I've only taken two cinema trips this month, but still watched a few films for the first time on DVD or TV which are worthy of a mention.
Revolutionary Road (2008) 3/5
My Cousin Vinny (1992) 4/5
Brighton Rock (2010) 3/5 The Muppets (2012) 4/5
The Graduate (1967) 5/5
His Girl Friday (1940) 4/5
Couples Retreat (2009) 2/5
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) 3/5
Kill List (2011) 4/5
The Brothers Grimm (2005) 2/5 Like Crazy (2012) 3.5/5
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) 4/5
Annie Hall (1977) 3.5/5
Running Time: 90 mins Directed By: Drake Doremus Starring: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston, Oliver Muirhead Screenplay: Drake Doremus, Ben York Jones UK Release Date: 27th January - UK
Quick Plot: While at college in LA, British student Anna falls for American student Jacob and overstays her visa to be with him. After visiting her family in England, Anna finds herself unable to enter America and is deported. Forcing the couple apart, they battle timezone differences, new jobs and friends to try and maintain their love for each other.
Review: A film focusing on the realistic power of young love is rarer than first thought. Drake Doremus’ Sundance winner Like Crazy grasps a truly believable story between a young couple as they come to terms with being apart after a summer of passion and sweet romance.
Shot with a held hand camera and a script mostly improvised by the actors, Like Crazy is realistic enough that it feels almost like a documentary. It’s as if there is a real Anna and Jacob who went through a long distance relationship. It could even be argued that there is, as Doremus revealed the story is based on his and co writer Ben York Jones own experiences of when they were younger. However, mostly it’s easily relatable; looking at a real life setting, characters and events, there is at least one part of Like Crazy people have been through or will go through in life.
Even though the premise of the film is easy to follow, it’s Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin who keep the story alive and engaging. By being given a rough outline of the story by Doremus, the pair delved into the characters minds and aspects using a lot of improvisation to bring Anna and Jacob together. Alone, they are great however on screen together are their best moments as little dialogue is needed. In simple touches, eye contact and actions they overpower the film in tenderness with not a clichéd line or moment in sight.
Like Crazy has the perfect balance of acting talents, while the main focus of the film remains on the leads, Alex Kingston and Oliver Muirhead make a fine add on as Anna’s parents in a small role with a lot of meaning.
Without Jones and Yelchin’s passionate chemistry, the improvised script and gentle, realistic feel from the camera angles wouldn’t be enough for the film to survive as a sweet, indie romance. Luckily, their acting is the glue to it all, keeping it together over a few shabby moments. There are obvious flaws in the plot, where character decisions are foolishly considered or the rush of the story jumps from heartache to happiness and back again. It seems romantic that Anna would not return home in line with her student visa but realistically, you’d reconsider it as two months away from Jacob to then return without overstaying the visa is better than being deported and not being able to move back for a few years.
Furthermore, at times the characters seem irritably conceited and reckless. Actress of the moment Miss Jennifer Lawrence and a not so twilightly Charlie Bewley are used respectively as contrasts to Anna and Jacob as each one of the pair’s new interest in LA and London. They gain a lot of sympathy by being dumped and taken back when Anna and Jacob want them, which makes the lead characters a little off-putting and less relatable.
But it’s the realism the film holds which makes it so captivating. It’s not a sweet, happy tale of young love but an honest one. The couple’s strain after being separated is heightened in many ways over missing each other’s calls, questioning the trust of each other when they are absent and then once reunited.
Playing out away from the norm of romantic dramas, Like Crazy is about real young love and the print it leaves on all of us.
It's that time of the year again! Even though I haven't posted anything about awards for the last few weeks, I felt the need to blog and say something about the Academy Awards nomination.
This time last year I was overjoyed at the fact I had seen 8/10 Best Picture nominees but this year I find myself not being able to share a real opinion having only seen 2/9. But I'm still going to (irreverently) comment and * my choices to win...
