Recently I went on a two-week relaxing holiday to the south of
France, meaning I haven’t been to the cinema in a while and watching
films became a second priority to getting a tan.
Before I went away, during my holiday and since I’ve been home, there
are a few things that I’m doing/watching/reading/etc that I think are
worth discussing. So this blog post is something of a ‘things I like (or obsessing over might be a better choice of words) right now’ thing if you will, until I see a new film to review or find something else to inspire me to blog.
1. The ridiculously successful life of Maude Apatow, who recently wrote a piece for HelloGiggles about ‘Falling Out of Love with Twitter’ which I can wholeheartedly relate to. People younger than you can still be role model’s, right?
2. Finally giving Joss Whedon’s enthralling Firefly a
go and admiring every single one of the cast members. I also like the
fact I can now join Troy and Abed’s club of getting the show back on the air.
3. Reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, on
holiday, and concluding that the 1994 film adaptation must have added
different stories to make a longer duration. Then finding out, from
google, that in fact, there are two volumes of the book and I have yet
to read the next one to get to the long-awaited proposal between Laurie
and Jo.
4. Crying with laughter with my little sis, while watching the newly released gag reel from The Avengers.
Cobie Smulders steals the show with her outtake, while Mark Ruffalo’s
dropping of a prop and Tom Hiddleston’s Alan Rickman impression are
reason enough to re-watch the gag reel at least seven times.
5. Knowing that I will never be able to form a good
recreation of any of the dance scenes from the surprisingly good
Footloose remake. I can practice the Fake I.D dance scene all I like, it doesn’t change the fact I have no rhythm.
6. Enjoying a piece of brie every lunchtime in France. (Things I don’t like: the affect the brie has on my physique)
7. Downloading The Calling’s 2001 debut album, Camino Palmero, to reminisce being 7.
8. Finding a new favourite beauty product (something
that is quite rare for me) in Dream Fresh BB Cream from Maybelline. I
don’t rave about beauty stuff often but this cream is a glorious
exception.
9. Watching random episodes of How I Met Your Mother
and realising that the fondness I have for Jason Segel is larger than I
thought. 9a. Finding this video of Segel and Neil Patrick Harris singing a song from Les Mis, increasing my fondness.
10. Discovering I actually had nine things to put in this post, when at first there was only three. Thanks for reading!
(image source)
Running Time: 143 mins Directed By: Joss Whedon Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett
Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom
Hiddleston Screenplay: Zak Penn and Joss Whedon
UK Release Date: 26 April 2012
Quick Plot: Earth is under attack from evil frost giant Loki, so Nick Fury realises it's time to round up the
S. H. I. E. L. D crew of Iron Man, Bruce Banner, Captain America, Thor and co. in hope to avenge the earth (pun intended). Although throwing together a bunch of different superheroes might not run as smoothly as earth hopes.
Review: It’s every teenage
boys dream come true. The greatest superheroes known to film are finally
together and protecting mankind on earth in Marvels, The Avengers. Waiting for
what seems like decades, Joss Whedon has grasped every ounce needed to complete
the Marvel film to a fan boy’s expectation.
There’s nothing else quite like the Marvel
cinematic universe, so the film itself is very cleverly crafted, with actors
from other films and references left, right and centre it makes the film part
of a famous series. Yet, it also stands alone as one of the greatest superhero
movies to date. With four of the main character’s backgrounds already
represented to us through 5 films, The Avengers starts in the deep end and the
audience is already on the good side. Even if you haven’t seen the likes of
Thor, Captain America, Iron Man and the Hulk before (but if you haven’t, where
have you been?!), enough is explained through short remarks and tiny flashbacks
that everyone is up to speed and in the know of what exactly is going on.
The earth’s in
trouble and Nick Fury knows it’s finally time to call in the big guns; the lost
in time Steve Rogers, billionaire Tony Stark, the two men in one Bruce Banner, Thunder
God Thor and S.H.I.E.L.D’s dangerous assassins Natasha Romanoff and Clint
Barton.
With more than one
superhero on the scene, you’d expect the film to drag in certain areas and race
through with others, but their time is spread evenly and it’s exciting. Introducing
each character to most filmmakers would be a time consuming task for a feature,
however their stories are woven in the plot, with tension between them all,
helping the whole film to flow as one.
The entire cast is the glue to the film and if
even one of them was played by someone else, I find it hard to believe the film
would be the same. Evans, Downey Jr, Hemsworth and Ruffalo are incredible, like
always, making their own character genuinely real for the screen; Ruffalo especially,
as he is the new actor on the scene as Bruce Banner.
This is the Hulks
finest hour and it’s clear that from the mixed reactions to his own films, the
Hulk is the best when he’s with the team. Both green and in human form, Ruffalo
has fitted right into the role, delivering an immaculate portrayal.
