Yes! Here we are, yet again, with the last Tuesday Night is Film Night, before the big day! Another Christmas movie this week, this time a story exploring relationships and love, because if you look really closely, love is all around us! Yes, this weeks film is;
Love Actually
A stellar cast make this movie a star studded affair, so it would be inappropriate to pick out our favourites. Another great thing about Love Actually, is the many story threads that intermingle throughout the film, with the paths of characters from different threads, criss-crossing as their stories unfold.
I suppose the film really epitomises love at Christmas, as the song goes; Love is all Around. And not always where one expects.
The plot lines are too numerous to detail here, needless to say this is a classic movie from the pen of Richard Curtis, full of fun, love, romance and some tears. Curtis seems to be able to capture the spirit of the relationships through his writing and through his directing, gets the all star cast to bring the stories to life, with a high degree of warmth, feeling and believability.
Love Actually is a great film to watch, with wine, snacks and great company. An ideal Christmas movie, not necessarily for all the family, watch out for the swearing and tell Nanny, that there are scenes of a sexual nature!!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Christmas With The Kranks - 6th December 2011
Our foray into festive film fun continues tonight with;
Christmas With The Kranks
Based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas With The Kranks follows Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen and the lovely Jamie Lee Curtis) as they have their first Christmas without their daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo), as she is off to Peru to work with the Peace Corp.
After calculating the cost of the previous Christmas, Luther hatches a plan to jet off to the Caribbean for a 10 day cruise with Nora. However, to do so they need to skip Christmas, so no Christmas tree, no Christmas Eve party, no Frosty the Snowman on the roof, no decorations etc.
The neighbours are furious with the Kranks, as they normally all get together to decorate the neighbourhood. However, the Kranks are adamant and will be off on their cruise from Christmas Day.
Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, Blair calls and says she's coming home for Christmas and she is bringing her boyfriend!
So, form skipping Christmas, Christmas at the Kranks is back on! And they need to get everything back to normal before Blair gets home!
Christmas With The Kranks is a great festive film, with all the ingredients to make it perfect family viewing. It has laughs a-plenty and it has a couple of touching moments to ensure that the spirit of Christmas shines through.
We'll never tire of watching this film.
Christmas With The Kranks
Based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas With The Kranks follows Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen and the lovely Jamie Lee Curtis) as they have their first Christmas without their daughter Blair (Julie Gonzalo), as she is off to Peru to work with the Peace Corp.
After calculating the cost of the previous Christmas, Luther hatches a plan to jet off to the Caribbean for a 10 day cruise with Nora. However, to do so they need to skip Christmas, so no Christmas tree, no Christmas Eve party, no Frosty the Snowman on the roof, no decorations etc.
The neighbours are furious with the Kranks, as they normally all get together to decorate the neighbourhood. However, the Kranks are adamant and will be off on their cruise from Christmas Day.
Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, Blair calls and says she's coming home for Christmas and she is bringing her boyfriend!
So, form skipping Christmas, Christmas at the Kranks is back on! And they need to get everything back to normal before Blair gets home!
Christmas With The Kranks is a great festive film, with all the ingredients to make it perfect family viewing. It has laughs a-plenty and it has a couple of touching moments to ensure that the spirit of Christmas shines through.
We'll never tire of watching this film.
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 29th November 2011
Yes, we are here yet again, with yet another feelgood festive film!
Tonight we watched;
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
So, the story goes like this; the Uncle of a beautiful single Mother; Jennifer Cullen, (played by the gorgeous Brooke Burns) shares a flight with an handsome young chap called Morgan, (played by the equally handsome Warren Christie).
Morgan and Uncle Ralph (played fantastically by Henry Winkler), hit it off on the flight and get talking, when they arrive at their destination, Morgan finds his next flight is cancelled due to snow, so he is stuck at the airport. So, Uncle Ralph convinces his niece (Jennifer) to allow the "stranger" to stay with them; "just for one night.....".
Well, the one night turns in to two, and with some playful tactics from Uncle Ralph, who is convinced that Morgan is good for his niece, the stay gets lengthened.
Morgan is considerate, kind and helpful and is great with Jens' Son; Brian. He tries to help Jen find the Christmas Spirit.
Jen already has a boyfriend who is a bit of a jerk! Uncle Ralph is not keen on him and does what he can to put him down, whilst promoting Morgan.
It is a predictable storyline. And it is typical of the Christmas Romance genre, but these movies are great!! They promote love, romance, Christmas spirit, goodwill etc. And that's not a bad thing is it?
Also, Henry Winkler is superb! He does steal the film somewhat, delivering some great, dry humorous lines. Also, the chemistry between Morgan and Jen (Burns & Christie) is really evident and they provide a spark of romantic realism.
It's a great film and should be in the Top Twenty of Christmas films to watch!
Enjoy.
Tonight we watched;
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
So, the story goes like this; the Uncle of a beautiful single Mother; Jennifer Cullen, (played by the gorgeous Brooke Burns) shares a flight with an handsome young chap called Morgan, (played by the equally handsome Warren Christie).
Morgan and Uncle Ralph (played fantastically by Henry Winkler), hit it off on the flight and get talking, when they arrive at their destination, Morgan finds his next flight is cancelled due to snow, so he is stuck at the airport. So, Uncle Ralph convinces his niece (Jennifer) to allow the "stranger" to stay with them; "just for one night.....".