Best Picture
The Artist* The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse
- Ok so I know I haven't actually seen The Artist yet, but I want it to win. I've heard such great stuff about it, not just from critics, and it'll be glorious to see it win! As an unpopular opinion, the Best Pic category looks 75% decent. Hugo and The Tree of Life were beautiful and I'm sure War Horse, Midnight in Paris are too. Though, I have absolutely no idea what Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is doing, seeing as it currently stands at a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.2 on imdb. I didn't think The Help was particularly Best Picture worthy either. What about 50/50, Drive, Shame and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo?
Best Director
The Artist - Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants - Alexander Payne
Hugo - Martin Scorsese *
Midnight in Paris - Woody Allen
The Tree of Life - Terrence Malick
-This looks a strong category! (But no Fincher?) Having only seen two, I can't really decide out of them all but know that each of these are definitely honourable. But for me, I want Marty to nab it. I adored Hugo and was very happy Martin won the Golden Globe.
Best Actor
Demián Bichir - A Better Life
George Clooney - The Descendants
Jean Dujardin - The Artist*
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt - Moneyball
-I don't knowwww. I'm happy Oldman has been nominated which could be another unpopular opinion, but again, even though I haven't seen it, I like the idea of Jean Dujardin winning but it will be close with Clooney of course.
Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh - My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill - Moneyball
Nick Nolte - Warrior
Christopher Plummer - Beginners
Max von Sydow - Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
-I don't have a preference for Best Supporting Actor. I've only seen My Week With Marilyn from this list and even though I thought Branagh was excellent, it could really be anyone. From a friend I've heard Beginners is fantastic and Plummer's Golden Globe was agreed with. It'd be great if Jonah Hill won though- imagine!
Best Actress
Glenn Close - Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis - The Help
Rooney Mara - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams - My Week With Marilyn*
-Queen Meryl has it in the bag, but I'm still completely taken by Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. She really got into the role and performed it well so she's my favourite. If Rooney Mara wins I might cry of happiness because she's adorable.
Best Supporting Actress
Bérénice Bejo - The Artist
Jessica Chastain - The Help
Melissa McCarthy - Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer - Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer - The Help
-Even though I haven't seen The Help, I feel Chastain's nomination would be better for Tree Of Life, but her role in The Help has had a lot of buzz around it. I like the idea of McCarthy being nominated, but not winning it. This one is going to be tough to call.
Best Animated Film
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2*
Puss in Boots*
Rango
-I'm gutted because each year, I've pretty much seen all of the nominations for animations but this year I've seen one. ONE. I'm appalled at myself and don't think Rango lives up to winning anyway. Heard good things about Chico & Rita, Panda and Puss and don't quite know what A Cat In Paris is. I'd be happy for Dreamworks to win so either of them two.
As for the rest, I will cry tears of joy if Man or Muppet wins best original song. For over a week now I haven't got a day without singing it in my head (sometimes out loud). Rio was very catchy though.
I feel like I've slacked with listening to film scores this year. Not one of the scores I've downloaded which I've liked from a film are nominated so I have no idea.
The nominations this year are a bit...meh. I mean, some are obvious winners such as The Artist and The Descendants. Hugo leads the list with 12 nominations so I really hope it does well.
Others are shocking. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close for starts and then Transformers 3 with 3 nominations? What is going on?!
No Ryan Gosling? Fassbender? Shame or Drive for Best Pic? Do the academy not want them both to attend the ceremony looking handsome in suits, etc? Ok, their good looks aside, their performances have been praised by critics but they're obviously too good for the academy..
Also very shocked there is nothing for Tilda Swinton in We Need To Talk About Kevin. Something's not quite right.
watch the Oscars hosted by Billy, as I'm quite a youngling, so I am very much looking forward to this!
The Academy Awards are on Feb 26th. Be sure to check back a few days after to see my thoughts on the event.
