Dumb and Dumber To

Hello again, thought I would treat you all to one more review before the New Year as I finally got around to watching the long overdue sequel to 'Dumb and Dumber' and let's just say, I wish they hadn't bothered.


Dumb and Dumber To (2014)

Synopsis:

The film meets back with Harry and Lloyd 20 years after their first cross-country adventure. Harry discovers he has a serious medical condition and needs a kidney transplant which makes him incredibly relieved to discover he has a 22 year old daughter somewhere in America. The two decide to track her down in the hopes that she will be the one to save Harry's life and embark on yet another adventure together filled with laughs.

Review:

I didn't want to have to admit this but I was incredibly disappointed with this sequel, it's full of crude humour that's way past it's sell-by date and frankly, Harry and Lloyd have become creepy perverts. I found myself cringing with embarrassment from time to time at some of the vulgar terms used; they were funny 20 years ago but it just felt a little too forced and it's obvious the Farrelly brothers have tried so hard to make it funny that they have forgotten about any form of characterisation or even an interesting storyline. 

Dumb and Dumber To did manage to get one or two laughs from me but I was expecting so much more. If you're a die-hard fan of the original Dumb and Dumber then give it a watch for yourself and let me know what you think but it's not something I plan on watching again.

2/5

Ouija

Happy New Years Eve my beloved readers. This is my last post of 2014 and I'm going to be reviewing 'Ouija', a 2014 supernatural-horror. Don't expect anything spectacular from this post as this film was a huge disappointment, so here we go.


Ouija (2014)

Synopsis:

After the mysterious circumstances surrounding their friend's death a group of teenagers try to contact her through a Ouija board, only to discover a sinister spirit had been haunting her and now it wants them too.


Review:

After hearing mixed reviews about this film I decided to give it a try myself. As you all know I am a huge fan of the horror genre and I'm on a continuous search to find truly terrifying films but 'Ouija' certainly isn't one of them. It's a glossy, predictable Hollywood blockbuster that provides cheap thrills and it even lacks in the usual predictable jump scares. The acting, however, wasn't as bad as I had expected and Olivia Cooke (Laine) does give out a convincing, grieving friend performance which makes the film a little bit more bearable.
There are a couple of twists included that make the storyline slightly more interesting and it does cut to the chase pretty quickly, providing us with all the information needed to invest in the narrative but other than that it's very similar to the hundreds of other 'horror' films that America release every so often. If you're not as fussy as I am you may enjoy this film for what it actually is, a PG 12, almost laughable attempt at a horror. The special effects which are supposed to be 'horrifying' and 'gruesome' merely look like they have been created in someone's kitchen with very little time and effort.
'Ouija' is definitely not a film I would recommend to anyone.

2/5

The Theory of Everything

"It gives us a powerful and emotional look into the mind and life of Stephen Hawking and proves that if there is life, then there is most definitely hope".



The Theory of Everything (2014)

Synopsis:

The Theory of Everything follows the incredible story of Professor Stephen Hawking, who at the young age of 21 was diagnosed with Motor Neurones Disease. The story follows Stephen's journey as he falls in love with fellow student Jane and she vows to take care of him but as his disease gets progressively worse Jane struggles to cope under the enormous pressure of caring for Stephen and raising their 3 children. Stephen does not allow his disease to control him and he breaks incredible new grounds in medicine and science and with Jane by his side, he achieves more than he could have ever imagined.

Review:

The Theory of Everything is a remarkable and intimate tale of Stephen Hawking's life, it allows us to gain an insight in to his marriage, his illness and his work through an incredible portrayal by Eddie Redmayne. Felicity Jones (Jane Hawking) and Eddie Redmayne (Stephen Hawking) are an absolute marvel to watch; their portrayal of these character's are sensitive, realistic and show unimaginable talent. Redmayne is able to show each stage of Hawking's disease with grace and respect and I have nothing but praise for him.

The story doesn't focus on Hawking's theories in particular but more on the man behind the mask, who he was and who he is now. The Theory of Everything allows the public to break down the barrier and take a real look at who Stephen Hawking actually is.

The only fault with the film is that it seems slightly sugar-coated; the love story between Stephen and Jane is magical to watch but it doesn't quite seem believable. There are no arguments, no jealousy on either side and the split seems a little too friendly but this may be to avoid the film from focusing too much on the relationship and the difficulties they faced as a couple. 

Overall I found myself incredible moved by The Theory of Everything, it gives us a powerful and emotional look into the mind and life of Stephen Hawking and proves that if there is life, then there is most definitely hope.

4/5

Stonehearst Asylum

Hello guys! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Sorry, I haven't been very active lately but don't worry, I have been keeping up with plenty of films and plan on posting the reviews as soon as possible. One film I managed to check out over the festive season was 'Stonehearst Asylum' and it was much better than I had anticipated so check out my review.


Stonehearst Asylum (2014) 

Synopsis:

Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess) is a young doctor with a keen interest in the studies of medicine for those with mental health issues. He takes a trip to Stonehearst Asylum to develop his studies even further and finds himself besotted with a beautiful patient named Eliza Graves (Kate Beckinsale). As Edward struggles to come to terms with Dr Lamb's (Ben Kingsley) insane treatment methods makes a shocking discovery and realises not all is as it seems at Stonehearst Asylum.





