Paul

Friends and co-stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have been working together for years now and usually with writer/director Edgar Wright. Now they branch out on their own and break into the US market.

I need to tell you that I'm a big fan of Simon and Nick. 'Shaun Of The Dead' is in my top 10 favourite films of all time. I'm also a fan of 'Hot Fuzz'. So I had really high expectations when I saw this film. While it wasn't as incredibly wonderful as I'd hoped it was still quite funny. I'm not sure if the absence of Edgar made a difference but the film wasn't as hilarious as I'd hoped. Not as many jokes hit the mark for me as they have in previous films. But that's not to say it is not a good film. One of the clever things the boys have done is to play up the religious middle America aspect. The whole idea that the existence of aliens basically negates the existence of God. I found this to be one the most interesting aspects of the film and is explored really well. I also quite liked the sub plot involving the little girl who originally found Paul. It was a very sweet touch.
Simon Pegg is hilarious in every film he is in. I think he is wonderful. Nick Frost is also good although I'm a bigger fan of Simon's. They do have an excellent chemistry together that comes through on screen. Kristen Wiig is an actress who has been playing support for quite q while now and is excellent here. She brings a great deal of sweetness and naivety to her role. Jason Bateman is good but too straight laced to be all that funny. Bill Hader and Joe Lo Tuglio make an excellent comedy double. Seth Rogan is surprisingly good as the voice of Paul. After a while you become lost in the character and come to see him as a proper character and not just a creature with the voice of Seth Rogan.
I had really high expectations for this film so while it was not as hilarious as I had hoped it is still an excellent film. Others might enjoy it more cause they don't have the baggage of expectations.

In A Better World

The next film in my quest to see all of this years Oscar nominees for Best Foreign Language film take me to my ancestral home of Denmark and the film that won the award.
I think it must hard to choose the film that wins in this category considering the nominees. Susanne Bier is an excellent director and has crafted a wonderful film that explores many complex issues. It is one of those things where people need to pay more attention to those around them. The fathers in this film spend a lot of time away from their children and as a result the boys in the film resort to actions they may not have if kept properly supervised. The film also teaches us how anger and violence can manifest itself in many different ways. It can be lurking under the surface and you don't even know it.
Susanne has assembled an excellent cast for this film who all give brilliant performances. Mikael Persbrandt is nicely subdued. He is lets his anger fester under the surface. He is able to bring calmness to his performance so that when he explodes it is all the more threatening. His fatherly counterpart Ulrich Thomsen is nicely clueless about his son's actions. The kids in the film are the real stars though. William Johnk Nielsen is brilliant as the very angry Christian. His cold expression is excellent. You can see his nasty thoughts by looking in his eyes. Markus Rygaard is equally as good as the boy who comes under Christians spell. Drawn into the web of violence.
An excellent adult drama that explores many complex themes and issues that occur in the family. Makes you realise we need to be more observant of those around us.

Rio

A couple of years ago I read an article where a reporter had been to a Disney meeting and got to hear about their animation slate. One film from Pixar was 'Newt' about a lizard or iguana (can't remember which) got put in an enclosure with another lizard so they would mate. Sadly Blue Sky beat them to the punch with this film.

The reviews for this film have been really positive. But I am not sure why. I found the film to be very ordinary. The plot is one that we have seen a lot and while that may not normally be a problem it does not have any interesting twists or characters to make it fun. The whole 'I'm a bird who can't fly' stories is one of those plots that we know exactly where it is going right from the beginning. Once you add in all the other aspects like smugglers and crazy bird it does not leave many surprises. The characters are also very typical of this type of story. The animation is of a good quality and looks very bright and vibrant but there were no scenes that amazed me.

Despite the lack of interesting characters the voice cast do a good job. Jesse Eisenberg does a good job of bringing his normally nerdy qualities to the voice of his character. Anne Hathaway is also very good and does not have a voice that dominates her character. The rest of the cast are not all that great. I think I'm getting a bit sick of George Lopez and him playing the same character every time he is on film. I did however like Leslie Mann. She was able to bring a wonderful sweetness to her role.

With lots of animation out in the world the expectations for quality have been placed very high. Just a run of the mill animated family film with no real greatness to speak of.

The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey returns to the profession that made him a star 15 years ago in 'A Time To Kill'.

