Comedy writer, producer and director extraordinaire Judd Apatow makes his most personal film yet as he looks at the problems of getting old. Taking a couple of supporting characters from his film 'Knocked Up' and giving them their own film.
One of the biggest mysteries in film making, for me at least, is how Judd Apatow has become so highly regarded as he has. As a producer he has made a few successful films and a couple as director. I tend to think he has lost his touch a bit though, especially in the writing and directing. I really liked 'The 40 Year-Old Virgin' but hated 'Knocked Up' and 'Funny People'. A general rule is that that comedies should go for roughly 90 minutes maybe 100 minutes max. Usually it is hard to sustain the funny for much longer and Judd cannot. His films would be so much better if he cut about half an hour out of them.
We are currently living in a world where people are living longer. I don't think that 40 years of age is considered such a bad thing. So the general theme of this film seemed to me to be very out of touch. The other problem is with the way it is written. There is an overriding plot of Pete and Debbie going through work crisis as well as their personal crisis in being 40, although I think this is more od Debbie's issue. But Judd has written some scenes that are like sketches which have no bearing on the main story and just feel like they are stuck in. Judd is also famous for letting his actors improvise scenes, which is another problem I have with his films. I'm all for improvisation but not when it looks like they are improvising. Some scenes seemed to drag on for longer than they should have because the actors are on some riff. Something that does not always work.
I think Paul Rudd is an excellent comedic actor and is one of the best things in this film. He is so naturally funny and has such a goofy charm Leslie Mann on the other hand comes across as very irritating in this film. Her character is always complaining about things. And never seems very happy even when her character is supposed to be. Leslie's real life kids Maude and Iris are decent but their scenes seemed to be tacked on as well. Poor Maude gets saddled with that clichéd miserable teenager character. Albert Brooks is the best of the support characters and is quite funny. I wish John Lithgow was given more to do though. I'm also a big fan of Charlyne Yi and her deadpan style. Of the cameos I thought Melissa McCarthy was by far the best. Her outtakes scene in the end credits is the only time I laughed in the whole film.
I had extremely low expectations for this film and they were met on that level. Judd failed to impress me. I may not be the best person to judge a film like this.
In 2010 I had one of those rare moments where I come out of a cinema and feel so euphoric, like I have just taken some mind altering drug. This happened after I saw 'The Hurt Locker'.
I think that films have ruined me for real life. I thought it was strange that it took around 10 years for the USA to find Osama Bin Laden. In movies it always seems so easy that they do some investigating and find the bad guy so quickly. My jaded and cynical side said that it was all politically motivated and they really did know where Osama was but were letting him stay free until the best time then they would grab him.
As you can imagine I had really high expectations for this film. But while Kathryn Bigelow is back in the Middle East for this new film, the story and plot are much different. 'The Hurt Locker' was a very intimate film that focused on one man and a small part of the war in Iraq. 'Zero Dark Thirty' however does focus on one woman but her journey is more epic and spans a greater period and has a higher purpose. We all know how this film ends so what makes it interesting is the journey it takes you on. It begins rather slow but does build as the film progresses and the tension rises as they get closer to finding Osama. I apologize if this sounds racist but at the beginning I found it hard to understand some of the Middle Eastern people's names and I had to really concentrate to understand who they were referring to. Writer Mark Boal does not mess around in getting right into the action. It is not all that obvious they are looking for Osama. You just know they are torturing people to get information. The film does start of rather slowly but the tension does rise as the film the progresses and they get closer to finding Osama. It made me realize that the real world is nothing like the movies and is not a simple matter of asking people where someone is and they tell you. These people have to be coerced in tough ways. Plus you have to be very covert when you do it.
Jessica Chastain is another one of those actresses that is brilliant in every role she does. The fact that she does such a variety of roles makes her one of the best actresses working today. Her character here is really forceful and tough. She does not shy away from the torture scenes as you would expect a woman to do in those situations. But then again, her entire professional career has all been in pursuit of one man so she does become obsessed. Aussie Jason Clarke is excellent as one of Jessica's team. While he is talking with an American accent he has a very Australian attitude in his performance and the way he carries himself. Fellow Aussie Joel Edgerton is excellent as well as is Jennifer Ehle in her small role. There are a few others in small roles like Mark Strong, Mark Duplass and James Gandolfini which I found very effective.
I admit that it is a bit slow and long but this is still an excellent film about an important event in our modern history. There is some speculation as to its accuracy but it is still fascinating viewing.
