who find themselves at the local multiplex this weekend will end up watching Watchmen. I have no gripes with that although I can't for the life of me see how the film will be able to create its own identity (the novel is practically flawless in terms of its execution and design).

However, it's still at #16 on my most anticipated list so a glimmer of hope remains but somehow I'm now primed to the fact that Snyder will make a complete arse of it. Only a few days to wait.

Either way, I should honour the original novel by at least seeing how the film compares.

Wendy & Lucy is officially released on limited screens this week also. It's just a matter of finding a cinema showing it...no easy task! If you do find that elusive cinema then the film is recommended if only for an excellent central performance by Michelle Williams.

The Young Victoria, starring the previously up-and-coming, now full blown star Emily Blunt in her first lead role. It's obviously a period film set during the youth of Queen Victoria (stating the obvious). Generally my view on these types of films amounts to a deep, insatiable disgust but this seems like solid throwaway garb. Garish yet tolerable.

Ones To Watch #6 - The Tree Of Life

2009-03-04T11:37:00.002Z

#6

The Tree Of Life (dir. Malick)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Sean Penn, Brad Pitt et al

Studio: -

Just entering outside the top five is The Tree of Life, the latest film by the great Terrence Malick. A summary of the plotline makes basic reading as it follows the life of Jack, one of three brothers, and the evolution from wide eyed youth to a disillusioned adult.

Brad Pitt plays the lead character with Sean Penn reprising the character in his middle age. Amazingly this is the second film from Malick in four years! That is quite unusual for a director who has made five films since 1969 including greats such as Badlands and The Thin Red Line.

Any further details are unknown with literally just the one screenshot available at the moment (the one heading the post). Of course I’ll keep updating the site when more devouring morsels are online and available…

Until then, all is left to the imagination…

Ones To Watch #7 - Up

2009-03-03T12:07:00.010Z

#7

Up (dir. Doctor)

Expected Release Date: 16th October

Starring (voice): Christopher Plummer, Edward Asner et al
Studio: Pixar

The latest in a long line of triumphs for the greatest studio working in Hollywood today. For director Pete Doctor this is his first gig since Monsters Inc in 2001.

The story like many a Pixar great, revolves around the unusual relationship between an old man (Carl Fredricksen) and an 8 year old boy who end up in each other’s company after Fredricksen’s house is lifted into the air (basically by hundreds of balloons).

There isn’t much to add other than to mention how well Doctor handled the relationship between Mike and Sully in Monsters Inc. The fact that the lead protagonist is a 78 year old man also gives a clear indication of the adult orientated direction Pixar is taking and of course shows how the studio will continue to take risks for our satisfaction.

To be honest though, I would be happy watching a film about depressive terrorist clowns if it was made by Pixar, they just haven’t put a foot wrong...ever! Even Cars, which wasn't as critically well received as some of its peers, was still enjoyable and better than most other animated films (specifically much of the Dreamworks output).

In the past few years we've been treated to Ratatouille, which was undoubtedly one of the best films of 2007, and then Wall-E, in my opinion the best American film of last year.

Anticipation is undoubtedly at fever pitch for this one then.

All I can say is. BRING! IT! ON!

Ones To Watch #8 - The Road

2009-03-02T22:07:00.003Z

#8

The Road (dir. Hillcoat)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce & Kodi Smit-McPhee

Studio: Dimension Films

The Road, directed by John Hillcoat, is the latest Cormac McCarthy novel to undergo a cinematic makeover. It’s set in a post apocalyptic America where the elements converge to devastating effect and The Road seems pregnant with the possibilty of every conceivable act of lawlessness.

Starring Mortensen and newcomer Smit-McPhee as the father-son dyad, The Road like No Country For Old Men is tense, disheartening and haunting fraught with disturbing images. I haven’t read the novel from which No Country For Old Men was adapted but having read The Road and seen the initial screenshots I can feel the sense of darkness which plagued the novel.

It’s a certainty to say the film will not be an easy watch. Director John Hillcoat’s directorial debut, The Proposition was an underrated triumph and one of its many strengths included the cinematography of the wild Americana landscapes. The look and feel of the film is safe hands it seems.

Scored by Nick Cave ( I loved his minimalistic score for The Assasination of Jesse James), The Road provides many possible avenues for success. For the director of course, but perhaps most encouragingly for Viggo Mortensen who may find his moment in the Oscar limelight is not too far down ‘The Road’…

Discs To Spin (2nd March)

2009-03-02T14:47:00.013Z

Just a quick excuse as to why this is the first DVD compendium in two weeks. First week, the releases were turgid. Second week, I was suffering from post-Oscar hangovers.

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Ghost Town (dir. Koepp)

A thoroughly enjoyable romp. Being a rom-com in the traditional sense, Ghost Town, doesn't stray to far from its commitments to the genre. What makes this film punch well above its weight is a variety of delicate intracies. First of all, Gervais is able to deliver a geniune dose of pathos to his lead character as the film enters its middle act. Secondly, the romance aspect isn't played to overkill. The film is primarily a comedy and the romance segments serve as an accompaniment to the comedy. Far too many rom-coms play it the other way round resulting in unconventional situations and unbelieveable dialogue (see rom-coms circa 1940-2008).

It's a geniunely heartfelt film with straight up performances. Ohh and the ending is delightful!

Grade: B+ (7.5/10)

Other releases this week:

Mary Poppins: 45th Anniversary Edition

Hardly a new release per se, but this version of the 1960's classic boots extras to burn. As a new release you'll be hard pushed to find it for less than a tenner and really the only difference between this edition and the 40th Anniversary Edition is the segment on the broadway musical. Pick up one or the other though as Mary Poppins should be an indispensible addition to any self-aggrandizing collection.

BARGAIN BLU RAY OF THE WEEK

Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2 (Blu-Ray)

I'm a little bit annoyed as PLAY.COM had this title for a bargain £17.99 just last week! The price has now gone up to £25.99 but that's still at least £7 cheaper than any other retailer. HMV has it for £39.99, Amazon for £32.99 (short time only) and Zavvi...well Zavvi exists no more!

Sorry I didn't mention the cheaper price last week. Those were hazy days...

Ones To Watch #9 - The Soloist

2009-03-02T14:36:00.006Z

#9

The Soloist (dir. Wright)

Expected Release Date: 11th Sept

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr & Catherine Keener

Studio: Universal Pictures

The Soloist is the third film to be directed by the young and talented Joe Wright, following Pride & Prejudice and Atonement.

Originally slated for release during the 2008-09 Oscar season (i.e. winter), The Soloist, written by Erin Brokovich scribe Susannah Grant, tells the story of a schizophrenic homeless musician, Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), who dreams of performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez (Downey Jr) develops a strong friendship with Nathaniel and helps him to achieve his dream.

Frankly, the plot sounds mildly interesting though wildly sentimental. Atonement, managed to sway on the intellectual side towards its final act which perhaps dampened any sort of emotional impact the coda could have provided.

The two leads will surely create an unerring relationship on screen. Downey Jr, at the crux of his latest comeback can inject a great deal into a role which he has played to a similar degree in Zodiac (without a penchant for turquoise cocktails). For Foxx this could be the role that revitalises his acting career after almost five years in the relative doldrums, signing up to roles stretching him at best to autopilot. We know he can play the piano, after his Oscar maiming performance in Ray, so hopefully the screenplay will stretch his performance into a poignant performance.

Joe Wright has a lot to prove moving away from pretty period settings to a thoroughly modern film set in downtown Los Angeles. It is also the first film he has directed in which the leading roles played by American actors and it will be intriguing to see how he handles any extra pressure that comes his way.

Atonement was arguably the polished version of a more roughly cut diamond in Pride & Prejudice. Excitingly, having broken down the door with Atonement, Joe Wright, like fellow Brit auteurs Sam Mendes and Stephen Daldry, will have hopefully sown the seeds to create a diverse film repertoire enriched with storytelling verve to embed him in the filmmaking elite.

The Soloist marks the first litmus test to that worthy acheivement and for that reason alone I cannot wait to see what will be concocted.

Ones To Watch #10 - Gake No Ue No Ponyo

2009-02-27T18:31:00.008Z

#10

Gake No Ue No Ponyo (dir.Miyazaki)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: (English dubbed) Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey & Liam Neeson

Studio: Studio Ghibli

Gake No Ue No Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea) is Jap-animation genius Hayo Miyazaki’s first full length feature since Howl’s Moving Castle (released in 2004). For those following, Miyazaki has created a fascinating library of films inspired by decades of Japan’s heritage, culture and environment.

A list of Miyazaki’s directorial acheivements:

Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro
Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind
Laputa: Castle In The Sky
My Neighbour Totoro
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Porco Rosso
Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away
Howl’s Moving Castle

The point of this list is not to highlight the brilliance of Miyazaki and of course, Studio Ghibli but more pertinently to understand the themes which traverse through the filmography.

Pixar, (perhaps the only animation studio which compares favourably to Ghibli) uses certain narrative devices throughout its films, lovingly borrowed from the Ghibli blueprint. Like with all great films, both studios passionately acknowledge that the relationships between the chief protagonists are the driving force behind real unflailing emotion.