Review:

Stonehearst Asylum is based on a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe and is a gothic, periodic, thriller that challenges the audience and keeps you on your toes throughout. With more twists and turns than a maze it is a film that requires your full attention but the complex and diverse array of characters portrayed by wonderfully talented actors keep the viewer submerged in the story. Stonehearst Asylum takes a look at the brutal and barbaric treatment of those suffering from mental health conditions and does so without the use of blood and gore. The film has certain aspects of a horror with it's grand, mysterious looking castle set out in the woods and the twisted, dark characters of Dr Lamb and Mickey Finn (David Thewlis) but pays more attention to the psychological threats by using edgy camera angles, chiarascuro lighting and an eerie setting that hosts dark corridors and frightening 'treatment' rooms.
Stonehearst Asylum is very similar to Shutter Island and also has an unpredictable ending, which I always find is a great bonus when watching a film. Although this film is a bit of a slow burner, each part is relevant in building up the layers of the story and creating the perfect atmosphere for this thoroughly enjoyable thriller.

4/5

Gone Girl

Hello guys, I'm sorry it's been a couple of weeks since I last posted. I've had exams at university and been busy at work so I haven't had much time to watch any films lately. I did, however finally get the chance to watch 'Gone Girl' the other night and it is by far one of the best films I have seen in a long time so here is my review.


Gone Girl (2014)

Synopsis:

When Nick wakes up on the day of their 5th wedding anniversary he discovers that his beautiful wife, Amy has gone missing. The media quickly becomes obsessed with the case and Nick finds himself under immense pressure to prove his innocence as the police investigation turns on him and he becomes the prime suspect.

Review:

'Gone Girl' is a modern and dark tale of matrimonial companionship gone wrong. Fincher has created a beautiful masterpiece filled with twists and turns and sensational craftsmanship. The character's are complex and almost unreadable, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the whole film. Fincher has done a remarkable job on Flynn's novel and managed to bring the words to life by ensuring the character's and the plot are just as twisted and complex as the book itself. 'Gone Girl' runs for 145 minutes and each one of them is vital to the plot; the whole film is full of clues and deceit and the audience will find themselves completely unsure who to trust. With incredible acting from Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike it's fascinating to watch these character's come to life on screen, I couldn't have picked out a better cast for these roles.

As I mentioned previously, 'Gone Girl' is quite possibly one of the best films I have seen in a long time and you would be missing out on an entertaining and brutal narrative that makes you wonder what is right and wrong and how far is too far? I couldn't fault the movie in any way; it managed to keep me absorbed throughout the whole 145 minutes and had me guessing all the time. A perfect tribute to a fantastic, best-selling novel. Please go and check it out.

5/5

Jurassic World

Now, I don't know about you but I just so happen to be RIDICULOUSLY excited for the new 'Jurassic World' movie and the trailer made things even better.

If you haven't seen it yet then check it out below;

In honour of the new 'Jurassic World' trailer I am going to give you my top 3 scenes from the previous Jurassic Park movies.
Here we go.


3. The Toilet Scene (Jurassic Park, 1993)

If the special effects and watching a T-Rex eating a guy who's taken refuge on a toilet aren't enough to blow your mind then I don't know what else to say.
I'm still in shock that I used to watch this film when I was a child because this stuff is terrifyingly real.


2. T-rex vs. Spinosaurus (Jurassic Park 3, 2001)

Of course this was one of my favourite scenes! Two of the most ferocious and dangerous dinosaurs in a battle to the death. I was never sure who I wanted to win but it was just about enjoying the cinematic effects that were created in this scene and witnessing two magnificent giants go head to head.
Jurassic Park 3 will always be my favourite out of the franchise and this is one of the reasons why.#

1. The Raptor's set a trap (Jurassic Park 3, 2001)

The Raptor was my favourite dinosaur as a child and this scene always fascinates me. Obviously we have no idea how intelligent these creatures were but I always liked to imagine they had the ability to communicate and work together to survive...

As Above So Below

Hello my amazing readers.
I apologise for my lack of posts but I have been mad busy lately.
I finally got around to watching another new horror release; 'As Above So Below' and here is my review.

Synopsis:

A team of explorers make their way down into the catacombs underneath the City of Paris in the hopes of finding the Philosopher's Stone. As they climb further and further into the twisted maze of the undead, they realise that they have entered their own personal hell and the only way out is to keep going further into the ground and away from civilisation.


Review:

I am a self-confessed 'found footage' fan but this film came as a huge disappointment. The catacombs make for a claustrophobic setting and yet it doesn't add any suspense or fear. The shaky cameras make it incredibly difficult to focus on what's going on and although I understand that it is one of the main characteristics of this sub-genre, 'As Above So Below' manages to make this into more of an annoying hindrance to the action.
The characters in the film are merely there to add another layer but they barely do that. They all lack any kind of personality and depth, especially Scarlett (Perdita Weeks) who insists on giving us a mythological history lesson even though all of her friends are dying around her.
I really wanted this film to be great and it had the opportunity to be, but all of that seems to get lost in an overly complex storyline which in the end, is downright ridiculous. The ending leaves us with more questions than answers and if you were to ask me what actually happened throughout the film, I'm not sure I could tell you.

Definitely wouldn't recommend this film to anyone.

1.5/5

Film of the Week

Hello my beloved readers, I apologise for being inactive over the weekend. It was my birthday on Saturday and I've had to organise my time between working and seeing family.
BUT it's that time of week again where I suggest one of my all time favourite films to you and this week that film is;


Liar Liar (1997)

I don't usually suggest comedies but I thought I'd revert back to my childhood and give you a little insight in to one of my favourite Jim Carrey films. I have watched this film so many times and I will never get tired of it, if you're looking for a light-hearted, laugh out loud comedy with an underlying sentimental story then Liar Liar is a must see. Carrey is a comedic genius and puts his heart and soul in to his characters, it's very difficult to dislike any film he makes an appearance in. 

Liar Liar follows the story of Fletcher Reede who is a fast talking, lawyer and makes his money from telling lies. As a divorced father he struggles to find the time for his son and constantly makes up excuses which causes Max to make a birthday wish which involves his father only being able to tell the truth for the next 24 hours. When the wish comes true Fletcher realises just how much he relies on his own lies and with a big case coming up he has to find a way to win for his client and win back the heart of his son with nothing but the truth. 