When I found out this film was being made, I did something I've gotten into the habit of with some films of reading the book before hand. I was a little disappointed as it was not all that great and I found the story very ordinary. I think the problem is that there are so many law stories on TV these days that to do something interesting you need to make a bigger effort. However, I did enjoy the film. I think script writer John Romano has managed to take the best elements from the book and use them in the screenplay. This means it is leaner and faster paced so you have a greater sense of jeopardy. Romano opens the film with a quicker pace so you get a clearer sense of the character of Mick Haller. In some ways the main plot is still not that intriguing but director Brad Furman has managed to make it stylish with cool camera work and editing.

Then there are the performances. I think Matthew McConaughey needs to only play lawyers in films as these are the roles where he succeeds. He has lately made a string of poor romantic comedies but has been getting good reviews for his work here and deservedly so. It is by far and away one of the best roles he has done lately. Ryan Phillippe is very good at playing the snooty rich kid so this is not much of a stretch for him. William H. Macy is excellent as usual. But poor Marisa Tomei does not get all that much to do.

An excellent legal drama that we do not get to see much of on the big screen as it seems television has commandeered the genre.

Sucker Punch

There is an emerging trend in films lately where the story follows different levels of reality. This was first explored in 'Inception', continued in 'The Adjustment Bureau' and with this film as well.

We are always hearing that Hollywood is run by the marketing department. Films only get made based on how well they can be marketed to the most amount of people. I think Zack Snyder and his films are testament to how that theory is wrong. His films are very daring and not easily categorised so they can be marketed. While it worked with '300' he had some trouble with 'Watchmen' and this film. I've had friends and heard critics say that they found this film confusing because of the levels of reality involved. Now I think that this is because of the marketing. People did not expect to have to think so much about the film. I think many thought it was just another big action film with hot chicks. But the film is so much more than that. The way Zack Snyder has crafted the story is brilliant. The action sequences are integrated into the story so well and the meaning they have for the main plot is amazing. It is not just a group of girls fighting in highly stylised scenes but has a bigger impact on the film as whole. The action scenes are very much like scenes in a video game. The girls do not get hurt much or even dirty for that matter. That does play into the whole fantasy element of the scenes. But they are still a lot of fun. What makes them even better though is the music used. Zack has chosen some excellent songs to help accentuate his action scenes.

This film is the perfect showcase for a couple of Aussie actresses. Emily Browning gets to prove she can be an action hero. She brings that sweet and innocent look to her character but behind the eyes we know she is a tough powerful young woman as we see in the action scenes. Abbie Cornish too is excellent. Although her character is a bit of a cliche as the doubter of the group you still come to care for her. This is also a great breakout role for Vanessa Hudgens. It is nice to see her doing something to move away from her previous roles. While I loved Oscar Isaacs in the film, I am getting a bit worried that he is being typecast as the bad guy all the time.

As long as you go in expecting so much more than just an ordinary action film then you should enjoy it. You have to actually think and concentrate on whats going on. Hopefully that won't put you off it though.

Scream 4

The old gang is back again. Director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson revive their great horror franchise for a new generation.

When most film franchises are revived after a long break they don't always turn out too well. Personally I'm always worried when there is a long gap between sequels. Gladly this does not apply to the 'Scream' series. Kevin Williamson has managed to craft a brilliantly clever script that uses the long break nicely to make fun of all the new generation of horror films that have come along. With particular focus on the recent run of remakes that we have been having. You may not want to read further is you want to keep the film a secret but I loved the way Kevin has used so many references in this new film to almost make it seem like this is a remake of the original film. The film opens with a brilliant send up of the 'opening' scenes from their previous films. It is very cleverly done and I found it to be hilarious. The excellent cameos helped too. I was surprised by the reveal of the killer. I usually like to guess and I must say I liked who they got it to be. I've never been all that scared of these films. Generally knife wielding maniacs do not scare me. They are not something I expect to see in my everyday life so I can not relate to the horror of the situation. I appreciate the clever references the films make to horror films and their conventions.

A film like this is kind of a revival for many of the cast. Neve Campbell has not really done anything of great note since 'Scream 3'. Which is a pity as I thought that she was a good actress, even outside the 'Scream' films. Here she is very good and slips back into the role very well. But is not really given all that much to do. On the other hand her friends Courtney and David fair much better. I think because their characters are in a relationship it makes that dynamic something for them to work with. Of the new cast I was quite impressed with Emma Roberts. I think this is the film to prove she is not just a cute niece of Julia. It is also a change of pace for Hayden Panettiere who plays a nicely bitchy character here.