Well, the one night turns in to two, and with some playful tactics from Uncle Ralph, who is convinced that Morgan is good for his niece, the stay gets lengthened.
Morgan is considerate, kind and helpful and is great with Jens' Son; Brian. He tries to help Jen find the Christmas Spirit.
Jen already has a boyfriend who is a bit of a jerk! Uncle Ralph is not keen on him and does what he can to put him down, whilst promoting Morgan.
It is a predictable storyline. And it is typical of the Christmas Romance genre, but these movies are great!! They promote love, romance, Christmas spirit, goodwill etc. And that's not a bad thing is it?
Also, Henry Winkler is superb! He does steal the film somewhat, delivering some great, dry humorous lines. Also, the chemistry between Morgan and Jen (Burns & Christie) is really evident and they provide a spark of romantic realism.
It's a great film and should be in the Top Twenty of Christmas films to watch!
Enjoy.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
The Christmas Wish - 22nd November 2011
Here we are again, dipping into our fantastic, festive, film fun!
This week we chance our arm, with another made for TV film from 1998;
The Christmas Wish
I could complete this review, by stating just 3 words;
Watch. This. Film!
However, I will give you some insight into this truly magical story.
Will Martin (Neil Patrick Harris), is a young man who moves from New York, back to his home town to manage the family real estate business after the death of his grandfather.
Will had grown up with his grandparents because his parents were killed in a tragic car accident when he was very young. Therefore his grandparents were the most important people in his life, and Will knew that they were very close to each other throughout their married life. As he said, they were so close they were almost like one person.
After his grandfather's death, his grandmother Ruth (played superbly by the wonderful Debbie Reynolds) starts to read her husband's journals that he wrote in volumes, one for every year of their married life. In the journals it mentions that he goes to see a woman named Lillian every Christmas Eve.
It was a secret that he kept from Ruth and she and Will fear the worst.
This is where the Christmas Wish comes in, Ruth wants to know the answer to the mystery; who is Lillian?
Will is determined to find out the truth and why his grandfather would keep this a secret from the family.
In his quest, Will discovers many things, including humility, humanity, love and forgiveness. It has everything a Christmas movie should have.
The key element of this film, is the story (adapted from the book by Richard Siddoway). The story is believable, it has you wanting to know more, it keeps you enthralled, entertained and reminded of what Christmas is all about and it does this right up until the last moment. At the end, you will discover the answer to the mystery, and when you do, get those tissues ready, for I defy even the hardest of hearts not to be softened by the truth behind the mystery.
Sadly, as this is a made for TV American film, it's not available on DVD in this country. We found it on True Movies 1 (Sky 321, Virgin 424, Freesat 302). If you can get True Movies, please look out for it.
This week we chance our arm, with another made for TV film from 1998;
The Christmas Wish
I could complete this review, by stating just 3 words;
Watch. This. Film!
However, I will give you some insight into this truly magical story.
Will Martin (Neil Patrick Harris), is a young man who moves from New York, back to his home town to manage the family real estate business after the death of his grandfather.
Will had grown up with his grandparents because his parents were killed in a tragic car accident when he was very young. Therefore his grandparents were the most important people in his life, and Will knew that they were very close to each other throughout their married life. As he said, they were so close they were almost like one person.
After his grandfather's death, his grandmother Ruth (played superbly by the wonderful Debbie Reynolds) starts to read her husband's journals that he wrote in volumes, one for every year of their married life. In the journals it mentions that he goes to see a woman named Lillian every Christmas Eve.
It was a secret that he kept from Ruth and she and Will fear the worst.
This is where the Christmas Wish comes in, Ruth wants to know the answer to the mystery; who is Lillian?
Will is determined to find out the truth and why his grandfather would keep this a secret from the family.
In his quest, Will discovers many things, including humility, humanity, love and forgiveness. It has everything a Christmas movie should have.
The key element of this film, is the story (adapted from the book by Richard Siddoway). The story is believable, it has you wanting to know more, it keeps you enthralled, entertained and reminded of what Christmas is all about and it does this right up until the last moment. At the end, you will discover the answer to the mystery, and when you do, get those tissues ready, for I defy even the hardest of hearts not to be softened by the truth behind the mystery.
Sadly, as this is a made for TV American film, it's not available on DVD in this country. We found it on True Movies 1 (Sky 321, Virgin 424, Freesat 302). If you can get True Movies, please look out for it.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Christmas Do-Over - 15th November 2011
So our countdown to Christmas speeds through November with this weeks Christmas movie;
Christmas Do-Over
From 2006, Jay Mohr stars as Kevin the haphazard ex-husband to Gill (Daphna Zuniga) in this Groundhog Day styled movie.
Kevin gets to have Christmas with the family of his ex-Wife, so that he can catch up with his Son, Ben. Typically, the lazy Kevin leaves everything to the last minute, including his Sons' Christmas present, so his appearance of Christmas Day ends in disaster after disaster, with his ex In-laws not really wanting him there. His ex-Wifes' boyfriend turning up adds to the turmoil, highlighting quite spectacularly Kevin's inadequacies as a Husband, Father and man generally.
It's only when his Son, at the diner table says; "I wish it could be Christmas everyday................" that the trouble really starts.
And we then proceed to an extremely manic, fast paced Groundhog Day style repetition of Christmas Day, until Kevin works out the right recipe to get things back to normal.
The only difference with Christmas Do-Over and Groundhog Day is that Groundhog Day is good!