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the greatest film directors that has ever lived. At the moment he is being remembered not just in one but two films. The other one is a TV movie so this is the only one to get a cinema release.
My regular readers will know that I have had the honour to see some of Alfred Hitchcock's films on the big screen, as they were intended. It has mostly been his more popular and well known films but is still a great opportunity to see his work the way it is intended. I really admire him as a director and he is definitely a skilled film maker. When watching his films you know you are in the hands of a master. Someone who knows how to tell a story and make his audience react in just the right way. Of the films of his that I have seen, 'Psycho' would be my favourite.
From what I know about Alfred Hitchcock he was not just a film maker but a showman as well. Unlike most directors today, Hitchcock put himself front and centre in the promotions of his films. He also hosted a TV series so he knew how to perform. This means he was ripe for a film about his life. He has however led a very long and interesting life so to fully do it justice would mean making a mini-series as opposed to one feature length film. It was more appropriate to do a segment of his life. Hitch went through many obstacles while making 'Psycho'. Even though he was at the height of his powers no one wanted him to make a horror film. Especially one the way he wanted to make it. Professionally his life was struggling but he was also struggling personally as well. The film also focuses on his relationship with his wife Alma. I think film fans are going to be disappointed with the film because it does not go into as much depth about Hitchcock's life as you might want it to. I love films about film making so I found it interesting on that level. But I think to make the film more accessible to a wider audience the makers of this film have added in the relationship element. While that is a nice element to have because Alma seemed to be very influential in advising Hitch on his films and the way they were made, but This film does it in a lighthearted way. I feel that if the film was done with a more serious tone then it would have been much better. I will admit that it can be very funny at times and Hitch can be very witty, but overall I think it would have been better served to make it more serious.
Anthony Hopkins is one of those actors that get absorbed in the characters he plays and there is no exception here. You really feel like he is the real Alfred Hitchcock. I do think the make-up lets him down on a few occasions but he still gives an excellent performance. Helen Mirren is another actress who is awesome in everything. She is excellent here and plays a very nice foil to Anthony. Their witty banter is the film's highlight. The rest of the cast are very good as well but don't have very effective roles. Scarlett Johansson is sweet as Janet Leigh. Toni Collette is also very good.
A good film but perhaps not the greatest. You will now doubt be more forgiving if you are not a film buff. Film buffs will probably be very disappointed as it lacks the detail you would want for a biography of a film maker like this.
I had heard many rave reviews about this film, say that it was not only a brilliant documentary but a brilliant film. I had resisted seeing it because it did not really interest me despite the positive reviews. So bowing to pressure and the fact that it got an Academy Award nomination, I thought I better go see it.
I am very ashamed that it took so long for me to see this film. I had very little knowledge of the film except that it was about a singer. This is possibly the best way to see the film, to know as little as you can. The story of Roriguiez is an amazing one that just keeps getting more and more fascinating as it goes on. The mystery around him and his success is interesting. I admit that his music is not something that I would normally listen to but his songs are quite good. He seems to have a lot of supports but for some reason he has never seen success in the USA. Usually if someone is that good they find some success and while Rodriguez has had it, it was not in his native country. I don't want to say too much about this film as it is better viewed not knowing much about it. While there were a couple of questions I had this was just a minor quibble.
An emotional and fascinating documentary about the life of a successful musician you probably don't know anything about. Make sure you go see it.
Disney/Pixar continue to re-release their older films in 3D. With 'Monster University' being released in June we get to relive this classic.
Aside from the 'Toy Story' trilogy, 'Monsters, Inc.' is my favourite Pixar film. The film was released in 2001 when they were at the height of their powers and really giving Disney a run for their money. The story was brilliantly constructed from a fear that most children have when they are growing up. The writers used this common fear to create a whole new world that exists in all our closets or wardrobes. The way that monsters use a child's scream to power their city is an excellent concept. Then there is the design of the monsters, who look like something a child might draw. The writers have then made these creations come to life and made them incredibly wonderful characters. At the center we have our wonderful duo of Sully and Mike. A friendship that is the core to the films success. These guys would do anything for each other. While they may fight they still support each other in times of crisis. But for me the best thing about this film is Boo. I think she is one of the greatest characters in the history of animation. One of the things that film makers have trouble with whether it be live action or animation is how to make children, especially young ones behave authentically. Most children seem to have an older or more adult way in some of their behavior because their character is written and directed by an adult. However director Pete Doctor and his writers have created a child who behaves and sounds like a real child. It helps that she is incredibly cute too. Her relationship with Sully is also what makes this film so great. It never fails to make me cry when he has to say good bye to her at the end. But the greatest moment is when Sully returns to see her and final moment of the film. I saw this film in the new 3D re-release and it look amazing. The 3D works really well for this film, especially in the scenes where they cross through the doors. The final chase in the door room was amazing too.