See how early Ghibli classics like Lupin III, My Neighbour Totoro & Porco Rosso all hinge on unsual, imaginatively rich relationships between two central characters and how Pixar with films such as Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Ratatouille and Wall-E (to name but a handful) has followed this template and further embellished it.

Ponyo, garnered a stellar critical response in Venice last year and boosted Japan’s floundering box office returns in one fell swoop. Hopefully, the story of the fish who runs away from home will soon find a distributor and we the eager fans can watch what will likely be another masterpiece in the Studio Ghibli cannon.

Ones To Watch #11 - Bruno

2009-02-26T15:08:00.009Z

#11

Bruno (dir. Mazer)

Expected Release Date: 10th July

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen

Studio: Warner Bros

Funkyzeit Mit Bruno!

Bruno: Do you think if you changed the bible stories you’d get people more easy to relate to them? (sic)
Christian Rock Star: I don’t think you need to change anything bro…
Bruno: But if you had instead of the fish story and did it about sushi.

Just one of the countless ridiculous suggestions which has spouted from Bruno’s motor mouth.

Sacha Baron Cohen returns with Bruno, the faux-Austrian homosexual reporter, who terrorizes fashion runways and humiliates world luminaries. Bruno is the least known Sacha Baron Cohen (after Ali G and Borat) however his brand of humour always appealed to me the most.

Whereas Ali G attempts to be a bigot and annoying to his interviewees and Borat has a child-like naiviety which provides a charming edge to his character, Bruno is just a broth of pure evil. The way he questions his unlucky victims is the most beguiling and unsettling and provides an extra dimension to which most other comedians are not aspiring (their stand up routines being the sole exception).

In cinematic terms however, we have already seen Cohen use a basic plot as the vehicle for Borat to display his comedic talents. Therefore in terms of narrative backdrop, what can we expect? Well, word is inevitably schtum as Cohen’s increased familiarity provides a greater challenge to hit the right notes. If his recent mixed reception at the Golden Globes is any true indication, then work is cut out for him.

A masterpiece or a missed opportunity? We just have to wait with bated breath…

Freddy Prinze Junior!

He Just Aint That Into Ya Like

2009-02-26T12:37:00.008Z

Yet another generic chick flick some might say and 'they' would be spot on in some ways. But this little story of love, lust and yearning is slightly different in its storytelling. It tells the tale of a group of interconnected twenty and thirty somethings navigating their way through the shallow end of the dating pool right up through to shark infested waters of married life. The group are trying to read the messages of the opposite sex with the hope of being the ‘exception’ to the rule and securing themselves a happy ending. Sound a bit like Love Actually?

With a stellar cast including Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Justin long and Scarlett Johansen, this film isn’t short on pretty faces. Each play a stereotypical role in the dating game, from ‘the other woman’ to the committed singleton.

Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) is an insecure single gal trying to decipher the male psyche. The narrator of the film and a sucker for schmaltz, she goes on several dates which she thinks have been successful, each ending in exchanged phone numbers and promises of reunion. That is where it gets confusing. In the midst of Gigi getting all giddy and giggly thinking ‘he’s going to call’, she doesn’t realise that the message he was actually giving off was ‘I don’t think this will work out.’ In comes Alex (Justin Long of Dodgeball fame) to help our Gigi decode the vague and hazy message that men give (spoken like a true female -Nikesh) . The rules are simple. If he likes you, he will call. If he doesn’t, he won’t. Simple as pie.

Alongside this, we have our other couples, Neal (Affleck) and Beth (Aniston) who are the committed singles, although sweet together not particularly the marriage types. Polar opposites, Ben(Cooper) and Janine (Connolly) are a happily married couple who have lost the early hazy spark. So what happens? He cheats. His uncontrollable animalism takes over leading to a torrid affair with Anna (Johansson) his curvaceous yoga instructor.

The film twists and turns through each of these couples’ love lives, teaching women the simple rules of men and their ‘signals’. It points out that women love to think of a million and one reasons why a man isn’t calling you, isn’t interested in you, or isn’t sleeping with you. The simple truth of it all is, that if a man doesn't act interested, it's probably because he's not interested. It's a simple premise and one that some women may find slightly patronising

However, its a film that serves as a wake-up call for men and women alike. It is a tad on the long side but is still full of sitcom wit and drama enough to keep us all entertained on a friday evening. It isn’t up there with the masters of chick flicks, but it is a solid attempt nonetheless.

Grade: C+ (6/10)

Ones To Watch #12 - Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince

2009-02-25T12:58:00.004Z

#12

Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince (dir. Yates)

Expected Release Date: 17th July

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint et al

Studio: Warner Bros

The sixth installment of the worldwide phenomenon that is JK Rowling’s Harry Potter returns to our screens this forthcoming July. It will have been a full two years since Order Of The Phoenix was released in July 2007, the longest gap between any of the films in the series.

The Half Blood Prince was originally slated to be released in late 2008 but the gargantuan success of The Dark Knight allowed Warner Bros to spread their eggs in several baskets, so to speak.

So what can we expect from The Half Blood Prince? Well, since Prisoner of Azkaban (the third book in the seven book series) each impending installment has introduced darker themes greatly tailored for adults. Of course, having previously directed Order Of The Phoenix, director Yates has the opportunity to push several boundaries which he himself constructed in the fifth film.

The plot as many of you will know involves the death of another major character and the continuation of the ever growing maturity spurt of the three leads. The Half Blood Prince involves arguably the most indispensible plot threads of the whole seven book series and having decided to split the final chapter, The Deathly Hollows, into two separate films there is an argument that the same could have been done here.

Ultimately, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince is in safe hands with each film steadily improving on the previous.

Stand up and incessantly clamor for what will undoubtedly be the BIGGEST film of the year.

Chick Flick Heaven

2009-02-24T10:41:00.000Z

With ‘Confessions Of A Shopaholic’ having hit the big screen last friday, let’s take a look at a collection of the biggest, girliest chick flicks of the past year.

Starting way back in March,

27 dresses

This film is for single women everywhere! Ever felt like the ever-present singleton at yet another wedding? Well this is exactly the case for our main girl, Jane (Katherine Heigl). Always a bridesmaid and never a bride. She may be the sad singleton with whom we sympathise, but she is eternally hopeful, that one day she will be the bride.

She has been the eager and dedicated bridesmaid 27 times, and has the dresses to prove it. With a wardrobe full of puff-ball madness and shimmering satin, her story starts to draw the attention of the sprightly Kevin (Josh Marsden), who, unlike our fair Jane, isn’t as optimistic about love. Ironically, he writes the ‘commitments’ column for the Sunday wedding section of the New York Journal. He is fascinated by Jane’s bridesmaid story and takes every opportunity he can to get his scoop of a story. But alas, the inevitable happens, love cynic Kevin realises that maybe, just maybe, he can feel love, and our single Jane, proves to women everywhere that the bridesmaid, can eventually become the bride!

Definitely, Maybe

The gorgeous Ryan Reynolds stars as the hapless Will, father of 10-year-old Maya(Abigail Breslin) who is having trouble dealing with why her parents are no longer in love. Her perfect picture of loving mummy and daddy isn’t what she has, she wants to know why. Will proceeds to tell her the story of how he met her mother but also of his love for two other women along the way. He changes the names of his three ladies in hopes that Maya can guess which one is her mother.

The film is real and portrays love in a different light. The script twists and turns telling us that love is something that is unpredictable and hard.

Like all good romantic-comedies, there is of course a happy ending, but its how we get there that is the heart of this film. Like Maya says in the film, "It's like a love story-mystery."

Sex and the City

The girls are back in town! With more shoes and handbags than I will own in a lifetime, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha hit the screen to remind us just how much we adored the small screen delight.

The film is set four years after the TV series finale and each girl is still exactly where she wants to be: in love. Carrie and Big are shopping for apartments, Charlotte and Harry are happy parents, Miranda and Steve are still balancing work and play, and Samantha and Smith, are, well, Samantha and Smith!

But as the film progresses, as with any love story, their perfect lives start to show cracks. We see all four women go through all sorts of scenarios that a woman may encounter in her life, ranging from infidelity, pregnancy and not being appreciated.

Yet again, our Manolo wearing Carrie trips and falls thanks to ‘Big’. Will these two ever just be happy?

It is not until the last 10 minutes or so that we do find out if Carrie gets her fairytale ending, and it’s an ending worth waiting for.

The film is sexy, sentimental and, of course, tremendously materialistic. But so what? After all, all a girl wants are labels and love!

Well there you go! Three delectable films that score highly with women all over!

A Few Good Giggles

2009-02-23T14:16:00.000Z

Live Oscar-thon!

2009-02-22T23:02:00.075Z

Good evening all!

It's 11.04 and we're just under two hours away from the beginning of the show!

The red carpet hits over the next couple of hours so ill keep you updated with the highs and lows.

First, I need a vanilla chai latte.

11.10 Fearne's out ready to interview whoever she can crack, although with day glow pink eyeshadow (bright enough to blind) she looks a bit over eager...