That is a little harsh, there are some very funny moments in the film, some good banter with the characters, it's just that there is this love triangle with the ex-husband, boyfriend and Wife. Someone will have to lose out in the end. And if this was truly a good feelgood film, then it would have worked out OK, but the ending is dire! In fact it is worse than that, it's unexpected, it's short, it's leaves loose ends and after getting through the whole film extremely disappointing.
Christmas Do-Over had the potential to be a really good film. It failed.
Watch, enjoy if you can, but don't blame me if you feel cheated out of 90 minutes of your life.
Christmas Do-Over
From 2006, Jay Mohr stars as Kevin the haphazard ex-husband to Gill (Daphna Zuniga) in this Groundhog Day styled movie.
Kevin gets to have Christmas with the family of his ex-Wife, so that he can catch up with his Son, Ben. Typically, the lazy Kevin leaves everything to the last minute, including his Sons' Christmas present, so his appearance of Christmas Day ends in disaster after disaster, with his ex In-laws not really wanting him there. His ex-Wifes' boyfriend turning up adds to the turmoil, highlighting quite spectacularly Kevin's inadequacies as a Husband, Father and man generally.
It's only when his Son, at the diner table says; "I wish it could be Christmas everyday................" that the trouble really starts.
And we then proceed to an extremely manic, fast paced Groundhog Day style repetition of Christmas Day, until Kevin works out the right recipe to get things back to normal.
The only difference with Christmas Do-Over and Groundhog Day is that Groundhog Day is good!
That is a little harsh, there are some very funny moments in the film, some good banter with the characters, it's just that there is this love triangle with the ex-husband, boyfriend and Wife. Someone will have to lose out in the end. And if this was truly a good feelgood film, then it would have worked out OK, but the ending is dire! In fact it is worse than that, it's unexpected, it's short, it's leaves loose ends and after getting through the whole film extremely disappointing.
Christmas Do-Over had the potential to be a really good film. It failed.
Watch, enjoy if you can, but don't blame me if you feel cheated out of 90 minutes of your life.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
A Christmas Romance - 8th November 2011
And here's the second film in our Tuesday Night is Film Night Christmas season, an adorable family film;
A Christmas Romance
Starring Olivia Newton-John, as the widow Julia Stonecypher, this Christmas tale tells the story of her struggle to make ends meets, living as she does with her two daughters, on a remote mountain.
Her luck runs out just before Christmas, the bills have mounted up and the bank sends out a representative to discuss her options and the necessity to sell up. And so enters the love interest in the tale; Brian Harding played by Gregory Harrison.
Brian arrives at the remote farm, just as a blizzard is drifting in and after some doorstep arguing over the unpaid bills, drives off only to crash his car moments later. Obviously Julia takes him back in to care for the now delirious and concussed banker.
So what turns out to be mutual disdain for each other evolves into a romance, you'll have to watch it for the complete details!
For me there's a few things that make this an ideal Christmas story, firstly and foremost it is the story, it is atypical of this type of film but it works and works very well. Based on the novel of the same name written by Maggie Davis, it provides a good heart warming tale of Christmas spirit, where love and happiness win over the hardship and depression.
Secondly, the cast is great, Olivia Newton-John is loveliness personified, with her bouncy blond pony tail. Gregory Harrison plays it well as the love interest, plus and very importantly the two girls who play the Sonecypher daughters are excellent. Chloe Lattanzi as Deenie and Stephanie Sawyer as Emily Rose, really do make a great difference and play their roles excellently. Mind you, Chloe Lattanzi has had plenty of practice of being a daughter to Olivia Newton-John, as she is her real life daughter!
A Christmas Romance is a film that you should look out for, if you like cutesy, heartwarming, Christmas feelgood films, with a little romance thrown in. It's an ideal film to curl up with on a cold winters evening, a real fun, feelgood festive film.
A Christmas Romance
Starring Olivia Newton-John, as the widow Julia Stonecypher, this Christmas tale tells the story of her struggle to make ends meets, living as she does with her two daughters, on a remote mountain.
Her luck runs out just before Christmas, the bills have mounted up and the bank sends out a representative to discuss her options and the necessity to sell up. And so enters the love interest in the tale; Brian Harding played by Gregory Harrison.
Brian arrives at the remote farm, just as a blizzard is drifting in and after some doorstep arguing over the unpaid bills, drives off only to crash his car moments later. Obviously Julia takes him back in to care for the now delirious and concussed banker.
So what turns out to be mutual disdain for each other evolves into a romance, you'll have to watch it for the complete details!
For me there's a few things that make this an ideal Christmas story, firstly and foremost it is the story, it is atypical of this type of film but it works and works very well. Based on the novel of the same name written by Maggie Davis, it provides a good heart warming tale of Christmas spirit, where love and happiness win over the hardship and depression.
Secondly, the cast is great, Olivia Newton-John is loveliness personified, with her bouncy blond pony tail. Gregory Harrison plays it well as the love interest, plus and very importantly the two girls who play the Sonecypher daughters are excellent. Chloe Lattanzi as Deenie and Stephanie Sawyer as Emily Rose, really do make a great difference and play their roles excellently. Mind you, Chloe Lattanzi has had plenty of practice of being a daughter to Olivia Newton-John, as she is her real life daughter!