If you haven't seen Liar Liar then rent it out, buy the DVD or borrow it from a friend because I promise you won't regret it. This film has the ability to make you laugh out loud even on a bad day and keep an eye out for the elevator scene, it has me in tears every single time.

54 Days

Hello guys!

I was recently given the opportunity to watch '54 Days' which is an independent feature film by Australian Director Tim R. Lea. It follows the story of 5 survivors who find themselves locked away in a steel bunker to save themselves from a recent nuclear attack that has obliterated Australia and most of the world. As they begin to run out of food, water and oxygen they realise that somebody is going to have to sacrifice themselves so that the others can survive.



54 Days (2014)

Almost immediately I was impressed by '54 days' and it's high quality; the locations and settings go above and beyond to create a sense of verisimilitude in the diegetic world, making things more believable. From the start the viewer is lured in to a sense of false security, it's a friendly party atmosphere and although there are several inner conflicts it appears as if there's not a care in the world.
I have a lot of respect for someone who is talented enough to create a film that is set in one location and still manages to keep the viewer interested in what's going on. The different stages of emotions and panic throughout the group are reflected in the mise-en-scene and smartly placed camera angles, allowing us to almost feel as though we are trapped alongside them.
The viewer isn't given much information on the main characters but I think this adds to the storyline, there are subtle hints throughout the film in regards to actions and interactions with other characters that allow us to get to know them a little bit more but the fact that we do not know any of these people makes things a little uneasy. Who can we trust? Who will be the first to snap? '54 Days' keeps you guessing all the way through and I was surprised to find that in the end, I had no idea what was about to happen. Michela Carratini (Michelle) portrays a young woman in an unhappy marriage and later in the film we discover that she is pregnant which adds another layer to her character, we sympathise with her more than the others. Carratini plays the role incredibly well, showing the inner turmoil of a pregnant woman who believes she is about to die and as she deteriorates even more with time, she makes it believable to the viewer.
I think each part of the character development works well in contrast with one another; Dirk's strange obsession with the cockroach is to fill the void that is missing now that he has lost his daughter. Anthony loses his temper quite easily and talks down to the women, which gives us information on why Michelle has been unhappy with him. Elizabeth tries to keep the peace but after several drinks becomes slightly irate and unpredictable, leaving the viewer wondering whether we can trust her or not and last but not least, Rob who we are introduced to as 'the other man' and when he comes down to the bunker covered in blood it doesn't take a genius to figure out that this guy isn't to be trusted.

The bunker in which the majority of the movie is set has incredible attention to detail, from the cracks in the stone walls, to the cold, hard flooring. The props used also help to create the atmosphere and add a sense of reality, with it's cold metal bunk beds, tattered lockers and dirty furniture. It's obvious each shot, each tiny detail has been given a lot of thought to make the film credible and I really enjoyed watching it.
The countdown throughout the film is a fantastic touch, it adds tension and pressure on the characters which is reflected in their actions as well as how they look. As the timer runs down the shots become even more fast paced to give a sense of time passing much quicker than expected.
My only problem with '54 Days' is that I felt that there were several unanswered questions; one of them being where did the gun come from that Michelle used? And why did Elizabeth turn on her friends when she had been so desperate to keep them all alive?

Overall, I found '54 Days' to be a gripping film which looks in depth at human character's when forced in to a survival situation. It's a film I would definitely watch again, as I am a sucker for anything to do with apocalyptic situations so when you guys get the chance, please go and check out the website for the film.

http://www.54daysthemovie.com/



4/5

Happy Birthday Martin Scorsese!

Today is the 72nd birthday of the incredibly talented Martin Scorsese and to honour his special day I am going to give you a list of my five favourite Scorsese films. 
Just so you know, I didn't intentionally pick all the films with Dicaprio and DeNiro in them.

1. Shutter Island

2. Cape Fear

3. Goodfellas

4. Taxi Driver

5. Gangs of New York 

Before I go to sleep

Hello again guys! I have managed to cram a couple of films in this weekend, one including Rowan Joffe's 'Before I go to sleep'. I had a little nosey on the internet and have read several bad reviews but I never judge a film based on what other's think, I much prefer to watch it myself and decide.

Here we go.


Before I go to Sleep (2014)

Synopsis:

After suffering a traumatic attack Christine (Nicole Kidman) suffers from anterograde amnesia and is unable to create new memories, meaning whenever she wakes up she has to become reacquainted with her husband and her whole life. Christine begins to visit a doctor who persuades her to keep a video diary, in order to keep up to track with each new day but as she does this she begins to uncover some dark secrets about her own past and has no idea who to trust.



Review:

From the word go, the viewer is thrust into the disorientating atmosphere of Christine's life with very little given away in terms of characters. The ominous music makes for uneasy viewing at the beginning, causing a sudden distrust of Christine's so-called husband 'Ben' but as we are introduced to doctor Nash, it causes a string of doubts. The constant flickering between flashbacks and the present day are disorientating and allow the viewer to be much more than a spectator but the clever editing doesn't hide the fact that 'Before I go to Sleep' is extremely predictable and struggles to hold the suspense.
It's a welcoming change to see Colin Firth play a darker character and his take on 'Ben' is another positive factor in this film. Firth has a certain look about him, he tends to be perceived as a harmless, genuine guy but that makes it even more exciting for the viewer as we struggle on whether to trust him or not.

To be completely honest, I very much enjoyed 'Before I go to Sleep' and although it was rather predictable and had several flaws, it did the book justice and it's something I would probably watch again in the future. My only problem is the ending; it was a welcome surprise that everything was resolved and sentimental because I was expecting a dark twist but parts of it didn't make sense. Yes, Ben had made it clear that he had to stay away from Christine for the sake of their son but couldn't he have at least called the care home she was staying in? If he had even an ounce of love for his suffering wife then he would have called the care home and realised she was missing straight away but instead he buried his head in the sand and allowed some psycho to take care of her which I find incredibly unbelievable.