11.25 It's Dominic Cooper! Yep the one from The Duchess and also the one from Mamma Mia! I swear he has been on more red carpets than films. Something he seems slightly embarrassed by!
11.27 Sir Anthony Hopkins likes Fearne's eyeshadow..."It's original" he quips. I couldn't agree more.

11.38 Kevin Kline Four words. A Fish Called Wanda. Apparently Mr Kline is due to present an award this evening. That's the total extent of the excitement so far!

11.42 "I'll be like Superman, getting changed in the phone booth. Except there are no phone booths now because we all have cell phones." Classic. The delightful Taraji Henson.

11.48 The Slumdog Kids (TM) are out in force which is fantastic! They're all high on skittles, smarties or something similarly hyperactivating. Can you imagine how their lives have changed since the film was released in India?

00.00 Danny Boyle. Cotton: "What does it mean to you to win an Oscar?" Boyle: "I don't know, I haven't won one!" Humble to the end.

00.04 Michael Shannon of Revolutionary Road ilk. The man does not cry!

00.12 It's another Michael...Michael Sheen this time. Why was he not nominated? "I've heard that they're really going for it tonight..." Interesting. Ooooh Ahhhh

00.19 Robert Pattinson (Twilight Vampire). I'll be honest, he has nothing to say (which is exactly what he says).

00.20 Fearne's watched Mamma Mia on DVD four times. There are a few problems with that statement. BUT WAIITTTTT! It's AMY ADAMMMMSSS! Highlight of the night already, though she has a really revolting piece of neckwear going on...

00.23 Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick. She's wearing Dior, he looks like he doesn't give a toss. How about a Ferris Bueller sequel eh? Any takers for 'Ferris Bueller: Struck Off Work'?

00.25 Josh Brolin. Great in Milk. If he won an Oscar he would send it to the Coen's...right...

00.26 Ben Kingsley. It's going crazy now. Kingsley, stately as ever sporting a gangster beard-moustache combination. Favourite film: Slumdog Millionaire. After the show he'll be ''having a beverage." MARRRRISSAAAA TOMEEEIIII sporting an L-neck topped ivory dress. That's a new one! She's asked by Miss Cotton if 'The Wrestler' is the best film she has made. An understandingly flummoxed Tomei eventually replies that "it may just be..."

What better than 'The Guru'? Surely not...

00.32 Mickey Rourke. "I don't know what's gonna come out. I'm a bit absent minded." [ENTER OBVIOUS GENIUS SPEECH REMARK].

00.35 The real David Frost. He seems happy enough with Frost/Nixon. Maybe it nudged him gently into a light slumber.

00.37 Peter Gabriel. He isn't performing tonight because the Oscars titted the performing of his song. Fairplay.

00.44 I hate Claudia Winkleman and I'm not too fond of Gok Wan too... Brangelina have arrived. Mrs Pitt-Jolie looks rather regal really. Ohh and Fearne Cotton hasn't managed to grab the Cruzster. Must try harder.

10 minutes to showtime!

00.55 Brad waves hello to the UK. He's got five minutes to get in. Better run, Lt. Raine.

Right, I'm not blogging the red carpet now. NOPE! WAIT! Winslet. Save the best to last! I hope she wins for Revolutionary Road...ohh wait. She's wearing Yves Saint Laurent. Excellent.

Right, definately off. Back in a bit for the real deal.

01.05 HERE WE GO. ITS THE 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS!

Nope, not yet. First some Winkleman-Wan-Wankery.

Freida Pinto: Galliano. Good, not great.
Heidi Klum: Dior Galliano. Nice.
Amy Adams: Carolina Herrera. No No.
Sarah Jessica Parker: Dior Couture. Apparently needs some hair product.
Taraji Henson: Alberto Ferreti.
Marisa Tomei: Versace. Looks amazing. I agree.
Anne Hathaway: Armani (with a million quid worth of bling).
Kate Winslet: YSL. Always gets it right. Kate "lives in her body" according to Wan. Spooky.
Natalie Portman: Pink on red. This years look apparently.
Angelina Jolie: Wan likes it but...

The fashion review right there in a little nugget. Not my views, just Gok's. He KNOWS apparently.

01.28 A midnight menagerie. Idle thumbs. Fresh impetus. Invigorated outlook. And, here...we...go!

01.34 And here's our host, Hugh Jackman (Sexiest Man Alive). "I would swim a sea of excrement!"

The Reader in a quasi-Kraftwerk posterior. Who woulda funked it?

"IIIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMMMM WOOOOOOOOLLLLLLVEEEERRRRIIIIIINNNNNNEEE!"

01.43 Jackman informs us that he is contractually obligated to mention Brangelina at least five times tonight. Four to go.

01.46 Introduction to Actress in a Supporting Role. Oscar has shaken up things here by bringing past winners on the stage to describe each of this year's nominations. Different, though I don't think it's a move which will make the Oscars shorter. Onstage luminaries include Angelica Huston, Tilda Swinton & Whoopi Goldberg.

And the Oscar goes to... Penelope Cruz! Yay!

"Has anyone ever fainted here?! I might be the first one!" Truly deserved. Slight water work burst followed by a twist of Espanola. I just love me an overwhelmed winner.

For the only other 50:50 acting award we have to wait for Leading Actor methinks.

01.55 Steve Martin & Tina Fey. Some witty banter then, Original Screenplay.

And the Oscar goes to... Dustin Lance Black (Milk). The best of the picture nominees so I'm glad it won (though Wall-E would've been a nice surprise also).

"God does love you." Amen to that.

02.01 Adapted Screenplay. Hmm will it be someone other than Simon Beaufoy? If it is I will burn the hair on my feet...

My feet live to walk another day as Simon Beaufoy wins. He looks as surprised as a male snake who has just been told he will be made into shoes at the earliest available opportunity. Therefore not very. Slumdog Millionaire is one for one.

02.06 Jack Black bets all his money (earned from work on Dreamworks productions) on Pixar. Good call Mr Black, good call. This not-so-secret tip leads us to Animated Feature which Wall-E will win. There I said it ok! Sorry to curtail any suspense...

Wall-E wins. Should have been in the Best Picture category. Baaaah Humbug.

Animated Short -La Maison En Petit Cubes. I haven't seen any of the shorts but I want to!

02.16 The background music is cloyingly annoying! Why do we need neo-jazz over the top of the award for Art Direction? Daniel Craig & Sarah Jessica Parker battle to get a word in.

And the Oscar goes to... The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. So it does win at least one award tonight. There was a possibilty (although distinct) it could have gone home empty handed.
Costume Design - Right, I get the picture. They are bundling the techies together in some sort of filmmaking narrative, which is time saving but unrequiringly glib. Kinda gives the impression that these awards matter less somehow. Taste Mouth Bitter In.

And the Oscar goes to... The Duchess which wins by default as it was the only one with 'out there' costume design.

Make-Up Design - The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. Well done to this crew, terrific work all round to make Brad Pitt look quasi-pubescent. No matter how difficult that sounds (sticky jealousy).

02.25 Robert Pattinson & umm...The girl in Mamma Mia, Amanda Seyfried, introduce the best of Romance in 2008. How odd...will there be a best of narcotic teenagers segment later on?

02.32 Natalie Portman & a jungle-bearded Ben Stiller/Joaquin Phoenix introduce Cinematography. Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire) grabs the gong. But you knew that already, did you not?

02.39 Jessica Biel presented the Sci-Tech Academy Awards. I'm not to sure why she presented it but good on the girl. If you have an open diary, host the tech awards!

02.42 Another 'best of' segment, this time Comedy with the Pineapple Express guys. Hilarious James Franco/Seth Rogan/Milk joke.

They then come on stage with Janusz Kaminski (Schinder's List framer) to present Live Action Short which goes to Spielzeugland (Toyland). Well done.

02.53 Hugh Jackman &...Beyonce Knowles in a old fashioned cabaret number which morphs into Grease & other assorted musicals. I've now seen it all. No I haven't as here come real-life couple Zac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens and not-so-real couple Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfired to help out. That was created by Baz Luhrmann by the way.

03.01 As I enter my fourth hour, the Actor in a Supporting Role descriptions begin. Christopher Walken, Kevin Kline, Alan Arkin, Joel Grey & Cuba Gooding Jr do the honours. Just the image of Heath Ledger makes my hands clammy and my spirit tremble. Nervous...

And he wins.

Followed by a montage on Documentary of 2008.

03.14 Can I just say Werner Herzog is a genius. Well I have! Grizzly Man was top, top documentary filmmaking. The winner this year is, Man On Wire which is as worthy winner as any film this year. Philippe Petit, ever the showman!

03.18 Smile Pinky wins Documentary Short.

03.23 It's Action 2008. RAAAWWWKK ME BAABBY. YEEEHHHHAAAWW! Half of these films are terrible!

03.25 Big Willie comes on to present Outstanding Visual Effects. Won of course for some astonishing work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

03.28 Sound Editing. Ooh interesting one. Will Slumdog keep up it's sweeping course? NO! The Dark Knight wins. Makes sense to me.

03.32 Sound Mixing. Wall-E contains un-bel-ievable sound mixing and should win. But Slumdog Millionaire wins. How strange then that it didn't win Sound Editing. You would think they would go hand in hand!