A Christmas Romance is a film that you should look out for, if you like cutesy, heartwarming, Christmas feelgood films, with a little romance thrown in. It's an ideal film to curl up with on a cold winters evening, a real fun, feelgood festive film.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
The Year Without a Santa Claus - 1st November 2011
So here we are then, Tuesday Night is Film Night has gone all festive and all are films from now until the New Year will be Christmas themed. We kick off our festive film fun, with a movie from 2006;
The Year Without a Santa Claus
John Goodman stars as the big man in the Santa suit, in this 2006 made for TV film. The basic premise behind the film, is that Santa has become disenchanted with the modern, spiritless Christmas. The North Pole has become commercialised and Santa decides to take a year out!
Will Christmas be cancelled?
Can Santa be persuaded to return?
Will we make it to the end of the film?
Does anybody care?
Well of course! Jingle and Jangle, two of Santa's Elves take it upon themselves to fly down to South Town and find Iggy Thistlewhite (the son of South Towns' Mayor), who has put together a Christmas Fayre to put the spirit back into his community. He'll be able to restore Santa's faith in Christmas, won't he?
OK, it's your bog standard Christmas TV movie, the basic premise is there; a moralistic story aiming to restore the true meaning of Christmas. It's not a bad film, there are however some ludicrous elements, which will have you looking at each other, thinking; "is this for real"?
It's wholesome harmless fun, but it could have been a lot better.
One highlight for me was Carol Kane as Mother Nature, a similar character to the one she played in Scrooged (she was the fairy styled Ghost of Christmas Present).
Hopefully the Christmas movies will improve in the coming weeks, but we are trying to watch some of the ones we haven't seen before, maybe we should throw in a couple of classic films too, just to build up the quality.
Watch this space.
The Year Without a Santa Claus
John Goodman stars as the big man in the Santa suit, in this 2006 made for TV film. The basic premise behind the film, is that Santa has become disenchanted with the modern, spiritless Christmas. The North Pole has become commercialised and Santa decides to take a year out!
Will Christmas be cancelled?
Can Santa be persuaded to return?
Will we make it to the end of the film?
Does anybody care?
Well of course! Jingle and Jangle, two of Santa's Elves take it upon themselves to fly down to South Town and find Iggy Thistlewhite (the son of South Towns' Mayor), who has put together a Christmas Fayre to put the spirit back into his community. He'll be able to restore Santa's faith in Christmas, won't he?
OK, it's your bog standard Christmas TV movie, the basic premise is there; a moralistic story aiming to restore the true meaning of Christmas. It's not a bad film, there are however some ludicrous elements, which will have you looking at each other, thinking; "is this for real"?
It's wholesome harmless fun, but it could have been a lot better.
One highlight for me was Carol Kane as Mother Nature, a similar character to the one she played in Scrooged (she was the fairy styled Ghost of Christmas Present).
Hopefully the Christmas movies will improve in the coming weeks, but we are trying to watch some of the ones we haven't seen before, maybe we should throw in a couple of classic films too, just to build up the quality.
Watch this space.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Bad Company - 25th October 2011
We step up the pace this week with the action thriller;
Bad Company.
To be fair, there is a good sprinkling of comedy too. As there should be, with Chris Rock taking a starring role, he just can't help being funny.
Rock stars alongside Anthony Hopkins in this espionage thriller.
This movie takes aspects of good action films such as; Lethal Weapon, Die Hard and The Matrix and spins them into tangled web of espionage, arms dealing, kidnap, double crossing and car chases.
The problem is, it doesn't really work as a whole, it's a watered down version of other great films of this genre. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's just not great. It will keep you on the edge of your seat for a bit, it will make you laugh and it has a feelgood ending. (Has that spoilt it for you?)
The story itself opens with CIA operative Kevin Pope (Chris Rock) brokering an arms deal with a Russian mafia boss. Along with his partner, CIA Officer Oakes (Anthony Hopkins) they attempt to buy a rogue nuclear device before it gets into the wrong hands.
The problem is there are others after the device and within five minutes of the movie starting, there's a gun battle with the two sides vying to buy the bomb. In the ensuing cross fire CIA agent Pope (Chris Rock) is shot dead.
This leaves the CIA with a problem, they have brokered a deal, but their contact is now dead. Enter Chris Rock! Who also plays Kevin Pope's unknown twin brother; Jake Hayes.
Hayes teams up with Oakes, after some gentle persuasion and impersonates his brother so that the CIA can complete their mission, or so they think.
What follows is the double crossing, car chases gun battles etc.
This goes on for a long middle section of the film. Indeed, it goes on so long, that it may leave you bored. A bit of pruning from the Editors scissors, would not have gone amiss.
All in all it was a good film, but as I said; not great. The interplay between Rock and Hopkins wasn't great, in fact Hopkins was fairly mediocre. Whilst Chris Rock was fairly damn good.
If you get a chance to see it, give it a whirl, if not don't lose any sleep over it. There are better films out there.
Bad Company.
To be fair, there is a good sprinkling of comedy too. As there should be, with Chris Rock taking a starring role, he just can't help being funny.
Rock stars alongside Anthony Hopkins in this espionage thriller.
This movie takes aspects of good action films such as; Lethal Weapon, Die Hard and The Matrix and spins them into tangled web of espionage, arms dealing, kidnap, double crossing and car chases.
The problem is, it doesn't really work as a whole, it's a watered down version of other great films of this genre. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, it's just not great. It will keep you on the edge of your seat for a bit, it will make you laugh and it has a feelgood ending. (Has that spoilt it for you?)