I don't think that this is going to be the film to revive the franchise in the way that they hoped. I'm not sure today's youth can appreciate something as clever as this when they have been raised on dumb send up films like the 'Scary Movie' series. However in saying that it is an excellent film for those who grew up with the first three films. A wonderful way to visit some old friends.

Biutiful

It is a very good year for foreign films as we are getting cinema releases for most of the film nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film. I think only one of the five went straight to DVD/Blu-ray.

Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is not the most cheery of directors. He makes films that look at the darker side of the human condition. But he makes such brilliant films that you can forgive him. That is the case here. The story of Uxbal is a very sad story and there are not very many bright spots. While many will find it quite depressing in many ways it has lots of sad moments. You keep hoping that something good will happen to Uxbal but it doesn't. Uxbal is also one of those characters who is a good bad guy. He runs illegal street stalls selling fake merchandise but he is such a really nice guy that you don't mind. He really cares about the people he works with and does all he can to help them out if they run into trouble. So in many ways he is just trying to earn a living for his children and this is the best way he can do it. The conditions he lives in are not the best either so you come to appreciate him even more. His home life with his drug addicted wife is not the best as well. My only problem with the film was the fact that Uxbal can see the spirits of the dead. I don't think this aspect was explored as much as it should. It seemed like something tacked on to the story and did not feel integrated into the story.

I had heard a rumour that Julia Roberts held special screenings of this film for Academy members to help get her friend Javier Bardem an Oscar nomination. I'd like to think that his unbelievably brilliant performance was enough to do it. But I suppose she helped make them aware of it. Javier is an amazing actor and can be so versatile in his role. Here he gives such an emotional performance that you really come to care about his character. While you know where the story is going the ending still has an emotional impact. I was also very impressed by Maricel Alvarez as Uxbal's wife Maramba. She makes her character a real villain of the film as far as her children are concerned. Maramba does some horrible things making you love Uxbal even more.

You should not see this film if you are in a sad mood. It could very well send you into a deep depression. Despite that it is a brilliantly emotional story of a man who is trying to get his life in order by helping those around him.

Barney's Version

Paul Giamatti recently won the Golden Globe Award for his performance in this film. While it was richly deserved, I don't think the film is much of a comedy.

I often wonder if people really think before they make big decisions in their life. Especially when it comes to marriage. They choose a partner who is comfortable then wonder later why they are no longer in love. The first two marriages that Barney has are not decisions that he makes carefully. His abrasive personality also makes me wonder how women fall for him. His pursuit of Mirium is a good example. He meets her at his wedding then keeps pursuing her until he is able to get a divorce. Admittedly his divorce is because of his wife's infidelity but still. Despite that this is an excellent adult drama about the life of a man with a complicated love life. It is interesting that when he does meet the woman of his dreams that he stuffs up that relationship too. Too many men do not know when they have a good thing. I've never understood the concept of infidelity. You still come to care for this guy and his complex personality. He is a really interesting character. Something you don't see in films much these days. There is also an excellent mystery as well to make things even more interesting.

Paul Giamatti is one of the best actors working today. While he does essentially play the same sort of character in each film he does, he does it so well that you don't mind. This type of film though gives him more time to develop the character so you come to care for him more. Minnie Driver is excellent as his second wife. Rosamund Pike is nicely understated comparatively speaking as his third wife. Dustin Hoffman is wonderful as Barney's dad.

One of those excellent adult dramas that presents an interesting character with an interesting life. Something you don't get to see much of these days.

Just Go With It

After making his film for the guys 'Grown Ups' with all his mates, Adam Sandler now makes a nice romantic comedy for his female fans.

While I have not seen the original play or film on which this movie is based, I get the feeling that it is a very old fashioned idea. I don't know what it is about this concept of someone telling lies in order to attract someone of the opposite sex but you think people would have learnt by now that it never works. Some tell lies that can easily be covered up, but as is the case here, the lie seems to be one that can so easily unravel. Does Danny think that Palmer will not ever go to his work and see that the woman posing as his wife is really his office assistant. It is even mentioned in the film but brushed aside. Despite that lapse in credibility the film is not all that bad. It is typical Adam Sandler type humour and I got a few laughs out of it. The big problem is that it is far too long. Some scenes needed to be tightened and some cut out. The film could have easily lost about 20 minutes.