3/5

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Hi guys! So I finally got around to checking out the sequel to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' and it's safe to say I wasn't disappointed, in fact, this one may have even been slightly more enjoyable. It boasts incredible special effects and landscape but there's much more too it than that so let's begin...


Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Synopsis:

The sequel takes place 10 years after Simian flu has wiped out many of the human's on Earth. Caeser, the genetically modified chimpanzee has now gained hundreds of new followers and has built a thriving colony for his species. Things take a turn for the worse when a small group of human survivors stumble across the chimps and take a shot at one of them, which then sparks tension between the two species. Caeser struggles to keep the peace and avoid an all out war but when there's an enemy within the midst of his own camp he realises that's going to be much more difficult than he first anticipated. 

Review:

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is so magical and aesthetically pleasing to watch; the special effects are breathtakingly real and as a viewer, you almost forget that these chimps aren't actually animals that have taken to the role of acting so well. Buried beneath the spectacle of scenery of this post-apocalyptic world and the amazing wonders of CGI, we realise there is a much deeper story emerging between these two conflicting species. One of the main things I enjoyed was the reflection between the main characters; for every human character there was a counter part in ape form that shared the same traits, beliefs and personalities; proving that although they make look different on the outside, they're all the same on the inside. 

I was a huge fan of the first film and couldn't help but back up Caeser throughout the whole thing and his character is extremely well crafted, yet again, in the sequel. The film makers have the audience exactly where they want them throughout the film and as a viewer you find yourself switching between sympathy for the human race and apes, realising there are good and bad on both sides. The action packed ending certainly doesn't disappoint either, jumping between shots of Caeser and Malcolm who are both suffering from the same predicament, it contains enough tension and atmosphere to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

Overall I believe Dawn of the Planet of the Apes has outdone it's predecessor in many ways, it manages to create an action packed war blockbuster with much more emotion and a deeper meaning, challenging it's viewer to look beyond the special effects and invest in the characters. This is probably one of my favourite films of 2014, so if you had any doubts about this sequel then I can assure you that there's nothing to worry about. Go and check it out, it'll blow your mind.

4/5

Jessabelle

Jessabelle (2014) 

Synopsis:

Jessabelle is a young girl who suffers a horrific car accident and has to return to her Louisiana home, where she discovers several VHS tapes that have been recorded by her now deceased mother. After suffering from terrifying nightmares she discovers that a malevolent spirit has been waiting for Jessabelle to come home and now she has her, she has no intentions of ever letting her go.

Review:

Another shallow attempt at a horror film. It lacks any real storyline and has so many unanswered questions that even when the film is over you're left wondering what actually happened. Sarah Snook does well in the lead role and is the only thing that makes this film bearable, her portrayal of a woman struggling to come to terms with her accident induced disability is sympathetic and believable but other than that, I have no more positives. Of course the film is full of cheap thrills and several jump scares but then again, so are hundreds of other horror films that just don't have the content to make it into a memorable movie.  The typical 'old countryside house' sets an eerie atmosphere but it's nothing we haven't seen before and the ending is completely absurd and doesn't quite tie in to everything else that has been going on, leaving me extremely disappointed and left with a lot of questions. 

2/5

Film of the Week

So, it's that time of the week again where I dig out one of my all time favourite films and try and persuade you to watch it. This week I have chosen a fantastic war film that you need to see at least once before you die. Warning: you may shed a tear (or if you're anything like me, several) but it is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a U.S Navy Seal team that are on a rescue mission in Nigeria.
So, without further a due, this week's film is;

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Synopsis:

Bruce Willis stars as a soldier who has the dilemma and of choosing whether to follow orders or save the lives of many others.
Lt. A. K Waters and his team of Navy Seals are given a mission to escort any American citizens to safety and more importantly, Dr. Lena Kendricks but when she refuses to leave her people Waters has to decide whether to carry on and complete his mission or listen to his heart and help to save all of the people that have been left behind.




Okay, so the synopsis is a little vague but trust me, this film is worth watching especially if you're a fan of the war film genre. Bruce Willis takes up his usual persona of a hardcore soldier who is able to withstand anything  but as time carries on we see a softer side to his character. The story surrounds the war in Nigeria and the suffering that they had to endure. It can be hard to watch at times and always brings a tear to my eye but that is the reality of war and the brutal scenes aren't afraid to shy away from what really goes on.
I will give you a little tip before watching this film and that is to ensure you don't become too attached to any of the characters because you're setting yourself up for heartbreak.
Anyway, if you haven't already seen this movie then go and check it out especially if you like Black Hawk Down, Platoon and Saving Private Ryan.

4/5

The Babadook

It's 2am and I have just finished watching what just so happened to be one of the greatest horror films I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.

The Babadook (2014) 

Synopsis:

It has been six years since the death of Amelia's husband and she is still struggling to come to terms with what has happened. Her son's behaviour is out of hand and she is finding it extremely difficult to bond with him the way a mother should. Samuel constantly dreams of monsters that are going to come and kill him and Amelia, so when they stumble across a horrifying book called 'The Babadook', they don't realise what they have let themselves in for. Samuel begins to hallucinate and suffer from terrifying visions, causing him to become violent and unpredictable but when Amelia herself catches a glimpse of this illusive monster, she realises The Babadook may be real after all. 