03.35 Film Editing. Slumdog Millionaire wins! I'm so happy I want to kick a dog. Actually this one is well deserved. The editing truly made this film. Four wins out of five so far for the Mumbai movie.

03.43 The Jean Hersholt Award to Jerry Lewis. Love his role in Scorcese's King of Comedy.

03.50 Original Score expertly played by the in-house orchestra. Out come Alicia Keys & Zac Efron to present. A.R Rahman wins for Slumdog Millionaire.

John Legend comes on to sing Down To The Ground from Wall-E (written by Peter Gabriel & Thomas Newman). The song is flanked by the two Slumdog nominees (Jai Ho & Oh Saiya). The ending is the strangest combination of the night. No contest.

04.01 Original Song. Jai Ho wins. I thought the Slumdog pair would split the vote but alas I am wrong! That makes six wins. It's got two more to come (Picture & Director) and it's favourite for both.

04.05 Liam Neeson & Freida Pinto come-a-prancing to present the award for Foreign Language Film. Departures (Japan) wins!!! Probably the biggest shock of the night so far. I had Waltz With Bashir, The Class and The Baader-Meinhof Komplex ahead of Departures.

In Memoriam...to those who will stay with us for all of time...

04.19 Reese Witherspoon arrives with swan-like grace to present the first of the four big 'uns, Directing. Danny Boyle wins his first and seventh for Slumdog Squarepants. He bounces up and down on the stage, a reference to Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. Winkleman and her merry crew are overjoyed.

04.25 No let up now, Actress in a Leading Role. Last year's winner Marion Cotillard was an unexpected pleasure, same again this year?

Halle Berry, the aforementioned Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren et al arrive on stage.

Kate Winslet for The Reader. Wrong film, right actress. 'Nuff said really.

04.36 Actor in a Leading Role. OK now I'm seriously excited. I haven't got a clue. Who did I predict. Penn you say? Could be a tie in my view. Both performances just elevate each other's performance to that next step of greatness.

Out come an ostentatious group of actors. Robert De Niro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Brody & Michael Douglas. Wow.

Sean Penn wins! Harvey Milk will be remembered forever and Penn has a huge part in that. It's Penn's second win and even though his reputation as a great actor was already secured this just solidifies the status further. Well done Sean! (Mickey your turn will come).

04.47 The 'Berg comes out to draw a close to proceedings. I'll eat my telly if Slumdog doesn't win. I'm rooting for Milk. Best Picture is won by. . . Slumdog Millionaire! Well done to the cast and crew who are all on the stage (and some drape just off centre).

Eight awards. Slumdog is topdog tonight and 2008.

I'm off to bed! Thanks to the few who stayed up and checked out the live blog!

It's An Oscar Jamboree!

2009-02-20T11:30:00.000Z

The end of the film year is nigh (though my patriotic inner-self tells me that the year ended on the night of the BAFTAs). This Sunday, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences wraps up a splendid year for world cinema. Many new and unexpected twists are expected at the Kodak Theatre this year, not least the producers attempting to shave a whole hour off the ceremony's bloated girth.

What won't be as surprising are the winners on the night, many of which could have been settled as locks several moons ago...

So predictions are as predictions will always be, pointless and ultimately fruitless apart from those categories which still have some sort of lottery attached;

Rourke Vs Penn

A monolithic acting face off. Probably the most exciting category of the night and to be honest either winning would greatly ameliorate what is certain to be a dour night in award terms. Many pundits would claim that Rourke is the sentimental choice, Penn the actors' choice. But that is a disservice to both men, who will have a much larger voting base and could conceivably cancel each other out. I love both performances (the Leading Actor category is arguably the strongest category in the field) but I just feel Penn will edge the voting.

Winslet Vs Hathaway Vs Streep

Not as uncertain as Rourke/Penn but another category which won't necessarily mean victory for Winslet. As with the Leading Actor race, Streep won the SAG award (voted for by actors, the largest group in the Academy) and Hathaway has picked up a few critics awards during the award season. But with Winslet having won the Golden Globe and BAFTA I won't be the one to back another actress!

Cruz Vs Tomei Vs Davis

Davis winning would not be the biggest surprise to be honest. Cruz still remains favourite in my view though Tomei could also nick the prize.

I think the other races are pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. Slumdog will win at least six prizes including Best Picture (the most boring line-up since Chicago won a few years back). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button should win two or three techies including visual effects and make-up. Wall-E for animated film, Waltz with Bashir for foreign language film and Man on Wire for documentary.

Another indicator for the night will be the two sound categories (mixing and editing). If Slumdog wins both then we're looking at the first clean sweep since Return Of The King in 2003.

Just A Quickee

2009-02-19T12:20:00.007Z

For those of you who don't have access to Sky One & Sky Movies Premiere this Sunday, i'll be live blogging the whole Oscar she-bang from the red carpet to the encore come 4-5am (undoubtedly a herculean task). Hopefully, I will be able to get my hands on live images and video and stick them up on the blog as and when they arrive.

Check out the blog from 11pm ish on Sunday evening. Should be bangin!

Ones To Watch #13 - Nine

2009-02-19T12:10:00.007Z

#13

Nine (dir. Marshall)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Stacy Ferguson, Kate Hudson & Sophia Loren

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Would you just look at that cast! You don’t need me to tell you the extent to which it must have taken to put this ensemble together…

Nine, directed by Chicago director Rob Marshall, is based on the musical of the same name, with the original play written by Mario Fratti who was inspired by Federico Fellini’s 8½ (for me the greatest film ever made). The play was called Nine as “when you add music to 8½, its like half a number more”.

Personally I can’t reimagine 8½ as a musical. The whole notion sounds ridiculous, however, the play has been running strongly since 1982 achieving countless awards since its conception.

So, what is the potential banana skin? Well, my largest gripe is with director Rob Marshall. Chicago was a fun though dramatically limited film with some excellent song-and-dance scenes scattered throughout. That it won Best Picture over The Pianist at the Academy Awards shows what numbnuts the members can be (no doubt a conversation for another morning…). Marshall’s follow up feature, Memoirs of A Geisha, was silkily woven but ultimately singly layered and lacking in any sort of emotional resonance. You just get the feeling that without a strong script Nine could end up following the same path.

BUT! And what a marvellous and intriguing BUT! Daniel Day Lewis in the lead role is the most exciting casting choice of 2009 and Nine will hopefully provide another chance to watch the Cruzster (tm) steal the limelight.

Just for those enticing subplots alone, Nine would make my top 20.

Ones To Watch #14 - Green Zone

2009-02-18T13:07:00.003Z

#14

Green Zone (dir. Greengrass)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Matt Damon, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan

Studio: Universal Pictures

The ‘Green Zone’ is a small area in Central Baghdad, Iraq (roughly 12km2) and the zone of international establishments in the city.

Green Zone, is adapted from the 2006 book, Imperial Life In The Emerald City written by journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran (currently working at The Washington Post). The novel garnered much acclaim on its release for succeeding as a tense and edgy thriller. It went on to win the Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction, one of the most prestigious book prizes in world literature.

In my view (and I can be quoted on this), Paul Greengrass is the best British director in the business at the moment. Since 2002s Bloody Sunday he has continued to excel in almost discreet fashion with Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum. His greatest acheivement however is United 93, which surely would have won more end of year awards if not for its sensitive subject matter.

Films based on the Middle East have not prospered too kindly in the last year or so with Lions For Lambs, The Kingdom & Rendition among many others coming short. But Greengrass has created an immaculate track record thus far and the fact that it’s his third reteaming with Matt Damon should ensure sparks will fly!

Ones To Watch #15 - Star Trek

2009-02-17T21:06:00.003Z

#15

Star Trek (dir. Abrams)

Expected Release Date: 8th May

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, Winona Ryder

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Geek a-hoy! Space-freaks rejoice!

The opening of the first full trailer of Star Trek is a grand statement and in those terms a statement of intent which will hopefully translate into an exciting and entertaining film. The sequence involves a young boy being chased by an interstate cop on a desert highway until they reach the cliff-edge, at which point our protagonist is introduced.

Cop: What is your name?
Young Kirk: My name is James Siberius Kirk!

Star Trek, the eleventh full length feature since the (film) series began in 1979, is a full retelling of the original story for a new generation of science fiction lovers. Will the film alienate it’s core fanbase in trying to reach out for a new one? All will be revealed…

Certainly, Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto seem to have a natural charisma and on screen presence together which is promising seeing as they are following in the steps of Trek luminaries, Shatner & Nimoy.

Another note to keep in mind is that the film was originally scheduled for released in December 2008. Paramount executives claim that this was because the film would attract a larger audience in a prime summer slot and that the film was completed towards the end of 2008. To be honest, there is no real evidence for this as Star Trek is an established name (much in the vein of a Narnia, Potter or Frodo Baggins) so it will be interesting to see what, if any, difference six months in the pipeline provides.

Purple Reign

2009-02-16T21:57:00.005Z

Just a quick note for all the fashionistas out there...

Carolina Herrera, the majorly influential fashion designer has just unveiled her collection for Spring 2009. For those of you wondering why this matters, well... Mrs Herrera's collections have featured in many a rom-com including a much blogged yellow dress worn by Kate Hudson in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (perhaps the highlight of the film!) It seems the next wave to hit the screens will be purples and violets.