Adam Sandler to me is very hit and miss. I've quite enjoyed his previous romantic comedies but this is not one of his best. I think the problem is his director Dennis Dugan. With other films he has not worked with such a close buddy like Dennis who I think works well in his silly comedies but not here. Jennifer Aniston is also very hit and miss. It seems that only every second film she makes gets a cinema release here. I think she does a decent job here but it would be nice if she did something more meaty. The film is worth seeing though for the performance of Nicole Kidman. This is proof that she needs to do more crazy comedies. I thought she was brilliant. I was also quite impressed by Bailee Madison who plays Jennifer's daughter in the film.

There is a decent romantic comedy somewhere here. If only the director could be less chummy with his star and had more control over the editing. But worth seeing for Nicole Kidman's hilarious performance.

Red Riding Hood

The classic fairytale gets a redo. Not set in modern day but still with a modern sensibility.

When a film becomes hugely successful everyone else tries to copy it. The success of 'Twilight' has meant we now get romantic stories with supernatural elements. This film is really similar to 'Twilight'. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that they share the same director. I suppose that because she did not get to direct anymore 'Twilight' films that Catherine Hardwicke had to do this as compensation. The love story is almost identical except that we don't know if the guy is a supernatural being or not. This is pretty much the only thing keeping the film from descending into complete boredom. We are kept interested by wondering who the wolf is amongst the towns folk. The rest of the story is really boring and the type of thing you've seen so many times before. It is not even filmed in an interesting way. I must say that it looks like the most dangerous set ever constructed. With sharp spikes on all the trees in the forest and on the buildings in the village. I'd like to know if there were any serious accidents on set or almost accidents.

Amanda Seyfried has the potential to be a good actress but she insists on doing these teen dramas. Hopefully she does it for the money. The two love interests Shiloh Fernandez and Max Irons do there best to look moody. The only ones who look like they are having any fun are the experienced actors Gary Oldman and Julie Christie. They have pitched their performances at just the right tone that they don't look like they are taking all this silliness very seriously.

If you want to see an excellent revision of the Little Red Riding Hood story then see an early Reese Witherspoon film 'Freeway'. Avoid this one.

Never Let Me Go

Three of the UK's most talented actors team up for this love story with a difference.

I must commend the marketing people for this film in the way that they manage to keep most of the important elements of the film a secret. I'm sure it was a clever ploy by them to market it more as a nice period romance rather than a thought provoking science fiction film but they've done a good job. It is one of those films that you should know as little about before hand. Maybe stop reading this review as it will have some spoilers. The idea of humans being cloned or bred for body parts is not a new idea and has been used in a few films in the past. But this is only a minor element of the film. The main plot is the love triangle story at its core. The organ harvesting idea is only there as a way to drive the love story, which is what made the film so good for me. It is a unique way of keeping our lovers apart. It is a very heartbreaking thing too as you realise what these people have been bred for. But what also makes it unique is the characters seem to accept this situation and don't try to escape. Maybe that makes them all the more noble that they are willing to give up their lives for the betterment of society.

Carey Mulligan plays the mousy girl really well. It is her heart that keeps the love story anchored as we follow her story. Andrew Garfield is very sweet as the object of the girls affection. His moments of rage are really heartbreaking. Keira Knightley proves that she can act and is not just a pretty face. Playing the bitch really suits her well. Sally Hawkins is excellent as a sympathetic teacher. As well as the Charlotte Rampling.

An unconventional romantic drama. While the plot twist maybe a bit distressing it makes this film unique so that it is not like all the other period dramas out there.

Battle: Los Angeles

Last year we had the alien invasion film 'Skyline' and now we get a very similarly looking film. Much like 'War Of The Worlds' it is a more intimate look at what happens when the earth is invaded.

When critics review a film I sometimes think that they do not look at a film objectively. This film has been receiving lots of bad reviews and in some ways I think it is unfair. Some critics take a high and mighty view of films and if they are not of a certain calibre then they are looked down on. This film is a disaster film, pure and simple. It does not try to be Shakespeare or any more than what it is. Which is a group of marines trying to rescue some people in LA. It is just lots of shoot outs and action. Has there been a disaster film, ever, that has been any more than a series of cliches and stereotypical characters? I tend to think that these types of films need to be viewed in a different way. As a big fun disaster film it does an excellent job. The action scenes are well made and provide lots of excitement and tension as they should. There is very little by way of plot but that is not why you see these films.You see it for the spectacle and excitement. I have to say that I'm a sucker for these types of films and I love big actions scenes with lots of destruction. The producers usually spend the money on the special effects not the plot or cast.