Review:

The Babadook is an Australian horror movie written and directed by Jennifer Kent and is a breath of fresh air to the horror genre, which as of late, seems to rely on predictable jump scares and gore. This film however, is a complete work of art and relies on the atmosphere and tension of what lurks behind the camera lens. The Babadook plays with your emotions and psychological state of mind, preying on your weaknesses throughout the whole film. The whole environment mirrors the emotions and atmosphere of this dark tale, working side by side with an incredible performance from Essie Davis and magnificent cinematography and use of mise-en-scene. I can't fault this film in any way and being a huge horror fan, I struggle to find recent films that stand out and stick in my mind long after I have finished watching but I think it's safe to say before I go to sleep tonight I'll be checking underneath my bed for The Babadook.


5/5

Kicks (2009)

Hello guys, haven't done a film review for a while and today we had the pleasure of having a Q & A with successful screenwriter Leigh Campbell so I decided to watch 'Kicks' and write up my own review so here we go...


Kicks (2009)

Synopsis:

Two teenage girls strike up a friendship through a mutual obsession with a young footballer. One night they encounter Lee at a local nightclub and manage to entice him back to their caravan but things take a horrible turn when they discover that Lee and his team mates have a twisted perversion when it comes to humiliating young girls. Nicole decides to take revenge by keeping Lee tied up and threatening to end his career with a gun shot wound to the foot but will she go through with it?

Review:

The film's opening is atmospheric and even without the use of any dialogue, it allows the viewer to get an insight in to one of the main character's and the locations. There are several establishing shots of the city of Liverpool as we follow Nicole on her journey through the empty streets and it's impressive how the viewer is able to learn so much about this character just with the use of key shots. It takes a certain skill to pull off an opening that grabs the viewer's attention without using a single line of dialogue but as the film went on I became more and more disappointed. Although 'Kicks' gives off a sense of social realism, I found it extremely difficult to invest in the characters and there wasn't an awful lot of depth to them. Nicole (Kerrie Hayes) is slightly unpredictable and I found that her character traits changed throughout the film; this could be due to her erratic obsession with Lee but it seemed to switch in and out of credibility all of the time. 

Of course the film's interesting topic surrounding celebrity culture and teenage obsession is enthralling but personally, I felt as though there was so much more that could have been done with this and the girls' obsession with breast implants and WAGs portrays younger girls in a less than positive light. 

'Kicks' is a low-budget, independent film and although it does well with the materials available the climax is extremely disappointing and lacks any real drama. If you're looking for a gripping, urban, thriller that's challenging and thought provoking, then I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

2/5

Film of the Week

What's eating Gilbert Grape? (1993) 

Synopsis:
The film follows the story of Gilbert Grape, a young man living in a small, dead-end town. He spends most of his days working at the local grocery store and caring for his younger brother Arnie, who suffers from a mental disability and his morbidly obese mother who is trapped in her own home. It's not until he falls in love that he realises how consuming his family ties actually are.


-

Okay, so I'm probably completely biased towards this film because it was one of the first films my mum introduced me to when I was younger and it was one of our favourites but watch it for yourself and you'll see why it has a firm place in my heart.
Young DiCaprio plays Arnie Grape, a boy who suffers from a mental illness and he takes up this role in a truly remarkable fashion. His performance is so powerful and moving that it always brings me to tears. Depp on the other hand plays Arnie's older brother 'Gilbert' a hard-working young man who's under an insane amount of pressure to take care of his younger brother and his morbidly obese mother.
What's eating Gilbert Grape is somewhat predictable but that can be excused because it's such a beautifully sentimental film. It shows us that in a small town where nothing much goes on, there are people who are the true heroes of every day.

5 Books that made a great movie.

Afternoon guys :) 

I haven't had much chance to watch a lot of films these past few days so I thought I'd give you another list to work through. This time I'm going to share with you some of my favourite movies that are based around a book; again it will be in no particular order. 

5. The Lovely Bones (2009)

Directed by the talented Peter Jackson; this film is an emotional roller-coaster from start to end and if you haven't watched it then you're missing out on a beautifully scripted masterpiece. It's very difficult to bring a character to life from a book and do it justice but this film is incredibly well cast with the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon. Of course little Susie Salmon who is played by Saiorse Ronan is also an absolute wonder to watch. A moving, powerful film that really makes us wonder what actually happens when we die. 

4. Harry Potter (All of them) 

I'm the first to admit that I am in fact a Harry Potter superfan; the books were first released when I was 7 years of age so it took a few years before I started to read them and this was when I turned 11; which of course, is when the first film was released. Being the same age as Harry, Ron and Hermoine I practically grew up with them throughout the years and was always incredibly jealous that I hadn't been given a place at Hogwarts. The movies don't include several of the sub-plots that are in the books but this can be forgiven because each film is so powerful and action-packed, that it would be impossible to include everything from the book, especially parts that aren't key to the storyline. 

I have to say that the final films are my favourite, this could possibly be due to the fact that 'David Yates' directed them and he is from my home town and even studied at the same college I did so I have a soft spot for him. 

Anyway if you haven't seen these movies (where have you been?) then you DEFINITELY need to go and check them out and read the books too!

3. A Time To Kill (1996)

Now, I always find it difficult to place a film in to one of my all-time favourites list but 'A Time to Kill' is definitely one of them. A worthy winner in my top 10 movies of all time with incredibly powerful and moving acting; a storyline that pushes the boundaries in every way possible but really forces you to think and a film that shows the conflict and division between two races. The film is based off John Grisham's novel which was published in 1989 and it does it justice in every way possible; this film is a must see. 

2. Forrest Gump (1994)

Another one of my favourite films; Forrest Gump is a heart warming tale that makes you laugh and cry. Tom Hanks was perfect for the role and really brought Gump to life; I could never picture anyone else doing a better job. The book by Winston Groom (1986) was just as magical and it is fantastic that such a great book was able to be brought to life on screen. I know most of you will have watched this film but if you haven't then make sure it's at the top of your to do list, I promise you won't regret it. 