The story itself opens with CIA operative Kevin Pope (Chris Rock) brokering an arms deal with a Russian mafia boss. Along with his partner, CIA Officer Oakes (Anthony Hopkins) they attempt to buy a rogue nuclear device before it gets into the wrong hands.
The problem is there are others after the device and within five minutes of the movie starting, there's a gun battle with the two sides vying to buy the bomb. In the ensuing cross fire CIA agent Pope (Chris Rock) is shot dead.
This leaves the CIA with a problem, they have brokered a deal, but their contact is now dead. Enter Chris Rock! Who also plays Kevin Pope's unknown twin brother; Jake Hayes.
Hayes teams up with Oakes, after some gentle persuasion and impersonates his brother so that the CIA can complete their mission, or so they think.
What follows is the double crossing, car chases gun battles etc.
This goes on for a long middle section of the film. Indeed, it goes on so long, that it may leave you bored. A bit of pruning from the Editors scissors, would not have gone amiss.
All in all it was a good film, but as I said; not great. The interplay between Rock and Hopkins wasn't great, in fact Hopkins was fairly mediocre. Whilst Chris Rock was fairly damn good.
If you get a chance to see it, give it a whirl, if not don't lose any sleep over it. There are better films out there.
Tuesday 18 October 2011
The Bucket List - 18th October 2011
Here we are again then, happy as can be......... Well, as happy as the last batch of films has made us, and as they have been hard hitting thrillers, that isn't too happy, is it?
So to a change of mood tonight, a change of pace, a change of direction. I initially said tonight's film was a comedy, but after seeing it, I'm not so sure. Maybe a tragi-comedy. Whatever, the film was the absolutely brilliant;
The Bucket List
The Bucket List follows the story of two terminally ill men, from different backgrounds, stuck together in the same hospital room, battling their illness. Although from completely different backgrounds, they soon form a bond, bought together by their individual cancers.
After several highs and lows in the hospital, the idea of a bucket list forms; a list of things to do before they kick the bucket.
Jack Nicholson plays the corporate billionaire Edward Cole, whilst Morgan Freeman plays the humble backstreet mechanic, Carter Chambers.
After hatching the plan to carry out the items on their joint bucket list, they leave the hospital and with reliance on Cole's millions jet off around the world doing the things that they have always wanted to do, for instance; go sky diving, drive classic cars, go on safari, see the wonders of the world.
However, it's not the so-say easy things that they set out to do, that makes this film, it's the obscure things, like; help a complete stranger, laugh until you cry, or kiss the most beautiful girl in the world. (Watch out for that last one, it's a killer and I defy even the most stone hearted individual not to feel a pang of emotion).
The Bucket List takes the most heart wrenching of situations and turns it into an uplifting and rewarding story.
Jack Nicholson is absolutely superb, as the cold hearted Edward Cole and Morgan Freeman is in tip top form as Carter. Special note should be made too, for Sean Hayes who plays Thomas, Edwards Coles' much maligned personal assistant, who gives as good as he gets, in a very polite manner.
The Bucket List will go down as one of our favourite Tuesday Night is Film Night films. It will hav you in tears of laughter and sorrow.
10 out of 10.
And can I adopt Morgan Freeman to be my Grandad?
So to a change of mood tonight, a change of pace, a change of direction. I initially said tonight's film was a comedy, but after seeing it, I'm not so sure. Maybe a tragi-comedy. Whatever, the film was the absolutely brilliant;
The Bucket List
The Bucket List follows the story of two terminally ill men, from different backgrounds, stuck together in the same hospital room, battling their illness. Although from completely different backgrounds, they soon form a bond, bought together by their individual cancers.
After several highs and lows in the hospital, the idea of a bucket list forms; a list of things to do before they kick the bucket.
Jack Nicholson plays the corporate billionaire Edward Cole, whilst Morgan Freeman plays the humble backstreet mechanic, Carter Chambers.
After hatching the plan to carry out the items on their joint bucket list, they leave the hospital and with reliance on Cole's millions jet off around the world doing the things that they have always wanted to do, for instance; go sky diving, drive classic cars, go on safari, see the wonders of the world.
However, it's not the so-say easy things that they set out to do, that makes this film, it's the obscure things, like; help a complete stranger, laugh until you cry, or kiss the most beautiful girl in the world. (Watch out for that last one, it's a killer and I defy even the most stone hearted individual not to feel a pang of emotion).
The Bucket List takes the most heart wrenching of situations and turns it into an uplifting and rewarding story.
Jack Nicholson is absolutely superb, as the cold hearted Edward Cole and Morgan Freeman is in tip top form as Carter. Special note should be made too, for Sean Hayes who plays Thomas, Edwards Coles' much maligned personal assistant, who gives as good as he gets, in a very polite manner.
The Bucket List will go down as one of our favourite Tuesday Night is Film Night films. It will hav you in tears of laughter and sorrow.
10 out of 10.
And can I adopt Morgan Freeman to be my Grandad?
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Hard Candy - 11th October 2011
Welcome to the Tuesday Night is Film Night review for;
Hard Candy
Well, what can one say........
We usually watch the fluffy, funny, rom-com's and chick flicks type films. After all it is a family film night.
Hard Candy was never going to be fluffy.
Hard Candy is; a hard hitting, suspenseful thriller. It's gripping, you can't tear yourself from it. It isn't however, edge of the seat stuff, it's behind the sofa and peek with one eye stuff!