Aaron Eckhart is a highly respected actor who does brilliant work. So you don't mind when he does lesser stuff like this. He has the right look of a marine and brings a great presence as a leader on his way out. He brings a bit of dignity to the proceedings. The rest of the cast are pretty stock characters and they don't have much to work with. Michelle Rodriguez is getting a bit stereotyped which is disappointing.

If you just want a big, fun action film then this is the film for you. As long as you don't go in expecting something intelligent then you should have fun.

Gone With The Wind

Greater Union Miranda has started a new program called 'Masters Of Hollywood' in which they screen old films. We begin with this classic from 1939.

I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time that I have seen what is widely believed to be the greatest film of all time. I have been meaning to watch it on DVD but lately I felt I should see it on the big screen as intended and so have been waiting for a chance to see it that way. Thankfully now I have. I must say that I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. This is one of those films that has been parodied and referenced so many times that it is great to now know what they have all been referring to. There is also all the oft quoted classic lines that I was waiting to hear in context. I think the film is really of its time. I cannot imagine a film like this being made today except on television. However, in 1939 they did not have television so epic soap operas like this were made for the cinema. As it is though it is a really good story of one woman determined to do what ever she can to get her way. She is very promiscuous in a clean sort of way. She uses men and manipulates them. Men are putty in her hands and will do what ever she wants. Except Rhett Butler. He is the only one who can stand up to her. It is one woman's journey to get the man of her dreams and she will do what ever she can to do it. While the nearly four hour running time can seem intimidating I did not mind it. Because you have an intermission it is more like watching two 2 hour films.

Scarlett O'Hara is an amazing character and Vivien Leigh brings her to life so brilliantly. I think this is one of the greatest acting performances ever. You do not see the actress but you only see the character. The way she can use her looks and charm to manipulate men but also you can see the underlying craftiness. The only person to see through this is Rhett Butler. Clarke Gable is so smooth and cool in this film. He love of Scarlett is not because he finds her charming but because he sees a really forthright woman who can challenge him. As opposed to all the fluffy woman he is used to meeting. Olivia de Havilland is equally brilliant as Scarlett's only real friend and rival Melanie. While she knows what is really going on with Scarlett and her husband she still sticks up for Scarlett. Hattie McDaniel certainly deserved her Oscar for this role. While she is essentially playing a stereotype she is still able to hold her own as a character against the more meatier roles. Being a kind of comic relief helps as well and you can't help but fall in love with her.

I'm so glad that I got to see this film on the big screen as it was intended. It lives up to the hype and is the definition of classic film making that you don't get to see these days.

Waiting For 'Superman'

In 2006 director David Guggenheim teamed up with former Vice President Al Gore to make the groundbreaking documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth'. After taking on a global problem he tackles something closer to home.

Education is one of those issues that everyone wants to do something about but can't seem to work out how. The major issue is always money and governments making drastic cuts and so schools have to make sacrifices. I know it is not just a problem in the USA but here as well. While we don't seem to be in as bad a situation as the USA, it looks like we're headed that way. One thing this documentary does prove though is that the problem is not all about funding but is more about laziness. With teachers in the USA being able to get tenure after only a short time and no restrictions it means teachers can keep their job and still do a horrible job. But the teachers union is so powerful that they cannot change the rule. Which is proven with the head of the school district in Washington DC trying to change the rule but being voted down by the all powerful unions. While there is a ray of hope with some former teachers and superintendents starting their own schools, they are so popular that they have to hold a lottery for kids to get in. This provides a wonderfully tense sequence at the end of the film as we see some of the kids we have been following in the film go to these lotteries. It also provides one of the most moving moments as well. While some of the statistics can get a bit over whelming, the real strength of the film is the human stories that David highlights. Giving a face to the sometimes stale statistics. It makes you care about the problem more.

Much like Michael Moore did when he made 'Sicko' after 'Fahrenheit 9/11', David Guggenheim takes on a smaller issue that is closer to home. He does an excellent job too and points out a sad state of affairs in the world once again.