1. Shutter Island (2010)

Based on Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel this film is a mind twister; if you haven't read the book or seen the film then you're in for a surprise. Throughout the whole book/film you find yourself second guessing yourself and all of the characters; you don't know who to trust or what's really going on and that is what makes this film one of my favourite book adaptations. Don't expect this film to be an easy watch, you have to give it your divided attention if you want to keep up with what's going on and be sure not to miss anything but trust me it's worth your while!

Halloween Horror Night

Hello guys, so as I'm sure you're aware Halloween is right around the corner and if you're anything like me you prefer a night in front of the TV, in the dark, watching films that make you afraid to go to the toilet alone.
In light of that, I thought it would be a good idea to give you a list of my top 10 horror movies that chilled me to the bone. Oh, and they're not in any particular order.


10. 28 Days Later (2002)

If you're a huge fan of 'zombie horrors' and 'post-apocalyptic' movies like I am then this film will be right up your street. If you just so happen to live in London, then it could well be right up your street as this film is set in our wonderful capital. I am so accustomed to seeing zombie films set in America, that witnessing '28 days later' in London made things a little more real and all the more terrifying. 

1) Nobody wants a zombie apocalypse to happen outside their home.

2) These aren't your regular, slow and dumb zombies. These things run, fast.

Safe to say I'd be doomed from the beginning as an asthma sufferer and someone who is medically diagnosed with 'Lazy-itis'. (It's a real thing, my mum said so)...

Anyway, give this film a watch and I can guarantee, those of you begging for a zombie apocalypse (me included), will soon change their mind. 

9. Sinister (2012)

WARNING: DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM ALONE. 

I don't scare easily, honestly but this film really sent a shiver down my spine. Once it gets into the swing of things and we start witnessing what horrors lie on these tapes, it's safe to say it's definitely not something for the faint hearted. AND they get worse as they go on. 

If you're looking for a gruesome, twisted story with several jump scares then I definitely suggest you check out 'Sinister'. 

8. Grave Encounters (2011)

Don't be fooled by the film's shaky start. Yes, it is a massive cheesefest with terrible acting but I promise it gets better. Found footage horror's are one of my favourites; it's very difficult to make this kind of film work on a deeper level than several jump scares but 'Grave Encounters' does just that.

It's mental torture, it leaves you just as lost and confused as the characters and you literally have no idea what to expect the whole way through. It's never going to win any awards but for a low-budget horror I have to say it's definitely one of my favourites and I was a little tense throughout the whole thing so go and check it out and remember, PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON IT FOR THE FIRST 30 MINUTES. 

7. Single White Female (1992)

Okay, so this one isn't so much of a horror as it is a thriller but it's still pretty terrifying, I watched this for the first time at the tender age of 12 and it really stuck with me. The film isn't about jump scares or monsters (although 'Hedy' is pretty monstrous as the film goes on), it's more about the atmosphere and the plot. A fantastic, eerie thriller about crossing the line between friendship and obsession. Go check it out!

6. REC (2007)

Yep, another virus outbreak, found footage film; two of my favourite sub-genres combines which is why 'REC' is definitely one of my all-time favourites. It is a Spanish horror film but trust me, you'll be too afraid to take your eyes off what's going on to even think about reading the subtitles. The whole movie is dark, unsuspecting, tense and downright terrifying. If you're planning on watching it alone in the dark I have one word of warning for you... DON'T. 

5. Insidious (2013)

I won't lie; the first movie was terrible but as it says in my blog 'I'll watch anything once' and thought I'd give the second one a try after hearing much more positive reviews. It's not as frightening as the some of the others on my list but it definitely has it's moments. 'Insidious 2' has a way of hiding things in the background so as you submerge yourself in the scene, concentrating on what you may or may not see be able to see, the film slaps you in the face with jump scares. If you enjoyed the first one then check this out and if you didn't enjoy the first one, still check this out. 

4. Afflicted (2013)

I know, I know another found footage horror but I really am a sucker for these things. I came across this movie on a suggestion from Google and I wasn't disappointed. It's such an intriguing story and a little bit of a slow burner but once it gets into the swing of things I can assure you it's truly terrifying. When the film starts it has certain elements of a comedy and is rather light hearted but once it gets to the real storyline then the fun begins. 'Afflicted' is such an underrated film and I'm so glad I came across it so that I can pass the knowledge on to you. Give it a watch and let me know what you think.

3. The Woman in Black (2012)

Yes, I'm fully aware that this film was rated a 12 but it's scary, okay? Daniel Radcliffe will always have a place in my heart and it's always been difficult for him to shift that 'Harry Potter' image but this was the first film I've been able to watch him act in without seeing him as the loveable Potter. The film has such a tense atmosphere and leaves you guessing what's coming next, which makes for very uncomfortable viewing and that's exactly what we want this Halloween, right? 'The Woman in Black' has so many jump scares I'm pretty sure I spent most of my time in the air rather than on the couch and I find it intriguing how we see 'Arthur' at the house alone most of the time but it's still interesting to watch. The whole thing makes you feel isolated and uneasy, it's definitely not a 12a. 

2. Creep (2004)

Written and directed by British Independent film maker Christopher Smith; this low-budget horror really made the most of the little it had. I'm not a fan of slasher/gore films but I appreciate 'Creep' so much more than the others because there is also a plot and characters that we actually get to know. The title of the film describes the content pretty well and of course, with it being set in the London underground it makes it all the more terrifying. After watching this film it's safe to say the London Underground won't look the same to you again and remember, NEVER get locked in there overnight. 