And how do they achieve this suspense? With some superb acting. Some great camera work, but not much in the way of incidental music to set the mood. The intensity of the drama comes from the screen in the form of dialogue and visual cues. Incredible, powerful stuff.
As always, we will thinly describe the plot, not to give too much away.
Ellen Page plays Hayley Stark, a troubled, but mature 14 year old, who bumps into a thirty-two year old photographer; Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson), in an internet chat room. They get talking, with Jeff leading Hayley on somewhat. After several weeks of chatting, they decide to meet up in a local coffee shop. After some flirting from Hayley, they continue their meeting at Jeff's house.
This is where the trouble starts.........
What follows is a fairly harrowing portrayal of torture with physical and mental abuse, but with a twist.
What makes this film so intriguing, is that for the main, the action takes place in one location, with just two actors on screen. Ellen Page is phenomenal in her portrayal of Hayley Stark, who is quite clearly a psychotic teenager, intent of the mental torture of the not so innocent Jeff. For his part, Patrick Wilson puts in a great performance, also.
Very gripping. Very tense. Very good.
I'm sleeping with one eye open tonight!
Hard Candy
Well, what can one say........
We usually watch the fluffy, funny, rom-com's and chick flicks type films. After all it is a family film night.
Hard Candy was never going to be fluffy.
Hard Candy is; a hard hitting, suspenseful thriller. It's gripping, you can't tear yourself from it. It isn't however, edge of the seat stuff, it's behind the sofa and peek with one eye stuff!
And how do they achieve this suspense? With some superb acting. Some great camera work, but not much in the way of incidental music to set the mood. The intensity of the drama comes from the screen in the form of dialogue and visual cues. Incredible, powerful stuff.
As always, we will thinly describe the plot, not to give too much away.
Ellen Page plays Hayley Stark, a troubled, but mature 14 year old, who bumps into a thirty-two year old photographer; Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson), in an internet chat room. They get talking, with Jeff leading Hayley on somewhat. After several weeks of chatting, they decide to meet up in a local coffee shop. After some flirting from Hayley, they continue their meeting at Jeff's house.
This is where the trouble starts.........
What follows is a fairly harrowing portrayal of torture with physical and mental abuse, but with a twist.
What makes this film so intriguing, is that for the main, the action takes place in one location, with just two actors on screen. Ellen Page is phenomenal in her portrayal of Hayley Stark, who is quite clearly a psychotic teenager, intent of the mental torture of the not so innocent Jeff. For his part, Patrick Wilson puts in a great performance, also.
Very gripping. Very tense. Very good.
I'm sleeping with one eye open tonight!
Firewall - 4th October 2011
Yet again we wander off into the wonderful world of film. Tonight we move to a crime thriller, starring Harrison Ford from 2006 it's;
Firewall
The story of this movie is that bank security expert; Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is made to "break into" the bank that he has kept secure for the last 20 years. However, this is not a bank vault cash heist, instead this is a credit transfer, made by hacking into the banks' computer system.
Right let's just stop here to make a point, I do not like films where the computer systems shown are unrealistic, not believable and clearly a figment of somebody's imagination. Firewall is not in this league, the desktop and laptops seen are Dell machines, running Windows XP. The servers seen in the banks server room are Dell machines also, in proper server racks and everything. For this and this alone, Firewall gains some serious kudos, with me at least.
Carying on with the plot.
Early on in the film, Jacks' family are kidnapped by the gang, masterminded by Bill Cox, played brilliantly by the English actor Paul Bettany (Silas in The Da Vinci Code).
From here our hero Jack is forced to comply with their demands and ensure the transfer of monies is made from the bank, to the gangs' offshore account.
This is not going to be as easy as first thought, as a pending merger has moved some of the physical access to the banks computer system, to an offsite location.
Bear with it!!
I know it sounds boring, but honestly it's not. If you like a bit of techie crime drama, then Firewall is worth a watch.
OK, there is one point where Jack cobbles together a fax machine and an iPod to create a screen reader, which he then plumbs into his laptop, to hook it up to some OCR software. This does drive the realms of believability off the page somewhat, but it could happen!
Are you still awake?
It's good stuff, and only a little bit far fetched, but it's a gritty, crime thriller, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As thrillers go, this one is a good film to watch. This one gets our seal of approval!
Firewall
The story of this movie is that bank security expert; Jack Stanfield (Harrison Ford) is made to "break into" the bank that he has kept secure for the last 20 years. However, this is not a bank vault cash heist, instead this is a credit transfer, made by hacking into the banks' computer system.
Right let's just stop here to make a point, I do not like films where the computer systems shown are unrealistic, not believable and clearly a figment of somebody's imagination. Firewall is not in this league, the desktop and laptops seen are Dell machines, running Windows XP. The servers seen in the banks server room are Dell machines also, in proper server racks and everything. For this and this alone, Firewall gains some serious kudos, with me at least.
Carying on with the plot.
Early on in the film, Jacks' family are kidnapped by the gang, masterminded by Bill Cox, played brilliantly by the English actor Paul Bettany (Silas in The Da Vinci Code).
From here our hero Jack is forced to comply with their demands and ensure the transfer of monies is made from the bank, to the gangs' offshore account.
This is not going to be as easy as first thought, as a pending merger has moved some of the physical access to the banks computer system, to an offsite location.
Bear with it!!
I know it sounds boring, but honestly it's not. If you like a bit of techie crime drama, then Firewall is worth a watch.