Running Time: 103 mins Directed By: James Bobin Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Kermit the frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie bear, Walter, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones Screenplay: Jason Segel, Nicholas Stoller UK Release Date: 10th Februrary 2012 - UK
Quick Plot: After being a fan of The Muppets for his whole life, young Walter ventures to LA with his older brother and his girlfriend to experience The Muppets tour! To his dismay, he is greeted by a ghost town and an evil businessman, Tex Richman, who plans on destroying the studio to dig for oil. Walter is determined to bring the gang back together and raise money before Richman gets to the plot.
Review: It's been almost 12 years since a Muppets theatrical release, although it feels as if no time has passed at all! In quite possibly the most feel good film of 2011, The Muppets is entertaining, bright, quirky and a great deal of fun.
It's absolutely glorious to see Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang back together on screen. There is an abode of unexpected nostalgia surrounding The Muppets from the moment the first song is acted out, causing smiles from the familiar scent of a Manha Manha's and Being Green. In a family movie world surrounded by 3D and CGI, The Muppets is fresh but it does not stray far from the previous franchised films altogether. On screen, the beaming presence from the actors, and matched vibe brought over from the director, make it clear this new Muppets film was crafted by passionate fans of the Muppets legend.
Jason Segel will forever be praised for bringing The Muppets back on the big screen and, better yet, he's grand to watch alongside them. Segel's singing isn't half bad and paired with the ever so delightful, Disney favourite, Amy Adams; they complement each other to give a full hearted performance in musical numbers and their sweet character relationship. But as expected, The Muppets are not over shadowed, being central to all of the attention they do what they do best; sharing the third best gift- laughter. Was that cheesy? Yes. But is it true? Absolutely. New kid on the block Walter has everything that defines a Muppet; a perky mind set, distinctive voice (by Peter Linz) and even a signature song, but it’s Walter’s exhilarating affection which makes him so likable. Children will adore the newcomer as he represents many kids, mostly big kids, across the world as a diehard Muppets fan. It’s a shame the pinnacle of the film for Walter feels unsatisfactory, however gloss that over with the hilarity of his better moments and it’s soon forgiven.
Like any Muppet movie, it's full to the brim of celebrity cameos, which is entertainment enough. Some of the appearances are completely unexpected and there's no other response to seeing them but to laugh. Perfectly timed, perfectly chosen, overall it’s one of the greatest parts of The Muppets. Most of the cameo roles, who are obvious pals of Segel and co., continue to bring light on screen with their appearances (Emily Blunt especially), because their madcap characters are obviously some of the most fun they have endured in a film.
Unsurprisingly, the soundtrack stands as the heart and soul of the entire film. Full of upbeat, cheery tones bringing genuine enthusiasm and fun to the Muppets, it's impossible not to smile at the musical numbers. Then, in the usual Muppet manner, most of the musical numbers delve into comedy- in particular the fantastic 'Am I a Man or a Muppet' performed by Segel and Walter.
The icing on the cake for The Muppets is that collectively it isn’t perfect. There are moments where a few jokes feel repeated and certain characters start to become dull, but as soon as The Muppets starts to feel low it shoots right back on top with an epic musical number, sweet cameo or touching awakening for a character or two.
Fans who have anticipated the return of the Muppets will consequently be overjoyed in this resurrection while unhappy folk who don’t obviously won’t. Remember, Life’s A Happy Song. 4/5
When I started off, I didn't expect to still be posting after a month, as I usually give up with stuff like this. In the first year I have received just over 14000 views and I still can't believe it. I didn't think I'd get anywhere near this much recognition with my posts, so thank you to every single person who has visited, even if it has just been to read one blog post or just voted on a poll- it means a lot that people have taken their time out to visit my blog.
Not only that, I have been lucky in the response and opportunities I have received in 2011. I got the chance to help out Lionsgate with The Hunger Games by participating in testimonials about the books and what I am hoping for from the film. I got a chance to see The Lion King in 3D a month before it's UK release from Disney which I am extremely lucky and thankful for. Back in August I attended (I brought tickets myself so it wasn't an opportunity) a day at the Empire Big Screen which was fantastic! There I met a fellow film blogger iamnotwaynegale and have since been very happy to write a few words about trailerreleases over at her site for the past few months. James King reviewed a review I made for a Virgin Media Short back in November which is very overwhelming to think of, I am very lucky.