Don't say I didn't help in advance...

Ones To Watch #16 - Watchmen

2009-02-16T20:36:00.005Z

#16

Watchmen (dir. Snyder)

Expected Release Date: 6th March

Starring: Billy Crudrup, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley

Studio: Paramount Pictures

Snyder. Stylize. Sensationalize. Satisfy the hardcore Alan Moore legions?

300, Snyder’s last major feature split audiences right down the middle. On the one hand it’s a technical and visual wonder each sequence an artistic triumph writ with panache and verve but on the other hand it’s an acting hollow ground, all bellow and muscle, day tan and testosterone.

It’s public knowledge that Alan Moore wasn’t too happy with the direction the production was taking. At the same time, not-so-quiet whispers from the cast promised a darker adaptation was in the offing. Early trailers have confirmed simply that nothing can be confirmed. The stylings, similar to 300, except the pallette here consists of neon bleus rather than rustic rouges.

Nonetheless, the source material is a cherished work among graphic novelheads and so ballsing the film up doesn’t really weigh in as an option for Snyder. We can all but hope there is an equal serving of brain and brawn to make the film worthwhile.

Don’t forget Watchmen is released on 6th March, so only a few weeks before true judgement can be made.

Ones To Watch #17 - A Serious Man

2009-02-16T19:56:00.004Z

#17

A Serious Man (dir. Coens)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Adam Arkin, Simon Helberg, Richard Kind, George Wyner, Michael Stuhlbarg

Studio: Focus Features/ Working Title

Those of you who have read previous entries on this blogsite, will have gathered a little understanding of my fondness for the Coen brothers. For that reason, I don’t need to repeat myself. But ‘A Serious Man’ is something altogether more peculiar…

Larry Gopnik is the film’s central character, with the screenplay revolving around his struggles in Jewish suburbia. He eventually seeks advice from three rabbis in the hope that his problems will be solved and he can become a serious man.

The film has been described early doors as a black comedy which suggests something closer to Fargo than Intolerable Cruelty.

Any other details are hard to come by at the moment, which gives me the impression that the film will come out rather quietly out of the gate (in comparison to the last few Coen films). I’m still waiting on a release date for this one as well as UK distributor so ill keep you all posted in the next couple of months.

Ones To Watch #18 - X Men Origins: Wolverine

2009-02-16T16:09:00.006Z

#18

X Men Origins: Wolverine (dir. Gavin Hood)

Expected Release Date: 1st May 2009

Starring: Hugh Jackman

Studio: 20th Century Fox

As with Sam Raimi’s Spiderman trilogy, X-Men: The Last Stand continued the cinematic trend of ‘three-quelitis’ in that it could not reach the heights aspired to in X-Men and reached in X2 by Bryan Singer.

The first problem was created in hiring Brett Ratner, director of the cringe-worthy ‘Rush Hour’ trilogy. Now I know there are fans of that particular series (like hermits hiding under rocks…), but even they will recognise that the only debatable positive was the incessant energy of the two leads, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

Secondly, Ratner was a natural fit to produce a mindless blockbuster. The visual effects of the third X-Men film were at times, spectacular, however they lacked an intense screenplay in which they could operate. Ultimately, quantity was favoured over quality, with far too many ineffectual characters being introduced with previously developed storylines being hastily sidelined.

X Men Origins: Wolverine therefore qualifies as the franchise reboot. Of course, there are key differences to its parents. Although Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine was the driving force and real beacon of humanity in the first two films, he became less pivotal (although still at the fore) in that lumpy custard of a third film.

What I love (although reservedly until I have seen more footage), is what director Gavin Hood can potentially bring to the crapshoot. It’s an off-centre choice as Hood is known for his more dramatic films such as Rendition and the fantastic Tsotsi. For Jackman, it’s a chance to further his credentials only a few months after hosting the brand-spanking-new-be-sure-to-watch ™ Oscars ®.

The project can be classed as a substantial risk with a production budget of around $110 million (not too dissimilar to Bond rebirth Casino Royale), not to mention the marketing costs which will accumulate over the next few months, but hopefully the quirky gambles taken by the studio will prove fruitful for you,me and your neighbour.

What To Watch (13th Feb)

2009-02-13T18:15:00.002Z

In the Noughties, 'Friday the 13th' for cinema-lovers means one of two things:

1) An american gore/slasher horror pic will be released
2) The film will be hell-stirringly awful

This trend continues in 2009 where we are treated to yet another should-be-bargain-bin (read. drivel) remake of the original dating back to 1980. Now the original wasn't exactly the greatest of horror films (stalk and slash films had been around for a while by this time) but it's influence on the horror boom which blossomed in the 80's remains unchallenged. The legendary Evil Dead was released just a year later.

But this is not 1980, this is twenty-fricking-nine years later. So my question is where did the love go? Apparently not into the remake, into which critics (for those who have been granted the pleasure of advanced screenings) have been meticulously sticking forks in its ornate range of monstrosities.

As you can tell, avoid like the bubonic plague.

Other films looking to divulge tax payers money (not quite with such stealth) this weekend include:

Notorious, which is not the name of a Duran Duran musical, but a biopic of the late great Notorious B.I.G. who died choking on spit roasted marshmallows. I kid you. Surprisingly, reviews have been positive on the whole for this one, with special notices for Jamal Woolard who plays the bigger-than-life titlular character. For those with an interest in the rap-hip hop genre, this could prove to be a bittersweet but entertaining weekend viewing.

The final film of note this weekend, Hotel For Dogs, is your staple meat and potatoes weekly comedy release. The keywords here seem to be slapstick and dogs. Dogs of all smells and angles seem to be major box office draws nowadays, especially considering the box office bang of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, so if you like you some photogenic canines watch the film otherwise avoid it and go and see Bolt instead.

If none of these three films appeal to you, there are still strong films on general release from the past few weeks to catch up on! I'm sure next weekend won't be as much of a movie graveyard...

Loved-up Lusciousness

2009-02-13T14:57:00.023Z

With Valentine's Day just a night away, here is a selection of five films to add to the gleeful romance, love and fun you may have planned.

When Harry Met Sally
Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
This has got to be the ultimate in romantic movies. What makes it so great? The fact that it is oh so real and definitely believable! The story revolves around a couple who ultimately end up together after a series of bad relationships and chance encounters.

The film is set over a period of around 12 years and sees the pair hate, tolerate, respect and eventually...love one another.

If it’s to listen Harry’s many insightful quotes on women and relationships, or to laugh at Sally’s fake orgasm, this is definitely one to watch. It appeals to both men and women of all ages and rings true in its depiction of love and relationships. Snuggle up close to your loved one and laugh the night away at this ever so cool rom-com. Then watch... (RM)

Titanic
Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio
It may be over a decade old, but this film will live on to be one of the biggest romantic films of all time. The film may be based on the story of the unsinkable ship, but it’s the story of this couple love that melts our hearts.

We all know the story of frustrated damsel Rose (Winslet) who is from an upper-class family whose whole life has centred around money, stature and reputation. Her unfulfilling life is turned upside down when she meets Jack (Di Caprio), a lower-class drifter who shows her that there is more to life than tea parties and social engagements.

Their story gives us hope, it gives us faith, that we can be who we want to be and still be loved. Though historically ridiculous, it conveys the message that there is someone out there for everyone and that even the shortest of love stories can be carried with you throughout the rest of your life. It will make you cry, thats for sure, but its a film that will never die in the hearts of the millions around the world caught in its spell. Pass me the tissues! (RM)

Moulin Rouge
Starring Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
Moulin Rouge is an exuberant red-currant rich sorbet of ideas, performances, extravagance and showiness. Pop culture in two hours. What a film! How to describe it with such limitations. You don't want a thesis...

Baz Luhrmann creates such amazing images and his extensive palette of song and colour just creates a gorgeous meringue which is too sweet and heavenly to dismiss. Kidman and McGregor are terrific but this is all about the overall show. Watch it in high definition and you'll be blown away further...from Bastille to Battersea and everyone in between, it's a film to be adored. (NG)

Before Sunrise/Sunset
Starring Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy
This double bill is the strongest and most resonant love parable of recent times. It triumphs Hollywood blockbusters and other BIG movie events in its intimacy and tenderness.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are simply fabulous and share such great chemistry they put the likes of Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio to shame. The first film, Before Sunrise, is youthful and elegaic whereas Before Sunset, shadows the maturity of its mid-aged and world worn protagonists (almost completely viewed in real time). The revelations lie in the screenplays which hop through family tales, politics, war, the environment and the unpredictable meandering streams of life.

On top of this, Before Sunset ends with what is possibly the greatest ending to a romantic drama EVVVVEEEER. It will stay with you through every positive and negative amoral experience in life. (NG)

And an indulgent 6th film...

Breakfast at Tiffany's
Starring Audrey Hepburn & George Peppard
She's the most beautiful of brats, a feline carousel and yet even the toughest cat can be tamed!

Seven Pounds Richer!