OK, there is one point where Jack cobbles together a fax machine and an iPod to create a screen reader, which he then plumbs into his laptop, to hook it up to some OCR software. This does drive the realms of believability off the page somewhat, but it could happen!
Are you still awake?
It's good stuff, and only a little bit far fetched, but it's a gritty, crime thriller, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As thrillers go, this one is a good film to watch. This one gets our seal of approval!
Tuesday 27 September 2011
The Woodsman - 27th September 2011
So after our little week off last week we are back! I'd like to say back with a bang, but I'm sorry to say that this week's offering was more of a damp squib.....
The Woodsman.
So, Kevin Bacon stars in this really very dark movie. Walter (Bacon), a convicted paedophile, serves his twelve year sentence, then after release tries to get back to some kind of normality, whilst fighting his mental demons.
And that's about the long and the short of the story. That's what it's about, there's nothing much to it. There's a love interest and there's some distraction when he spies another paedophile in the neighbourhood, but that is all.
I don't think I can eulogise much over the film, the story was extremely dark. The subject matter is abhorrent. And there was little or no plot.
Having said that, the acting was really good, enough to carry the weak story through to the end.
All in all, not a great film.
IMDB had this to say;
After twelve years in prison, Walter arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie, a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law, shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas. After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.
The Woodsman.
So, Kevin Bacon stars in this really very dark movie. Walter (Bacon), a convicted paedophile, serves his twelve year sentence, then after release tries to get back to some kind of normality, whilst fighting his mental demons.
And that's about the long and the short of the story. That's what it's about, there's nothing much to it. There's a love interest and there's some distraction when he spies another paedophile in the neighbourhood, but that is all.
I don't think I can eulogise much over the film, the story was extremely dark. The subject matter is abhorrent. And there was little or no plot.
Having said that, the acting was really good, enough to carry the weak story through to the end.
All in all, not a great film.
IMDB had this to say;
After twelve years in prison, Walter arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie, a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law, shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas. After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.
Tuesday 13 September 2011
The Time Traveler's Wife - 13th September 2011
This week we head back to the soppy chick-flick genre!
The Time Traveler's Wife.
Eric Bana stars as Henry, a man with a strange so-called genetic disorder, which manifests itself erratically, causing Henry to disappear and travel in time.
A strange concept, but an interesting one, especially when you consider that the basic thread throughout the film is a love story.
How a time travelling man can fall in love with a non time travelling woman, makes for an interesting time for Clare played by Rachel McAdams.
She first meets Henry, when she is a 6 year old girl and he appears in the meadow where she is having a picnic, Henry, as always, appears from nowhere, without any clothes, he hides behind a bush, to hide his modesty.
We don't see this meeting, until they have already met. Confused?
The first on screen meeting is when Henry is working as a Librarian and Clare, now older, bumps into him. She has known Henry since she was six and has been meeting him on and off for several years, although as he has not yet been to the times and places where they have met before. Still confused?
Yes, it can be a little confusing, but it's well worth sticking with it, as the story that follows Henry and Clare is gripping and fast moving, without being overwrought and too complicated. The addition of family and friends, who know and don't know about Henry's travelling, further adds to the plot, making for a series of twists and turns in a thoroughly entertaining movie.
The Time Traveler's Wife.
Eric Bana stars as Henry, a man with a strange so-called genetic disorder, which manifests itself erratically, causing Henry to disappear and travel in time.
A strange concept, but an interesting one, especially when you consider that the basic thread throughout the film is a love story.
How a time travelling man can fall in love with a non time travelling woman, makes for an interesting time for Clare played by Rachel McAdams.
She first meets Henry, when she is a 6 year old girl and he appears in the meadow where she is having a picnic, Henry, as always, appears from nowhere, without any clothes, he hides behind a bush, to hide his modesty.
We don't see this meeting, until they have already met. Confused?
The first on screen meeting is when Henry is working as a Librarian and Clare, now older, bumps into him. She has known Henry since she was six and has been meeting him on and off for several years, although as he has not yet been to the times and places where they have met before. Still confused?
Yes, it can be a little confusing, but it's well worth sticking with it, as the story that follows Henry and Clare is gripping and fast moving, without being overwrought and too complicated. The addition of family and friends, who know and don't know about Henry's travelling, further adds to the plot, making for a series of twists and turns in a thoroughly entertaining movie.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Four Lions - 6th September 2011
This weeks Tuesday Night is Film Night film is;
Four Lions
Four Lions is a British comedy written and directed by Christoper Morris (better known for such comedy TV shows as; The Day Today, Brass Eye and appearing in The IT Crowd).
It portrays the story of four haphazard, incompetent British jihadists who are training for and plotting an act of terrorism.
It took a while for the film to get going, the comedy is dark but infrequent for the first half of the film, so it was a little disappointing in that respect. However, after halfway the comedy increases, although the subject matter is dark.
There is one absolutely wonderful piece, that alone will make it worthwhile watching the whole film. Obviously, I can't tell you what that is, but it's a cracker.
The film does cover the tricky subject of suicide bombing, so prepared for some bodily explosions! Although not graphically gory they are, dare I say it, very funny.
So all in all the film was disappointing, we didn't find it as funny as perhaps it could have been or as funny as some reviews might make you believe. Although there are some very good moments. Including an appearance from Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) playing a Police negotiator.