Reviewing each film I saw at the cinema last year what a bigger task than I expected. But I'm glad I persevered because by looking at my first review (don't look too much, it's awful!) and my last one, I can see a clear improvement in the way I construct my reviews. My writing has improved the most which is my main achievement. I still have a long way to go before I am at any type of professional standard, but I'm happy with how I have progressed.
This year I hope to continue in writing reviews and hopefully more film related posts. A few new polls, some film news here and there and some round ups of winners and events at awards season! I am aiming to review cinema releases like I did this year, but with my 6th form work and exams, it's going to have to be second priority. My plan is to still review a film even if I don't end up posting it a few days, weeks or even a month after my viewing. Instead of new releases, I will also aim to write a few reviews of films I see on DVD or TV as I adore old cinema just as much as upcoming releases.
Who knows what 2012 will bring! Un-film related, I have exams in a few months, my first plane journey and a big birthday towards the latter of the year. As for films, I'm mostly excited for my big 5- The Dark Knight Rises, The Amazing Spider-man, The Avengers, The Hunger Games, The Hobbit as well as Brave, Snow White and the Huntsmen, Prometheus, Dark Shadows and The Perks of being a Wallflower. Then there are other, smaller, films which I am anticipating.
Here's to 2012! If you are still reading then I hope you have a great 2012!
Happy Feet 2
On Christmas Eve I saw Happy Feet 2 but because of Christmas, I had no time to write a review. In case anyone is interested in my view on the film...
I enjoyed it. The baby penguins are cute but it's nowhere near as good as the first film. It broke records the first film and you can see why. The second feels too much similar and at parts it just felt over repeating. I laughed at it though because of the krill (Matt Damon and Brad Pitt) they were hilarious. Probably unneeded but they did their job right. My younger cousins enjoyed it which is all I'm happy about. 2.5/5
In my 17 years of existence, 2011 hasn't been a bad film year for me (even though for others I have heard a different opinion). Either way, it's the time of the year to look back at your favourite films. Sadly, the scale of films I've seen this year for the first time is not quite as huge as those of official critics and film personnel's. However as I spent my cinema year of 2011 reviewing each new film I've seen, I thought I'd create my own favourites list (that, and the fact I just want to). I'm very interested in knowing other peoples favourites, so if you have your own list and would like to share it, please send me a link or write them in a comment below!
There are many films I missed out on seeing this year (such as Drive, Midnight In Paris, We Need To Talk About Kevin, Tyrannosaur, Melancholia, Kill List) which I will hopefully catch on DVD. In particular, I have yet to see many critics film of the year, The Artist, as it has a late UK release. So my 2011 review is based on a much smaller selection of films (54 to be precise). So without anymore rambling here are my favourites of 2011:
My Top 10 films of 2011
10. Source Code(review here)
After the success of Moon, Source Code had a high bar to impress and for me it did. I admit it's not as extraordinary as Moon, but it still left me completely bewildered. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a more emotional role than I expected, but Source Code got to me like Moon. I found the concept of it exciting and at first a little confusing but that was what I found most fascinating. I left the cinema having seen Source Code, feeling more than content and I just really enjoyed itwhich is all you can really ask for.
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2(mini review here)
Most people have come to the conclusion the last two films of the Harry Potter series are the best, which I agree with. I saw the final part at the cinema twice and shed a tear each time because it felt like my childhood was ending. Having read the books, the last film is definitely most similar as it had the time duration to do that. For people who hadn't read the books, a lot of surprises occurred which shocked people and even the people who knew how it ended still felt the surprise. The performances were certainly the best from the golden trio and the other cast members as they gave the series a well deserved, fantastic end. It's really hard to explain as this choice for my top 10 is more of a childhood fan choice but I don't have to explain myself! The last Harry Potter film was an incredible, emotional, epic send off to a truly fantastic series of films.