Then, there’s
probably the best assassin duo in the world; Black Widow and Hawkeye. Though
they’re more unknown, they piece together with the team and get some
impressive, all-out action in the film. Hawkeye’s bow and arrow pieces, with
very smart camera angles, are absolutely unbelievable and, super or not, stand
out.
Loki in Thor was
evil enough, but Loki in The Avengers is so wickedly demonic that he’s actually
perfect. No one can argue against the fact that Tom Hiddleston is fantastic and
in The Avengers he steps up to levels that simply don’t exist for some actors,
proving that Hiddleston can range to different characters. His malicious words
and threats are gripping, while also leaving him on the receiving end to one of
the film’s funniest moments. Loki fits the role for best villain ever.
Now The Avengers is nowhere
near a comedy film, but the humour it does entail is absolutely pristine.
Whether it’s Tony Stark doing his best Shakespeare impression, or the Hulk
getting angry with Loki, laughing is quite simply unavoidable.
If I were to be
picky, the flaw would be the robotic villains. But even then, with everything
else going on, all together they make it brilliant. Each and every action scene
throughout is spectacular and gripping; however nothing tops the final battle
sequence.
In all honesty, The Avengers only needed a few
slip ups for it to become a letdown but, of course, this is Joss Whedon we’re
talking about. With the most characteristic, visually stunning actors around
today, The Avengers has it all; comedy, action and all round faultless
superhero clichés. It’s an understatement to call it perfect.
The greatest superhero film is now in existence and you’ll
be a fool to miss it.
Running Time: 146 mins Directed By: Steven Spielberg Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan Screenplay: Lee Hall, Richard Curtis UK Release Date: 27th January - UK
Quick Plot: In 1914 England, youngAlbert trains and bonds with a horse named Joey. After the war breaks out, Joey is sold to battle alongside Britain and so begins his journey through France, touching hearts of many people.
Review: Converting the famous children’s book by Michael Morpurgo and West End adaptation War Horse into a film is something only a few directors would be successful in. Luckily, Steven Spielberg has been. In possibly his most family orientated directorial in years, War Horse includes all the pieces needed for a Spielbergian classic and then more.
War Horse sticks to everything Spielberg is known for; beautiful setting shots, a little hint of war and characters that are so engaging to watch; it’s hard not to admire many things about the film.
Morpurgo’s novel is told through the eyes of the horse, therefore it is expected that a film from this view would be a challenge to create. Spielberg’s War Horse mostly looks at Joey, the very characteristic horse of the film, as he experiences different people in his journey. Then there are other moments where everything is seen from Joey’s point of view. From the beginning scene of Joey’s birthday to the separation from his mother, Joey’s introduction is explained in beautiful detail which makes it so easy to feel for him and identify Joey as the protagonist.
As always, John Williams’ score and theme for War Horse helps encourage empathy towards characters and situations. With bold, strong string chimes and tones, Joey’s presence is at times gracious and others, weak and frightened. Williams has created a defined a theme for Joey, which is sure to be iconic in years to come.
Although overall it feels like an 80s/90s Spielberg classic, the technology in transitions and cinematography offer War Horse a modern flare. Little moments in scenes are cleverly crafted to minimise the horror of war for a family viewing, but of course the war theme is something Stevie perfects. Watch out for a mesmerising shot with a windmill sail, though not at all pleasant it’s gentle to the heart one of the best moments.
Young Jeremy Irvine, as Joey’s human pal Albert, holds a passion in his first feature film role showing in many ways the meanings in Morpurgo’s book. Albert is Joey’s main friend during his adventure and like many Spielberg films; it’s a cherished friendship which reflects traces of Elliot and ET. Albert’s time training Joey is an enjoyable and precious which definitely highlights the sheer beauty of the story. The rest of the ensemble is strong; Watson, Mullan, Thewlis, Hiddleston and Cumberbatch give real, emotive inputs which are as good as ever. Even with the difference in character screen time, neither actor stands above another in particular because War Hose is a collective ensemble piece.
The 146 minute run time is a bit of a stretch, especially for a family viewing, but the film doesn’t feel dragged out in the end. For each individual, there will be people Joey meets who are preferred and others who feel irritating or a little selfish, but each segment of the film has a moment where your heart moves.
To finish, the English and German solider conversion needs a small mention- War Horse isn't expected to funny, but near the end of the film there is a grand scene with an English and German soldier which lit up the approaching end. There is no official or professional way to describe it other than absolutely lovely and touching.
War Horse is a definite Spielberg hit which has something for every member of the family. It’s the perfect Sunday afternoon film, but make sure you have tissues handy. 4/5
Running Time: 114 mins
Directed By: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings,
Screenplay: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Don Payne
UK Release Date: Official release date is 29th April 2011
Quick Plot: Belligerent and powerful Thor and soon to be King of Asgard is banished to Earth by his Father for his selfish ways. With help of humans, Thor must be true to himself to get back to Asgard and fight his forever envying brotherLoki.