1. The Possession of Michael King (2014)

It's been a while since I watched a film that frightened me enough to cause me to hide my eyes and be slightly hesitant about watching the rest but I soldiered on because in fact, this film does exactly what I wanted it to do. I've been waiting for a film with depth, atmosphere and a good plot for a very long time so I was extremely pleased with 'The Possession of Michael King'. I genuinely had no idea what was about to happen next and hiding behind the comfort and safety of my own blanket I still managed to jump out of my skin many times throughout the film. I don't want to give anything away on this one but if you're looking for something truly terrifying this Halloween then please go and watch this film!  

Sex Tape

Sex Tapes- Jake Kasdan

Hi guys, so today I watched 'Sex Tape' and I've read some pretty harsh reviews on this film but as a fan of both Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz I thought I'd check it out anyway.

Synopsis:

A married couple struggle to find the time and energy to keep up the intimacy in their relationship so to spice things up a little bit they decide to create their own sex tape. The next morning they are horrified to discover that their sex tape has been synced to all of their family and friends and they begin a frantic mission to find every single copy and erase it before it ruins their whole reputation.


Review:

As always, I began to watch this movie with an open mind and although it's not a creative masterpiece I have to say that I actually enjoyed it. No, it didn't provide me with many laughs and the storyline became a little bit like a silly sketch show towards the end but I had a huge soft spot for the lead characters 'Annie and Jay' and their on-screen chemistry is fantastic to watch. It certainly won't go down in history or be remembered as one of the greater comedies but it was remotely funny and every now and again it's nice to watch a film that doesn't require any kind of thought process. One downside of the film is that it does seem to spend an awful lot of time advertising 'Apple' products; in fact it probably spends more time on that than it does character development.
A fun, simple rom-com that you can enjoy with friends but probably one that you'll forget about the following day.

3.4/5

Film of the Week

Hey guys, after watching snippets of 'The Graduate' and 'Marathon Man' during university yesterday I rediscovered my love for Dustin Hoffman and thought I'd treat you all to my favourite Hoffman film of all time.

Rain Man (1988) :

 

Synopsis: 
Charlie Babbit (Cruise) is a selfish business man who works in the Los Angeles car industry. When his father passes away and leaves most of his inheritance to an unknown person, Charlie decides to look into it, only to discover he has a brother, Raymond Babbit (Hoffman). Raymond lives in a care home and suffers from autism, so when Charlie kidnaps him and disrupts the routine his brother has been accustomed to living by he realises he has bitten off more than he can chew but in a bid to gain possession of his father's $3 million, he takes Raymond across the country. The film follows their story as they begin to bond and regain the brotherly love that they had once lost and Charlie soon discovers the imaginary friend he had when he was younger (Rain Man) was actually his older brother, Raymond.


Review:

Rain Man is a loveable and touching movie; made even better by Hoffman and Cruise in their roles. The chemistry between the two brothers is so easy to see and it really gets you invested in the movie. I am a huge fan of the story, the dialogue and the characters and I remember watching this film for the first time when I was 10 years old; it was powerful enough to stick with me over the next thirteen years and it's one that I am always suggesting to my friends. If you haven't seen this movie then you're really missing out on one of Hoffman's most powerful performances and it's fascinating how the whole movie is framed around a character who is incapable of emotions.

Seriously, go and check this film out.

5/5

Annabelle

Annabelle- John R. Leonetti (2014)

Synopsis- A supernatural horror which links to a previous film 'The Conjuring'; it follows the story of a young couple who are due to have their first child. The husband, John buys the perfect gift for his wife, Mia- a vintage doll that she has been searching for and it soon takes pride of place in their home. Her excitement is short lived when she begins to experience terrifying visions and surreal events happening in her own home. It is soon discovered that the doll has been possessed by a satanic cult and is after her newborn daughter's soul.

Review-

I had heard mixed reviews on 'Annabelle' beforehand but decided to give it a go myself, only to discover that it was a complete waste of time. Yes, it had the occasional jump scare but it was far too predictable and the storyline was a bit of a farce. Considering the film is based around the doll, we don't actually see 'Annabelle' torment the family and it is more about the satanic cult who possessed it. The narrative has no real depth and the story focuses more attention on the lead character rather than the actual doll. This was film was written and shot within 14 months and you can certainly tell; it was rushed, bland and not something I would ever watch again. The film tries too hard to outdo 'The conjuring' and although some scenes are eerie and build quite a frightening atmosphere, it continues to disappoint again and again.
After watching the film the first question I asked was, 'what exactly was the point in that film?' and that's definitely not a good thing. Overall I wouldn't recommend this film, if you're a fan of the horror genre and scare really easily then give it a watch but don't expect a story that will draw you in and keep you interested.

1.5/5

Lucy

The Plot:

Lucy (Johansson) is forced to traffic a new drug named 'CPH4' but after being attacked by her captors, the bag bursts inside of her and as the drug passes through her system we watch as Lucy's brain capacity increases; allowing her to enhance her physical and mental abilities much further than anyone ever thought possible. As her powers begin to grow she realises that when she reaches 100% capacity she will cease to exist so Lucy sets out to find Professor Norman (Freeman) to help him advance his research and give him all the answers he has been looking for.
But what does happen to the human body when it's brain uses it's maximum cerebral capacity?



Tonight I watched 'Lucy' directed by Luc Besson and even though I didn't thoroughly enjoy the film, it was definitely slightly better than I had anticipated. The film is fast paced and full of action, just like you expect from a Hollywood Blockbuster but the character's lack any real depth. Lucy (Johansson) starts off as a young woman who gets caught up in a world of drug trafficking but it seems as soon as she is able to use more of her brain capacity, she becomes completely robotic and monotone. We see no emotion, no feelings, no character and it's very difficult to connect with her. I was also disappointed about the lack of Morgan Freeman throughout the film, him being one of my favourite actors and one of the main reasons I decided to check Lucy out.
'Lucy' has plenty of high cost action scenes; gun shots, car crashes, the usual and if you like that sort of thing then you can probably get over the fact that this film actually lacks any real storyline and character. The special effects were intriguing and eccentric, there were several scenes included throughout the film that were a little bit gruesome too and I can't deny the fact that it was impressive in parts.
Overall I found 'Lucy' to be rather hollow and there were definite elements of 'Limitless' but if you're trying to pass some time and can't find anything else to watch then give it a go. It's action packed, a little bit absurd and does spark the question, 'what would humans be capable of if we were able to access more of our brain?'
Don't expect to find the answer in this film.