2009-02-13T12:39:00.011Z

The latest edition to a successful list of films for the mighty box-office champ, Will Smith comes in the form of the semi-blatantly titled, Seven Pounds.

Now for those expecting something along the lines of Pursuit of Happyness, I'm sorry to say you will be sadly disappointed.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino (incidentally the director of the aforementioned film), it is indeed a tearjerker and does make you think twice. But this story is logically put together so that you don’t completely realize why or what is going on until towards the end. Throughout the duration of the film you are constantly asking yourself two questions, ‘Why is he torturing himself?’ and ‘why is he seeking out these people?’

Will Smith portrays Ben Thomas with an unearring ease, and as an audience you will instantly empathize with Ben. Smith is able to channel the character's inner demons and portray them on screen, leaving the audience more involved in what is happening.

The story centres around Ben Thomas (Smith) and his need to better the lives of certain individuals. He seeks out these people in order to give a 'pound of flesh' back to seven deserving people having been responsible for the death of seven individuals in a car accident. His redemption involves seeking blind helpline employee (Woody Harrelson) and heart transplant patient (Rosario Dawson).

As mentioned earlier, the film may not hold together as well as Pursuit of Happyness, but not for a lack of effort. For me, Will was yet again brilliant; the story held well and remained thought provoking and involving. Unfortunately, a problem would be that it was just a tad too long. You learn so much about the characters early on that there is no need to iron it out with unnecessary scenes of heroichood!

Grade: B- (6.5/10)

Ones To Watch #19 - Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen

2009-02-12T12:38:00.005Z

#19

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (dir. Bay)

Expected Release Date: 26th June

Starring: Megan Fox, Shia LeBeouf, John Turturro, Rainn Wilson & Tyrese Gibson

Studio: Dreamworks/ Paramount Pictures

Michael Bay & Co return for the sequel to 2007’s mega-hit Transformers. Having generated over $700 million in worldwide ticket sales, (not to mention the record breaking home video sales) a sequel was greenlit within three months of Transformers release date.

The film clearly entertained audiences and had a lasting appeal relative to many other blockbusters which tend to charge out of the gate and run out of steam as quickly. Critics were generally positive in their acclaim for the picture, siting the special effects of the transformers and light hearted nature of the film a success. Those who weren’t as kind seemed to miss the point of a toy-based action movie built for mass-entertainment. It was clear Bay had met a perfect match for his gung-ho, over-the-top approach to filmmaking.

The stakes are therefore raised for the sequel. What extra ingredients can ‘Fallen’ bring to the fore? Well for starters there’s a wider global perspective, with early promo images promising a showdown at the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt along with other locations such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

The early Superbowl spot suggests everything this time around will be louder and most definitely BIGGER (see how The Fallen completely dwarfs Optimus Prime…). As long as the film retains the lack of seriousness and fun whilst maintaining the jet stream pace of the original, ‘Fallen’, like its predecessor will enjoy a summer to remember.

Enter The Jackman

2009-02-11T19:51:00.002Z

Ones To Watch #20 - Whatever Works

2009-02-11T11:33:00.018Z

#20

Whatever Works (dir. Woody Allen)

Expected Release Date: TBA

Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Larry David, Patricia Clarkson, Kristen Johnston

Studio: Sony Picture Classics

Woody Allen has been returning to form with every new film released in the last few years. First there was Melinda and Melinda, then Match Point and now Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the strongest of the three, but is more a breath of fresh air in relation to the rest of Allen’s recent output. Comparisons to his peak from the mid-70’s into the 80’s are rather wide of the mark. What gave Vicky Barcelona its edge were the performances of Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz who elevated a fairly monotone script into a stronger film.

The cast of Whatever Works raises hopes once again that Allen can reach those hallowed heights close to an Annie Hall or Manhattan. I’m glad for one that Scarlett Johansson doesn’t star in his latest as she was on auto-pilot in Barcelona.

Larry David stars an older New York man in a relationship with a much younger girl (an Allen staple…). David has always been a clever performer with terrific comic timing (see Curb Your Enthusiasm) so my hope is that together actor and director can create something special.

La Pfeiff Is Back!

2009-02-11T11:28:00.008Z

Michelle Pfeiffer at the 59th Berlin Film Festival to promote the world premiere of her latest film, Cheri.

Discs To Spin (9th Feb)

2009-02-10T17:26:00.014Z

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

Burn After Reading (dir. Joel & Ethan Coen)

The Coens are the most fascinating filmmakers in Hollywood today. Its a bold statement, but on further inspection it makes sense. To make films as thematically strong as Fargo, Miller's Crossing & No Country For Old Men are great individual acheivements on their own merits, but the Coen's have almost made an entirely different career path for themselves with Intolerable Cruelty, The Hudsucker Proxy and now Burn After Reading.

It's a throwaway pleasure, which arguably would almost deem it unnecessary. But that would be a disservice to what is quintessentially the most dumb, farcical and inspired comedy cast in recent memory.

Rental highly recommended.

Available on DVD & Blu-Ray.

Other releases this week:

Taken (dir. Morel)

This is the film after which Liam Neeson can add BAD-ASS onto his CV. Luc Besson is the writer here and to be fair his track record including Leon & the Taxi films suggest a sprightly yet ultimately generic thriller. Qui Gon battles Albanians in Paris. Farfetched fun for all.

Gomorrah (dir. Garrone)

Gomorrah is thrilling, unsettling cinema. It's definately not a film for everyone. With stories of Italian underground crime remaining unresolvingly ubiquitous, it is difficult not to delve into cliche. However, the film retains an unrelenting tenure on the viewer right until the final credits with its fresh directive on the the mafia, Camorra.

Thematically, I would compare Gomorrah to Fernando Mereilles' masterstroke 'City of God' although in conception Gomorrah is more night to City of God's day.

BARGAIN DVD OF THE WEEK

28 Days Later (dir. Boyle)

One of the best British horror flicks of the last few years (alongside 'The Descent'). Danny Boyle helms the story of a Britain which is taken over by a potent virus which enrages and ravages the lives of those infected. It's an emotionally powerful film that thrills and scares in equal measure and the bargain of the week @ PLAY.com for under four pounds.

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/114189/28-Days-Later/Product.html

Boyle-In-Show

2009-02-09T13:18:00.008Z

Last night's BAFTAs threw up nothing with regards to major surprises so i'll keep my grating short and rough!

Key Points:

1. Slumdog looks set for a sweep come the Oscars claiming 7 BAFTAs. Arguably it was a lock in for 4 awards (Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay & Music). On top of this it picked up the awards for editing, sound and cinematography. Best Sound?!! Bizarre...but definately signs of a sweep.

2. Mickey Rourke knows how to give a speech! Even though he didn't know what he was saying, it delivered a little menthol cool into the night. His remark about enjoying seeing Marisa Tomei naked brought the house down! He's probably the favourite for the Leading Actor Oscar now.

3. Winslet & Cruz both solidified their positions as the favourites for their respective Oscar categories (although not locks) and they both seemed genuinely rapturous with each other's victories.

4. Brangelina sulked...until Jagger stole the show!

5. Amy Adams and Marisa Tomei. Just divine.

6. Sharon Stone presenting the award for 'Best British Film'. I won't say more...

7. Finally, placing the In Memoriam segment directly after Heath Ledger's posthumous victory smacks of insensitivity. His performance should be honoured on its own merits and not as a token gesture as a result of his death.

Thats my lot!

Stay tuned for; my Top 20 Anticipated of 2009, Discs to Spin and the week's new releases all in the next few days!

What Will Those Barmy BAFTA Members Choose This Year?

2009-02-06T12:18:00.010Z

It's the time of year when our treasured National Awards Body (NAB) rewards the British talent of the year, with a few American winners sprinkled in between. Last year saw Atonement take the Best Picture BAFTA whereas No Country For Old Men took the Oscar. The nominees this year:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7830076.stm

No real gripes this year apart from the rather smitten choices to include Dev Patel and Freida Pinto in the acting categories for Slumdog Millionaire. They were good, but seriously, that good?! The other real shames are Brits, Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) & Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) missing out. I'm not even going to delve into the flaws in nominating 'The Reader'.