One of Pixar greatest strengths has been their voice casting. Choosing the most perfect actor for their characters. Billy Crystal and John Goodman as Mike and Sully are one of the greatest comedy duos in the history of cinema. Their banter and the way they convey the closeness of their friendship is brilliant. While she does not do all that much except act like herself, Mary Gibbs is brilliant as Boo. You really feel like Boo is a real child and not a CGI character. Steve Buscemi makes an excellent bad buy. Then on the other side is Jennifer Tilly makes a delightful love interest for Mike. Veteran James Coburn is excellent as the crusty leader of Monsters, Inc.
Yet another Pixar classic. Lets hope that they can live up to this masterpiece with their prequel due later in the year.
It happens every so often that a book comes along which everyone says is unfilmable. Then someone makes a movie out of it.
When people say that a book is unfilmable I think it is a pretty dumb thing to say. I admit that it takes a special kind of film maker to turn that type of book into a film, but it still sounds stupid. A story of a boy stuck in a life boat with a Bengal tiger on the surface does sound boring but the book is filled with so many themes and issues which can be explored on film. And it took one of the world's greatest film makers, Ang Lee, to do it. This is further proof that he is just simply an amazing artist. He has not only for filed the challenge of making the story interesting but he has made an incredibly beautiful looking film. Much like Martin Scorsese did with 'Hugo' last year, Ang has taken 3D and used it in the manner which it was meant to be used. The cinematography is so gorgeous that you need to it in 3D. What I loved most, though was that Ang has cleverly played with the screen's aspect ratio in certain scenes. I just love little things like that. My main concern with the film's adaptation was that there are some disturbing things that happen in the film. But Ang manages to lessen their impact so that you do not see anything. It must have just been my over active imagination. The film is being marketed to children so it cannot be all that bad. I would love to hear people's opinions about the ending too.
Suraj Sharma spends most of the film in a small life boat with a fake tiger. This young man is simply astonishing. The emotion he is able to convey when he is acting against nothing is amazing. The other roles in the film are fairly minor considering that most of the film is just Suraj in a boat. I suppose the other major cast member is the team of special effect people who created Richard Parker. They deserve so much praise for their work.
I have not written much about this film compared to others, but that does not diminish my love for it. It is a strong and powerful film that you should all see. Especially on the big cinema screen in 3D as was intended.
Something that films and film makers like to explore is people and their relationship with their parents and parents relationship with their children.
I don't think you should use my opinion as a way of determining if you want to see this film. It is one of those movies where you know pretty much what your going to get. It does not strive to be anything more than just a nice piece of entertainment to amuse families. There is nothing wrong with that and I did get a couple of laughs out of it but I just wish it could have been funnier. All the jokes and observations are very obvious and most we have seen countless times before in other films and TV series. It is pretty stereotypical that parents these days have a 'enlightened' approach to parenting. Older generations were more aggressive and in some cases (but not here) violent. The prevalence of psychology over the years has meant that we now blame our parents for being too tough and why we are troubled. That means that this generation have softened their approach to parenting. That way older generations don't think their kids are being good parents. 'Parental Guidance' does not bring anything new to this battle but does it in a fairly entertaining way with out being to imposing. I'm sure that people can relate to many of the situations and so you will no doubt enjoy it on that level. It is a very sweet film that
Billy Crystal is another one of those actors who seems to have mellowed with age. He used to be more edgy and sophisticated with his humour but now just plays it safe. There is nothing really wrong with that but I prefer the old days. He has some good one liners here but not as great as I'd hope. I need to tell you that I am a big fan of Bette Midler. I grew up watching her films in the 80's and I think she is a brilliant actress. I have also had the honour of seeing her perform live so that just takes my worship to another level. So while this may not be the greatest film she has ever done I still love her in what ever she does. And she does not make many films these days so any time I see her in a film is a big deal. Marisa Tomei does a decent job in her role as the frazzled mother. Bailee Madison is once again very good as the eldest child of the family.