2.5/5

Recommended film of the week.

Hi guys,
I haven't had the chance to watch any films these past couple of days but thought I'd give you guys a chance to watch one of my recommendations.
I've watched so many films throughout my life time and find it very difficult to pick a favourite, or even a top 10 for that matter so from now on I am going to post one of my favourite films each week. I'll give you all a bit of information about the plot and some reasons why I love it and if you do check it out, make sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Film of the week:

Yep, that's right. Cape Fear (1991) Directed by the wonderful Martin Scorsese and starring the incredibly talented Robert De Niro.
This film has been one of my favourites for over 10 years now; it is an eerie tale of obsession and if you're a little bit squeamish I'd probably give it a miss but you'll miss out on an intriguing, dark tale and fantastic acting by De Niro and Juliette Lewis.
The story revolves around a psychopath who, upon his recent release from prison, is desperate to exact his revenge on his former lawyer, who he believes was responsible for getting him sent down. Cady (De Niro) watches the family for a while, figuring out their conflicts and their darkest fears and uses all of those against them to cause chaos. Cape Fear is a powerful film with a dark atmosphere and Scorsese steered away from the usual 'bad remake' that other directors suffer from and in fact, created a brilliant thriller that you can watch again and again.

So give it a watch guys, let me know what you think!

A Walk Among The Tombstones

Synopsis:

A Walk Among The Tombstones is based on the best selling novel series by Lawrence Block. Liam Neeson plays 'Scudder'; an ex-alcoholic, ex-NYPD cop who is now working as an unlicensed private investigator. He agrees to help a heroin dealer who's wife was kidnapped and brutally murdered but once he discovers who these men are he realises this isn't the first time they have committed such a heinous crime and it certainly won't be the last. Scudder has to find a way to track down these men and put a stop to them before it's too late.

Review:

Neeson takes up his usual role and runs to the rescue of helpless young women, we've seen it all before but 'A Walk Among The Tombstones' has a little more depth and although it didn't quite blow me away, it was definitely worth a watch.
It's difficult to connect with Scudder (Neeson) to start off with. The viewer doesn't get to know who he really is and it's hard to relate to his character, so when he begins his mission, you find yourself distanced from the whole situation. This is, of course, until Scudder strikes up a friendship with a young boy named TJ and we are finally given that crucial piece of background information we've all been waiting for. Why was it Scudder became an alcoholic and why did he leave the NYPD? Once we learn about the stray bullet that ruined his career and caused his life to come crashing down around him we are able to open up to Scudder a little bit more.
As the story continues and we learn of all the gruesome crimes these men have been committing, the viewer is able to absorb themselves in the plot and get behind Neeson on his journey to rescue another young girl from a horrific end.

A Walk Among The Tombstones is an exciting noirish crime thriller and Frank's use of locations and surroundings add to the setting and tension building up throughout the whole film. It's not something I would personally watch again but if you're a huge Neeson fan then why not check it out? Just make sure you give it a bit of time to get going as it's a little longer than I, personally, would have liked and I did lose interest at several points throughout the film.



3.3/5

Jacob's Ladder (1990) - My first review

Hi guys! I thought I'd start off with an older film for my first review, partly because I've wanted to watch Jacob's ladder for a while now and partly because I don't want to post a badly worded review of a new film. I want to practice my analytical skills and train myself to watch a film for both pleasure and work.

So, here we go. 

Jacob's Ladder (1990) 

Synopsis: 

Jacob was a soldier in the Vietnam War; upon his return home and back to reality, he is plagued by visions and hallucinations. As these visions begin to occur more often and become more disturbing, Jacob realises he is slowly losing his grip on reality. He begins his own battle to find the truth and must now fight his own personal war to keep a firm grasp on his sanity but to do that he has to be able to separate what's real and what's not.

Review: 

Straight from the word go the viewer is thrust into the centre of the action with fast paced shots, sharp cutting from scene to scene and several point of view shots. It's chaotic, blurry and a little bit frightening as the viewer is unable to grasp what is quite going on. 

Lyne allows the viewer to build a connection with Jacob from the very beginning; the use of close-ups and point of view shots include them in the film and this carries on throughout. The whole film feels a little dark, almost representative of Jacob's outlook on life after returning from the war and this is put across to the viewer in the surroundings, the lightings and even certain angles in some shots. Lyne's use of slow motion whenever Jacob experiences a hallucination coincides with the surreal feeling it is supposed to give us. 

Tim Robbins brings Jacob's character to life with a powerful performance representing what it is like to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. He is believable and it is very easy to be drawn in by his character; I was rooting for him the whole time and it's almost as if you are on the same journey to uncover the truth. 

Jacob's Ladder is a fast paced, hard hitting film with so many twists and turns; leaving your head reeling in confusion and desperate for answers throughout. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would definitely recommend it to others. It can seem a little long winded but if you stick it out I promise you won't be disappointed. 

4.5/5 

Introductions.

Hello guys, I'm Gemma and I am an undergraduate film studies with film production student and wanted to get a little bit of extra practice for critical analysis on films. I will be watching all the new releases and then posting reviews and interpretations here on my blog. They may lack any real information and depth to begin with but give me time.
I welcome all feedback and any suggestions for films you would like me to watch and review.

Thanks everyone.