8. Attack The Block(review here)
Having only seen the trailer for the film a few months prior to it's release, Attack The Block appeared out of nowhere but has since become very popular across the UK and the US. I love alien films but Attack The Block is a mix of a street, comedy, sci-fi and a little bit of horror in jumps and that's why I enjoyed it so much. At times I laughed a lot and at others I shamefully admit I got scared. The aliens were very well created and visually looked astonishing. But I know I walked out of the cinema having had an absolute blast watching it which is what Joe Cornish and the cast wanted.
7. Bridesmaids (review here)
With the disappointing Hangover part II, Bridesmaids gave everyone the laughs they wanted this year. It proved that a comedy film doesn't need an all male main cast to be funny and that women can be just as sick and disgusting as the boys from The Hangover. Kristen Wiig is my all time favourite female comedic actress and her character in Bridesmaids had me in stitches. That's second to the brilliant Melissa McCarthy who nearly had me on the floor laughing. I saw the film with a friend and at parts me and her were crying into each other because jokes in Bridesmaids on a first viewing come out of nowhere and it is so cleverly written.
6. Tangled (review here) Being a massive Disney fan I'm probably biased but, Tangled is one of the best Disney animations for a few years. Even though it was not the classic 2D animation that The Princess and the Frog was a year before, it still contained all the elements of a classic Disney princess story but included more. More humour, more action and a much more exciting storyline for the 21st century. It included traditional Disney princess songs which were beautiful, sang by the talents of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi and it simply is a lot of fun. I'm still a child at heart and there is nothing I like more than seeing a film that is fun, innocent and charming and Tangled ticked all of them boxes.
5. The Tree Of Life(review here) The Tree Of Life isn't for everyone and I went into the cinema thinking I knew what to expect. I didn't. Having not seen a Terrance Malick film before, I had nothing to prepare me apart from the raving reviews it had. The Tree Of Life is one of them films that I adored for it's beauty and the fact that it's different from the norm- especially some of the rubbish that is made nowadays. The two brothers in the narrative really give the film an emotional tug which I liked and the performance from Brad Pitt is brutal but very strong. Jessica Chastain really stands out in the film and is sure to get recognition now we are nearing awards season. The other side of the film, where people start to get confused, with masses of glorious effects and fantastic music, questions life. It's not what I am used to seeing but I really did enjoy it. It is absolutely stunning and a little tedious for some, but I loved it.
4. Hugo(review here)
Hugo is a recent cinema viewing but it stands out as one of the most charming films I've seen this year. Even though it's a cheesy thing to say, Hugo is filled me with complete warmth because of it's very sweet main characters, magical story and enchanting insight into some of the first ever films. Though there are parts where black and white films are shown, I think the magic is still there in the wonderful score for children and I still adored the homage to cinema. It's one of the best family films, which rightfully targets both adults and children, I have seen in a very long time. Hugo was enchanting and definitely topped off the year for me.
3. X-Men: First Class(review here) This was probably one of my most anticipated films because of my love for the film franchise and the fact I knew it just had to be better than Wolverine. With a year full of prequels and sequels, X-Men First Class was one of the better superhero films because of the leading cast of Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy and a ray of fine young talent in Jennifer Lawrence, Nichols Hoult, Lucas Till, Caleb Landry Jones and many others. Matthew Vaughn really grasped the right idea with X-Men: First Class with Charles and Erik, they were the best of friends and they helped each other through a lot. I was surprised by how much was included in the story of X-Men by the explaining entirely why Charles and Erik became enemies and gave you some stuff to question when next watching the originals, such as Mystique being Charles' best friend as a child. The cameo was very smart and overall X-Men: First Class is one of the better blockbusters of the year.