So here go my predictions:

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. Easy Peasy.
Best Director: Danny Boyle. Could be Fincher, or maybe even Daldry (yikes!) but i'm sticking with Boyle.
Best British Film: In Bruges. I can't see them giving 'Slumdog' two best film prizes...
Leading Actor: Sean Penn. There's a strong case for Mickey Rourke also, but I think Penn as he hasn't won a BAFTA award before.
Leading Actress: Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road). Though she could win for that other film she was in...or could split the vote and hand the prize to Streep.
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger.
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz. Why the hell is Viola Davis (Doubt) not on this list? I'd give it to Cruz either way, but Tomei is also deserving.
Original Screenplay: Milk. Should get some love somewhere, though look out for the brilliantly scripted 'In Bruges' again.
Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire. I'm trying to find a place for 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' somewhere but this won't be it.
Film Not In The English Language: Waltz With Bashir. I've only seen one of the nominees, 'Gomorrah', which is mind-bendingly brilliant. But 'Bashir' is also worthy apparently.
Animated Film: Wall-E. Should be in the Best Picture line-up...
The Carl Foreman Award: Simon Chinn (Man on Wire). I haven't a clue.
Music: Slumdog Millionaire. The Dark Knight is the potential spoiler here.
Cinematography: The Dark Knight. Again 'TCCOBB' would be a fair winner.
Editing: Slumdog Millionaire. Chris Dickens, the editor of 'Slumdog', edits like a possessed, ravaging dog which is a good thing as it provides boundless energy to an already boundlessly energetic script.
Production Design: Revolutionary Road. The 50's setting looked fabulous so this is the place to reward the film.
Costume Design: Changeling? Again I don't have a clue...maybe 'The Duchess'?
Sound: The Dark Knight. Booming and disturbing sounds scampering through city skyscrapers.
Special Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In the bag baby.
Make-Up and Hair: The Dark Knight. Maybe not the best of the year in this category, but probably the best of the five nominees. It's all part of the plan...
Short Animation & Film: I'm not going to be the fool who pretends to know much about these nominees. Although Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf & Death should win in the short animation category.
The Orange Rising Star Award: Voted by the public, who won't have seen the wonderful Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) until 2 days before the show itself but I'm backing her!

I have 'Slumdog' and 'Knight' for four wins apiece. Can't be right...bring on Sunday!

The BAFTAs start on BBC2 from 8pm and then switch to BBC1 from 9pm, Sunday 8th February

Whatever Happened To...The Breakfast Club

2009-02-06T11:11:00.010Z

How did John Hughes's 80's output kept teenagers so entertained? 'Sixteen Candles', 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', 'Wierd Science', 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' and arguably the most famous of the all, 'The Breakfast Club' is how...

The 'Brat Pack' were synonymous with the legendary party and booze scenes of the MTV generation. But where are they now?!

Left to Right:

Judd Nelson

Nelson went from playing major roles in 'The Breakfast Club' & 'St. Elmo's Fire' to bit part appearances thereafter including a brief appearance in 'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back' (!) and also 'CSI: New York'. Currently, he has just completed a role in the film 'Dirty Politics' and continues to play leading men in straight-to-TV movies.

Emilio Estevez

Since his breakout role in the film, Estevez (son of the legendary Martin Sheen) has been limited to roles in films such as 'Young Guns' & 'Men at Work'. However, directing gigs on popular US TV series; 'Cold Case' & 'CSI:New York' kept his profile simmering and the comeback was topped off with the 2006 star-studded and critically acclaimed 'Bobby' (which told the story of the assasination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy).

Ally Sheedy

To be frank, Sheedy's career peeked in 1985! But she does have some credits to her name, most notably the 'Short Circuit' films as well as cameo roles in 'Betsy's Wedding' as well as 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'.

Molly Ringwald

After 'Sixteen Candles' & 'The Breakfast Club', Ringwald went on to have a relatively successful few years with films such as 'Pretty in Pink' & 'Betsy's Wedding'. But since then her film career nosedived with her only role of (mild) interest being a nostalgic cameo in 'Not Another Teen Movie' (2001).

Anthony Michael Hall

Ironically, the least likely breakout star of 'The Breakfast Club' has possibly had the most success ever since (well, relative to the others). The only actor to play a major supporting role in three of John Hughes' films, (the other two, 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Wierd Science'), Michael Hall then went on to become a household performer on Saturday Night Live in the mid-late 80's. Since then his film credits range from 'Edward Scissorhands' to 'Freddy Got Fingered', his last role as a reporter in 2008 uber-blockbuster 'The Dark Knight'

A Filmmaking Dozen

2009-02-05T15:18:00.018Z

Indulgence is not the greatest of virtues. However, whilst meticulously piecing together an article on my 20 most feverishly anticipated films of 2009, I found that the number of films had ballooned to 33. First thought: discipline.

So, dissecting my choices into an honourable mentions overspill seems ideal.

An honourable mention gives the impression of a child missing out on a class prize but told by their teacher they’re special anyway. All a little patronizing. But expect some of these films to be held up as the year’s finest as the sun sets on 2009.

In no particular order:

Sherlock Holmes (dir. Ritchie)
Expected Release Date: 20th Nov
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law & Rachel McAdams

Downey Jr. has had a huge career revival in the last few years. From Kiss Kiss Bang Bang through to Iron Man and Tropic Thunder. His rise should continue with this the
latest offering from Guy Ritchie. There’s not much information on the script at the moment but expect the usual Ritchie fare (which means it may be hit and miss).

Terminator: Salvation (dir. McG)
Expected Release Date: 5th June
Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington & Bryce Dallas Howard

The fourth outing in the Terminator series is what can only be described as a gamble. McG, director of fine works such as Charlie’s Angels and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, is at the helm. Two lifelines. One, Christian Bale is involved (and signed up for two further installments), and two, the first trailers suggest a gritty, grey direction which is encouraging.

Broken Embraces (dir. Almodóvar)
Expected Release Date: 28th August
Starring: Penelope Cruz

I won’t lie, plot details are as sparse as Jack Nicholson’s receding hairline. However, what is certain is that the last offering from the Almodóvar/Cruz magical axis, Volver, was…umm…magical, so I have high hopes for this one. It revolves around the story of a man, who 14 years after an accident which left him blind, remembers the woman he adored. Lovely.

The Fantastic Mr. Fox (dir. W Anderson)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray & Anjelica Huston

After The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited, it’s fair to say Wes Anderson needed a change in direction. Though fine films in their own right they seemed to just stretch out the blueprint laid out in The Royal Tenenbaums, namely dysfunctional ‘families’ and their ultimate redemptions. The Fantastic Mr. Fox, adapted from the Roald Dahl novel, should be perfect fodder for director and starry cast.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (dir. T Gilliam)
Expected Release Date: 6th June
Starring: Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law & Colin Farrell

Ex-Python Terry Gilliam hasn’t had a good track record in recent years with Tideland and The Brothers Grimm having little impact on global audiences. I concede my only curiosities with this film surround the late Heath Ledger’s final on-screen performance and how Depp, Farrell and Law have been integrated into the same role after Ledger’s untimely death. Here’s hoping it’s a fitting tribute.

This Side of The Truth (dir. Gervais)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Christopher Guest & Ricky Gervais

The directorial debut from Ricky Gervais is shaping up to be fantastic on many levels. The cast reads as a who’s who of prime time American comedy and film. So why is this film not in my top 20? Well there are a few reasons but mainly the fact that the film seems to have been pushed back to 2010 (US release). Whether this is a scripting or production issue is unknown, but with this talent on board all things wonderful are possible.

Funny People (dir. Apatow)
Expected Release Date: 31st July
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana & Jonah Hill

Apatow, who brought us The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up is back with his latest effort, Funny People. Rogen and Sandler play stand up comedians who become friends after they perform at the same club one night. Like This Side of The Truth, Funny People has a talented cast and a director on the crest of the new wave of comedy. If it’s anywhere near as funny and touching as Knocked Up, then it’ll be a welcome summer treat.

Where The Wild Things Are (dir. Jonze)
Expected Release Date: 11th Dec
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano, Catherine Keener & James Gandolfini

I love it when a story and director are matched in wild and unexpected ways. Where The Wild Things Are, a classic in illustrated literature for children, and Spike Jonze are exactly that match. Jonze, whose previous films include the Charlie Kaufman-penned Adaptation and Being John Malkovich, is hugely admired in the indie world and this off-centre adaptation should keep the respect flowing.

Jennifer’s Body (dir. Kusama)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Megan Fox

Diablo Cody, how acerbic and witty art thou…
In her much-anticipated follow up to Juno, Diablo Cody writes the story of a cheerleader who kills of her male classmates. Anyone remember Heathers? Well this sort-of-homage to the cult 80’s teen flick seems to tick all the boxes as possibly one of the biggest teen hits of 2009. It’s Megan Fox’s first major leading role (discounting Transformers) and at the very least it will get your man out of the house. Woof!

The Informant (dir. Soderbergh)
Expected Release Date: 9th Nov
Starring: Matt Damon

This one could go either way. To be fair Soderbergh’s filmography stands up as one of the most popular in recent cinema, ranging from Traffic, the Ocean’s series to the recently released and criminally underrated Che Guevara double bill. My only concern would be that Soderbergh’s last drama/thriller, The Good German, wasn’t as involving as it should have been. IMDB describes the film as a comedy foremost, and that definitely perks my interest up a notch (as does the presence of Damon).

Duplicity (dir. Gilroy)
Expected Release Date: 20th March
Starring: Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Tom Wilkinson & Paul Giamatti

A pair of steamy ex-lovers pulling a con on their ex-bosses? Im up for that. Especially since the writer and director is possibly the king of thrillers at the moment having written the Bourne series as well as last year’s Michael Clayton. The plot does remind me of Out of Sight to a certain extent and if the chemistry between Owen and Roberts is anywhere near as strong as that Lopez/Clooney sexual steamboat then I’m sold and front of the queue.