As mentioned above you know what your getting yourself in for when you go see this film. It does not break new ground but is lighthearted entertainment for the masses.
Hollywood is such a tightknit community that when someone comes up with an idea several other people think it too. At the moment horror themed animated films seems to be the common theme.
The thing that sets 'Frankenweenie' and 'Paranorman' apart from the other horror themed animated film we've seen lately (besides the fact that 'Hotel Transylvania' is uses computer generated animation) is that the makers of the first two films seem to have a more loving respect for the genre they are working in. 'Hotel' just took the characters from horror and put them into a crazy situation. Chris Butler and Sam Fell, much like Tim Burton have created a loving tribute to old fashioned horror films. Chris and Sam have infused their film with so many obvious and subtle references to horror films from across the ages. There is a common misconception that animated films are for children, and while this is a good kids film, I think there is a lot for adults to get out of it as well. The kids will enjoy the basic plot with kids trying to save a town but adults will understand many of the jokes and references. The main plot does involve a kid who can see dead people, or ghosts which is something we've seen before but this is a fresh approach to that cliché. Part of that fresh approach is having really funny characters and this film has lots of them. Many of you will not be surprised that one in particular took my interest. I loved the films design and animation work. It is such a beautiful looking film
Aussie Kodi Smit-McPhee is not only an excellent live action actor but he is great at vocal work for animated films too. While her character is a bit of a cliché, Anna Kendrick does a great job as Norman's older sister. Casey Affleck is nicely unrecognizable as the jock brother of Norman's friend. I also thought that the other adults Jeff Garlin, Leslie Mann and Elaine Stritch were very funny. The best performance though is Tucker Albrizzi as Norman's friend Neil. The character is not only well written but Tucker does excellent vocal work.
The year may only be a few weeks old but this is by far and away the best film I've seen so far. A loving tribute to horror films that appeals to not only kids but adults as well.
As a Woody Allen fan I had really high hopes for this film. It looked, from the trailers, to be a loving tribute to one of the best film makers in the world.
How wrong I was. The film is not outright bad but has many terrible elements which made me hate it. The writer Sophie Lellouche has made many unusual choices as far as the characters and what they do. The way the film was set up is strange and makes no sense, but then it gets going and seems to settle down a bit. I quite liked the way Alice would talk to her poster of Woody Allen and get his advice. A technique similar to the one Woody used in his film 'Play It Again Sam'. But it is good things like this that are ruined by other terrible things. The characters do things which are really stupid and make no sense. It means that they loose all credibility and you no longer care about what happens to them. There was however a very nice moment at the end. But it was not enough to make up for all the bad stuff that went before it.
Alice Taglioni makes a very nice romantic heroine. It is a shame she is lumbered with such terrible material. Her co-lead Patrick Bruel is also very good and seems to make a better job of his role. His character seems to be the smartest of the bunch. I quite like Michel Aumont as Alice's father. He was very sweet.
Even if you are a fan of Woody Allen you should approach this film with caution. For everyone else you should avoid it like a plague.
Many of you may not have heard of this small English film. It is about a couple, early in their relationship, who go on a caravan trip across England. Their trip takes a very dark turn when the man kills someone.
There are some types of films that the English do very well. Dark comedy is one of them. Writers Steve Oram and Alice Lowe who also play the lead couple Tina and Chris, have done a brilliant job of setting up the very ordinary and realistic world of Chris and Tina. These feel like very real people who do something ordinary like go on a camping holiday. Ordinary might not sound very interesting but these feel like average people that you might see in your life. That is what makes this film so good and what happens to Chris and Tina so scary. What happens to them is a slow burning thing too so that makes it even better. Sorry to be vague about what happens to our happy couple but it is better if you know as little as you can about the plot. It just makes what happens all that more shocking. Just know that while the film does not have very many laugh out loud moments it is a very funny film. It is very much a black comedy which is my type of comedy.
With the writers playing the leads it means they know the characters very well. As Chris Steve Oram does a brilliant job of making his character really sweet but also hide a dark side. You never know which way he is going to go. On the other side Alice Lowe is excellent as Alice. She is so in love with Chris and in desperate need to leave her domineering mother that she will follow him anywhere. They are not big name actors so that makes their performances even better because they feel more like real people.
This time of year the cinemas are full of big blockbuster films with famous casts. If your looking for something at the other end of the spectrum but still excellent, then check out this small English film.