2. True Grit(review here)
Technically, the Coen Brothers' True Grit was released in 2010, but it's UK release date was very early 2011 so it can technically count as my favourite of the year. Not being the biggest fan of westerns, I wanted to see True Grit based upon the reviews it acclaimed but I ended up finding a favourite film. The film is incredible for many different reasons. The Oscar nominated performances by Jeff Bridges and the very talented Hailee Steinfeld are so empowering that their chemistry in the film is very lovely to watch. Then there is the cinematography which is absolutely beautiful. The score and story are other reasons why I fell in love with the film, because it's very heart warming but slightly brutal at the same time. It's story about a young girl becoming a woman because of her determination to avenge her fathers blood- not quite as glamorous as an modern day film. I have since watched True Grit a few times and still feel the exact same way I did when I first saw it.
1. Super 8(review here)
Since seeing it at the cinema I have re-watched Super 8 to check if it's my favourite of the year. It was tough to pick, but I could be here for another year thinking of another film to top it. Super 8 was not what I expected at all. When I walked out of the cinema, I felt the way I did when I first saw Stand By Me, E.T and The Goonies. Super 8 feels like an 80s film but with the technology of 2011 it's even better. At parts I was on the edge of my seat and at other parts my hands were covering my eyes because of the tension the film held. Super 8 is full of J.J Abrams lens flares as well as beautiful shots and colours which gave me comfort when watching. It's not a film about any big names, the cast is solely the children with the exception of Kyle Chandler. The kids, or rather young actors, must have had an absolute blast making the film as it's a lot of fun to watch. The 'thing' is a bit disappointing but the rest of the film makes up for it. It's a film which pays homage to Speilberg and other great Sci-Fi adventures but at the same time it's a simply story of a group of friends spending their Summer making a film. It's sweet, compelling and an absolute joy to watch.
3 Honourable mentions: Thor (review), Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (review), The Adventures of Tintin(review)
This year it's not only the film that has taken my interest, I'm also very fascinated by trailers and have more of an opinion on what makes a good and what makes a bad trailer. Here are my favourite trailers of the year
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Never mind that I haven't seen the film, the trailer is insane. It's great because of the soundtrack and the cuts to the beat. If you haven't seen it then please watch above. Also check out the Muppets Spoof of it here which is very entertaining.
The Amazing Spider-man teaser
Though it's not out for another half a year, the first trailer for The Amazing Spider-man is incredible! You'd think by it's length it's given a lot away but I still believe there is more for us to see. I much like the last part of the trailer where you are spidey. This trailer in 3D is fantastic.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows trailer 2
The only reason this made it into my favourites is because of the scene in the forest. I love the music and the slow motion which helps the cuts to the beat with the soundtrack. It's just very clever.
Tinker Tailor Solider Spy trailer 1
Like the other trailers I have mentioned, this trailer was particularly entertaining because of the tension the music brought to the audience.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 trailer 1
I love the beginning of this trailer as if uses the theme from the Harry Potter films in a slower mode as it fits with glimpses of the film. Then it's much more of an epic ride as lots of footage is put together one after the other at a very high continuum. Goosebumps!
That's it. My favourites of the year. As you can see it's not as sophisticated as other lists, but these are all my own favourites. Like I said above, I am interested in hearing other peoples favourites! Please let me know! Did you agree with some of my choices or was your favourite something not on my list and something I didn't see this year? Tell me!
I will probably make another post in the next few days to start off 2012, but until then...Happy New Year's everyone!
Running Time: 129 mins Directed By: Guy Ritchie Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry, Rachel McAdams, Noomi Rapace, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, Geraldine James Screenplay: Michele Mulroney, Kieran Mulroney UK Release Date: 16th December 2011 - UK
Quick Plot: Following a number of mysterious deaths, Sherlock Holmes suspects Professor Moriarty is set to strike again. After meeting a fortune teller, at Dr Watson's stag night, who is involved with Moriarty's next killing, he begins the adventure to save Moriarty's victims.
Review: After the success of the terrific Sherlock Holmes back in 2009, I was over the moon when it was announced there would be a sequel. Though the film obviously plays on being as sequel instead of trying to be singular, the second installment keeps to the exact same format of action, fun and fighting.