Taking Woodstock (dir. Ang Lee)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Emile Hirsch, Live Schrieber & Paul Dano

Ang Lee makes masterpieces comfortable in their own skin, never breaking out into something artificial and disposable. Lust, Caution. Brokeback Mountain. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Each soulful hymns, poetic and poignant and embedded in cinema’s consciousness. Taking Woodstock is Lee’s return to the English language and is an adaptation of the novel of the same name. Starring exciting young talents in Hirsch and Dano, this should be another gem to add to an already sparkling collection.

Biutiful (dir. Inarritu)
Expected Release Date: TBA
Starring: Javier Bardem

Biutiful, like Broken Embraces, seems to be wrapped in cotton wool as plot details seem to be completely redundant. I’ll keep an eye out for this one though as it is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu who helmed the outstanding Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Best Picture-nominated Babel.

Check back over the next few days for my top 20. Should be a hoot!

Benjamin Button, Doubt or Vicky Christina Barcelona?

2009-02-04T14:33:00.008Z

What to watch? Well this Friday, three of the year's heavyweights are released each vying for your mind, heart and wallet. I would love to do extensive reviews on each of them (and maybe I will over time) however they all have their merits and slight flaws and so how could anyone decide which to watch. My personal favourite is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button although I enjoyed Vicky Christina Barcelona more. Figure that one out!

So this is my oddball approach to help:

If you're an aspiring thespian, watch Doubt. The performances are what make this adaptation work. If you enjoy the deep nuances of film acting (and why wouldn't you) this is a treat. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams & Viola Davis are all terrific as the key players, although I think Hoffman can play these sort of roles in his sleep...

N.B. All four actors have been nominated for an Oscar (the smart bet on the scene-stealing Davis).

Grade: B (7/10)

For something altogether far more uplifting, try Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It's sensual, sexual, exotic, fiery, funny and casual all at the same time. Definately Woody's best in a long, long time. I wouldn't quite call it a 'date movie' because it just isn't, but rather more apt a movie to watch with free-spirited souls. Again, all the actors are engaging, though altogether less methodical than the cast in Doubt. Newcomer Rebecca Hall is a standout, but the film's delightful pivot is the tangerine blast that Penelope Cruz's delivers. It's just wonderful!

Grade: B+ (8/10)

Finally, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Several critics in the UK and across the pond have been left a little icy with the story of a man who grows younger as each day passes. I wonder what they were watching though, as this is Fincher's warmest audience embrace in a filmography which breathes of diversity, plot and visual splendour. Clocking in at over 2 1/2 hours, the film flies by. This is Fincher's film through and through. The leads and technical aspects are also true standouts (the much speculated de-aging process a wonder of modern visual technology) but I really recommend the film as it feels incomparable to anything you've seen before and again for that the credit goes to Fincher.

Grade: B+ (8/10)

There you go, hope that was helpful. Not an easy choice...but your choice all the same.

Bon Chance!

Upstaged by 'The Pink One'

2009-02-04T13:47:00.002Z

Not expecting much from this to be honest...

Discs To Spin (2nd Feb)

2009-02-04T10:48:00.002Z

NEW RELEASE OF THE WEEK

RocknRolla (dir. Ritchie)

Guy Ritchie kinda went off the boil for a while there (though I can't really remember a time when he was striking hot...). This is his supposed return to form. To be fair, Gerard Butler, Mark Strong, Thandie Newton and Tom Wilkinson would be a credible cast in most films so it's worth a spin. Chuck in some trademark witticisms, as well as Ritchie's love for flashiness, and you have a good old London-based crime thriller. Rental recommended (especially for Ritchie die-hards).

Other releases this week:

Step Brothers

Starring Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. It's the usual Ferrell schtick, you know the charming/lunatic/immature/potty mouthed (delete where appropriate) man child. Hey, Talladega Nights was a laugh in places so who am I to complain...

Death Race (Blu-Ray)

Starring Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Tyrese Gibson and Ian McShane. Hi Octane B-Movie car romp. Nonsensical Plot. Leave your brain in the microwave actioner. Which is great really because that is exactly what you want in a film about murdering prisoners driving to kill to be set free!

BARGAIN DVD OF THE WEEK

Mean Streets (Dir. Scorcese)

Marty's first fling as director and boy does it still hold up. Robert De Niro and Harvey Kietal star in this taught drama based on the 'mean streets' of Little Italy in New York city. It's well worth watching, not only because it set up themes returned to in the likes of Taxi Driver (incidentally Scorcese's next film) and Goodfellas, but just because it is a terrific film

This special edition is well worth buying on DVD especially with Amazon selling it at a snip under 4 quid.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mean-Streets-Special-Robert-Niro/dp/B0007N1B7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1233751778&sr=1-1

Enjoy!

Slumdog Questionnaire

2009-02-03T11:27:00.017Z

Slumdog Millionaire. Slumdog Crorepati.

The film has received wide spread acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic and has collectively secured a total of 21 nominations from Oscar and BAFTA. Its an unstoppable train, an inevitable march towards ultimate recognition. But since the film premiered in Mumbai on the 22nd January, a backlash has begun. From online film twitters to Bollywood megastars, questions have been raised regarding the quality of the film as well as the India it portrays.

See http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/jan/15/danny-boyle-shows

The final 30 mins of the film is so dizzyingly and gleefully edited, as if magically wrought by the genius of a Capra, Disney or Miyazaki, I defy anyone to be left unmoved (or uninvolved) by the final credits. However, the film does still seem to me as a little one-dimensional and predictable in its storytelling with the D-E-S-T-I-N-Y card a little too large to consume.

My interest is definately more rooted in the global debate it has raised.

Is it 'poverty porn'? Or is it a fair portrait of modern day India? I would argue the latter but many have vehemently disagreed. On the flipside, does it deserve to win the biggest and most recognised award in cinema? Is that it's place in history or should we be laying out the red carpet for more populist yet also critically raved fare such as Wall-E or The Dark Knight? All comments welcome!

What the film's success has done (hopefully) is to break down the barriers at a grass root level for talented international films and filmmakers to force through the age-old stereotypes as to what we as western audiences want from cinema.

Plus the kids are alright :).

The Class of 2009 (Isn't Mickey Rourke Great?!)

2009-02-02T12:28:00.001Z

Click on image for full size Academy-lovin'!

Danny Boyle Wins DGA!

2009-02-01T22:03:00.003Z

Zzz...wake me up on February 22nd...

Divaliciously & Deliciously Devilish

2009-01-29T13:25:00.005Z

Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution

2009-01-28T19:04:00.001Z

Over a decade has passed since that film about a sinking boat swept the world OVER and OVER and OVER (and over and over again...and...you get the picture).

Since those most dizzying times, the starlets who graced that film have gone on to acheive critical acclaim on their ascent to the A-List (BILLY ZANE I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT YOU!!). Amazingly, Revolutionary Road is the first time 'Our Kate(TM)' and Leonardo Di Caprio have shared a scene together since 1997.

Revolutionary Road, adapted from the Richard Yates novel of the same name, tells the tale of Frank and April Wheeler (DiCaprio and Winslet) and their entrapment in suburban dystopia in post-war America. Frozen socially (and spiritually!), the couple set up to move to Paris with their two children. However, unplanned events pullulate awkwardly creating the rumblings which precede an EMOTIONAL AVALANCHE.

Without giving too much away, the film succeeds as a good adaptation of a classic work. Admittedly the screenplay lacks the boldness or depth of characterization developed in the novel but it still delivers a gut punch mainly due to the strong performances of the ensemble cast. Kate Winslet is terrific as April Wheeler. Open and stubborn, loving yet aggressive. Ultimately its the fragility of the woman she is portraying that gives the performance that extra dimension. It was a toss up as to which performance she would be nominated for come Oscar night. I actually prefer this performance to The Reader (I guess Ricky Gervais was depressingly right. NAZIS! WINSLET! HOLOCAUST! WEINSTEIN! OSCAR! OSCAR! OSCAR!).
Thankfully, Michael Shannon's scene stealing performance was recognised in the supporting actor category.

Finally I must insessantly clamor for recognition of the work done by Roger Deakins, cinematographer of classics such as No Country For Old Men, Fargo and Shawshank Redemption. His work is what elevates the film into much more than the sum of its individual performances.

Grade: B (7/10)

Revolutionary Road (Dir. Sam Mendes) is released on Friday 30th January.

DGA Ruminations

2009-01-28T14:33:00.002Z

The DGA (Director's Guild of America) announce the winner of their coveted award on Saturday 31st January at the Hyatt Regency Central Plaza Hotel (what a name!) in Los Angeles.

The DGA has a strong track record of predicting the winner of the Best Picture Oscar, 15 of the last 20 winners matching with the Golden Bald One.

This years nominees are:

DANNY BOYLE - Slumdog Millionaire
DAVID FINCHER - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
RON HOWARD - Frost/Nixon
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN - The Dark Knight
GUS VAN SANT - Milk

Should Win - Gus Van Sant (Milk)
Classy biopic, great performances. All brought together under the steady guidance
of a director whose great body of work has been left in the shade too often by
award bodies.

Will Win - Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
The trumpets and general fanfare started (what is beginning to feel like..)
months and months ago. Where were the academy when Trainspotting crept out
of the murky underground?

Well we'll see...

It isn't about escaping, its about running away from yourself...

2009-01-27T23:10:00.000Z