Review: Wow. Wow, wow, wow. I thought Summer Blockbusters started for me once I saw Source Code, but now I must say it is official. Even though I rated Source Code 5 stars and Thor only 4, it still lives up to the Summer Blockbuster expectation and I think Thor is one of the best films I've seen this year regardless.
So to start on my non-spoiler review, I won't go into too much detail and ruin it but if you see Thor and you are a Marvel fan, be on the look out like you probably always are. And I will say this now in case I forget but please, oh please stay until the very end of the film for the credits. Last year when I saw Iron Man 2, my cousin and I were foolish and left once the credits started to roll only to come home to find a sensible person online telling everyone to wait until the very end. Luckily I watched the end credits Iron Man 2 (which I will post below) on youtube last week to make up for it (in bad quality but that's my fault).
Anyway, I first had my doubts of Thor if I'm honest. I LOVEMarvel films and am always excited for their next release but I haven't read enough Marvel comics to be an Avenger/Marvel wikipedia on them so the story of Thor wasn't something I knew a great deal about. Captain America,Iron Man, etc.. however I knew much more about but then after the first trailer of Thor my mind changed because Thor is a God. The God of Thunder to be precise. And Gods, myths and legends are something I always admire and love watching at the cinema. Thor however is in connection to modern day earth, looking after us from afar and the distinction between Earth and Asgard worked perfectly well. For those who are lucky and are not nerdy like me and didn't take part in unnecessary research into the production of Thor, Kenneth Branagh is new to directing this genre of film and I've got to hand it to him that Thor is fantastic and probably one of the best films I have seen this year!
I don't have to say anything about Natalie Portman to prove that because even if she was replaced with a terrible actress, Thor would have pulled it off because every aspect of the film is a grand achievement. I've just got to mention that Natalie was great as always just for me admiration but let's push her aside for a moment to talk about Chris Hemsworth as Thor. This has probably been one of the best film castings for Marvel in a long time because Hemsworth nailed everything about him. He's buff, solid, angry, powerful and this has started him off on something new. Kat Dennings too brings the humour to the film which I've got to mention because I'm a Dennings fan..go on hate me. I don't want to go on about it too much because my reviews are always bad because of this, but all the acting is great blah blah. Tom Hiddleston was also exceptional and I hope this brings him lots of other blockbuster and big budget films. The 'friends' or whatever they were of Thor's are all as great and have a good part throughout the film. The sound effects were marvelous but I found the visuals extremely stunning. Thor is released as a 3D and 2D film. I watched it today in 2D because I think 3D is a waste of my money and 9/10 times 3D just makes trees, leafs and stars look brighter. With this I couldn't see any specific scenes that would have made any difference in 3D because I was hoping for a scene where Thor would maybe throw the hammer towards the screen but not a thing like this happened to my dissapointment. But regardless the special effects, especially when at Asgard were beautiful. The colours on both Earth and Asgard were vibrant and showed the newly reformed Marvel.
The film starts off with a pre credit scene of when three scientists in New Mexico are chasing a storm but instead find Thor. Then there is the long introductory to Thor, about his father and brother, the kingdom of which he lives with lots of action, battles and brilliant effects. Maybe there are much more greater scenes throughout, especially more epic battles and fights but I think the first few scenes is definitely what Marvel has been missing for the past few years with their films. Iron Man 2 wasn't a bad film but it got into the story too quick and lets us not begin with Wolverine..
I have yet to read this comic of Thor but I already think the plot is fantastic. Though I'm probably going to be the only one to admit it, Thor is very much similar to a feel good film. He's selfish and immature at first, no way fit to be a King but he learns how to respect people and when he finally has the strength to hold the iconic Hammer, you feel over the moon for him even though he is only a handsome fictional character. Thor too has funny lines, I laughed a great deal in this, maybe more than I did with Your Highness, the screenplay is quirky and the characters are funny. A definite for Cineworld but most probably all cinema showings across the UK, you will be shown the X-Men: First Class and Captain America: First Avenger trailer which are both awesome in many ways and if you're anything like me, will get you right hyped up for Thor. Make sure you stay for the end credits and remember, keep an eye out for everything. But don't spend all your time looking I don't want anyone not paying attention to Thor too.
I have to recommend this film to everyone. Not everyone will enjoy it though. If you dislike superheros, action, myths and legends you won't like Thor but I'm not going to tell you to turn it away because I adored it and have fallen more in love with Marvel.
Thor was utterly perfect and so much more than I expect. I hope Captain America and X-Men possibly Green Lantern are just as exceptional and then I can assure you this will be a very good Summer indeed. I hope to see this film countless of times as it could possible be one of my favourite Marvel films..let us see how this year pans out.
Easily the film I recommend. Hopefully I will be seeing this film sometime soon again...
Thor Official trailer
Ending credits of Iron Man 2 that is used in Thor.