The film begins with an exciting cold opening which brings us back into the ways of the fantastic Sherlock Holmes. Showing us the way Holmes' mind plans in working out the opponents next move so that he can correlate with his is a lot of fun. This technique which is reprised from the first, is used a lot more in A Game Of Shadows but with a few twists in the end of Holmes' fight. The first part of the film was very enjoyable as it sees the return of Rachel McAdams as the ever so beautiful and very conniving Irene Adler whose small appearance in the film breathes a sense familiarity to the first film but at the same time feels unique and different. The film could have continued in this manner with McAdams in the story, but she isn't around for long and the film moves onto new things.
There is a huge amount of love for Robert Downey Jr as the ever pleasing Sherlock Holmes because he is quite simply perfect. In his body language, tone and sense of witty charm alongside the other characters, Downey Jr makes up half of the delight you feel when you watch either of the Sherlock Holmes films. The character himself is half a comedian and half an unlikely superhero and Downey Jr nails it. Another part of the films that people adore is the bromance between Law's Dr Watson and Holmes which in the sequel is more entertaining than ever! There is ongoing banter throughout the film between the pair and some real laugh out loud moments which makes A Game Of Shadows really enjoyable. Jared Harris as the enemy, professor Moriarty is just as cunning and intelligent as Holmes and gives the two leads a real run for their money because he is superb. He definitely plays the part well as I thought Mark Strong's Lord Blackwood could not be beaten as far as villains go but he has be matched. In a few very funny scenes, Stephen Fry steals a lot of laughs among audiences as Shirley's older brother who is a great add to the ensemble.
It's obvious that Ritchie loves his slow mo's and A Game Of Shadows is full of them but surprisingly, you don't get bored of them and they definitely give the film a theme along with Hans Zimmer's score. I loved the slow motion bullet changing and big gun scene (which featured in one of my favourite trailers of the year- below) in the woods which occurs in the latter of the film and I was not disappointed with it in full. If you took out the slow motion, the duration of the whole film would probably loose around 10 minutes but for me, they are a Sherlock Holmes must.
The only real problem A Game Of Shadows has is underusing Noomi Rapace who should have had plenty more dialogue and a lot more action. I previously mentioned McAdams who features at the beginning, who is a fantastic contrast to Holmes in the first film and you want Rapace to be the same. Not entirely the identical, but to have something edgier and darker but altogether she hardly does anything. In her first English speaking role she does the best she can but apart from a few chases, Rapace is extremely underused and needed more action!
Sticking to a lot of similarity to the first, you'd expect A Game Of Shadows to drag but that's not the case as it's just as exciting, fun and full of action and Guy Ritchie slow mo's. 4/5
Review: A film focusing on the realistic power of young love is rarer than first thought. Drake Doremus’ Sundance winner Like Crazy grasps a truly believable story between a young couple as they come to terms with being apart after a summer of passion and sweet romance.
Without Jones and Yelchin’s passionate chemistry, the improvised script and gentle, realistic feel from the camera angles wouldn’t be enough for the film to survive as a sweet, indie romance. Luckily, their acting is the glue to it all, keeping it together over a few shabby moments. There are obvious flaws in the plot, where character decisions are foolishly considered or the rush of the story jumps from heartache to happiness and back again. It seems romantic that Anna would not return home in line with her student visa but realistically, you’d reconsider it as two months away from Jacob to then return without overstaying the visa is better than being deported and not being able to move back for a few years.
The Descendants
Best Director
Best Animated Film
The nominations this year are a bit...meh. I mean, some are obvious winners such as The Artist and The Descendants. Hugo leads the list with 12 nominations so I really hope it does well.
10. Source Code (review here)
There is ongoing banter throughout the film between the pair and some real laugh out loud moments which makes A Game Of Shadows really enjoyable. Jared Harris as the enemy, professor Moriarty is just as cunning and intelligent as Holmes and gives the two leads a real run for their money because he is superb. He definitely plays the part well as I thought Mark Strong's Lord Blackwood could not be beaten as far as villains go but he has be matched. In a few very funny scenes, Stephen Fry steals a lot of laughs among audiences as Shirley's older brother who is a great add to the ensemble.