If you like the work of Chris Morris, then you would probably have already seen this film, if not then watch it.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much.
Four Lions
Four Lions is a British comedy written and directed by Christoper Morris (better known for such comedy TV shows as; The Day Today, Brass Eye and appearing in The IT Crowd).
It portrays the story of four haphazard, incompetent British jihadists who are training for and plotting an act of terrorism.
It took a while for the film to get going, the comedy is dark but infrequent for the first half of the film, so it was a little disappointing in that respect. However, after halfway the comedy increases, although the subject matter is dark.
There is one absolutely wonderful piece, that alone will make it worthwhile watching the whole film. Obviously, I can't tell you what that is, but it's a cracker.
The film does cover the tricky subject of suicide bombing, so prepared for some bodily explosions! Although not graphically gory they are, dare I say it, very funny.
So all in all the film was disappointing, we didn't find it as funny as perhaps it could have been or as funny as some reviews might make you believe. Although there are some very good moments. Including an appearance from Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) playing a Police negotiator.
If you like the work of Chris Morris, then you would probably have already seen this film, if not then watch it.
Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Hitch - 30th August 2011
So then, we wander off into our celluloid soiree this week, with another comedy, this time of a romantic twist, as we enjoy the delights of;
Hitch
Will Smith stars in this 2005 RomCom as the Date Doctor; Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins. He is a relationship consultant, advising, ill-advised men on the whys, whens and wherefores of love. Claiming he can get a man together with the woman of his desires, in just three dates.
That's the basic plot outlined, what follows is the very funny actions and consequences of Hitchs' advice.
To add a twist to the tale, Hitch falls for gossip columnist Sara Melas, who he meets in a bar. Melas is played by the delightful Eva Mendes.
Sara does not know that Hitch is the Date Doctor, so she falls for his cute patter and cool charm, that he normally teaches his clients.
One of his clients; Albert Brennaman (played by Kevin James), really wants to meet wealthy socialite Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). These two are leagues apart, but Hitch weaves his magic and makes it happen. However, our gossip columnist Sara Melas, then becomes suspicious and intrigued, and finally discovers the identity of the Date Doctor. So feels that Hitch has hidden the real him and she believes that he makes his money by exploiting other people.
So what happens in the end?
Watch it and find out. Hitch really is a funny film, with constant laugh out loud moments, during the mid section of the film. The end becomes a bit more lovey-dovey, but hey! It's a romantic comedy!
Enjoy.
Hitch
Will Smith stars in this 2005 RomCom as the Date Doctor; Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins. He is a relationship consultant, advising, ill-advised men on the whys, whens and wherefores of love. Claiming he can get a man together with the woman of his desires, in just three dates.
That's the basic plot outlined, what follows is the very funny actions and consequences of Hitchs' advice.
To add a twist to the tale, Hitch falls for gossip columnist Sara Melas, who he meets in a bar. Melas is played by the delightful Eva Mendes.
Sara does not know that Hitch is the Date Doctor, so she falls for his cute patter and cool charm, that he normally teaches his clients.
One of his clients; Albert Brennaman (played by Kevin James), really wants to meet wealthy socialite Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). These two are leagues apart, but Hitch weaves his magic and makes it happen. However, our gossip columnist Sara Melas, then becomes suspicious and intrigued, and finally discovers the identity of the Date Doctor. So feels that Hitch has hidden the real him and she believes that he makes his money by exploiting other people.
So what happens in the end?
Watch it and find out. Hitch really is a funny film, with constant laugh out loud moments, during the mid section of the film. The end becomes a bit more lovey-dovey, but hey! It's a romantic comedy!
Enjoy.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Get Him to the Greek - 23rd August 2011
It's back to the comedy for Tuesday Night is Film Night, with the 2010 spin-off sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall;
Get Him to the Greek
Russell Brand reprises his character of drug and booze fuelled British rock star Aldous Snow, in this spin off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
There's no real link to the first film, just a couple of references, so "Get Him to the Greek" stands alone as a piece of work, you do not need to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall to enjoy Russell Brand at his lewd and crude best!
Brand is ably assisted in the film by co-star; Jonah Hill, who plays Aaron Green, a record company intern, who suggests to aid the ailing record label, that a comeback concert by Aldous Snow would bring in the necessary cash.
The record label boss; Sergio Roma (played by P Diddy), thinks it's a great idea, so entrusts Aaron to fly to London, get Aldous Snow and bring him back to the States and get him to the concert at the Greek Theatre (hence the film title), all within 72 hours.
This wouldn't be so bad, if Aldous Snow wasn't the stereotypical rock star, so what follows is the adventures they have in getting form London to LA. There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments, with cameo appearances from a few stars. (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Tom Felton).
There's is a sub-plot as well, which follows the relationship between Aaron and his longterm girlfriend; Daphne, which gives the hero of the film, some love interest. Although he has some other interests on the way!!
If you can stand the gratutious swearing, sex, drug taking etc. of which there is plenty! Then you'll enjoy this film!
A stand out performance and a surprising one at that, was P Diddy as Sergio Roma, extremely funny and ideal for the character he played.
Really enjoyed this film.
Get Him to the Greek
Russell Brand reprises his character of drug and booze fuelled British rock star Aldous Snow, in this spin off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
There's no real link to the first film, just a couple of references, so "Get Him to the Greek" stands alone as a piece of work, you do not need to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall to enjoy Russell Brand at his lewd and crude best!
Brand is ably assisted in the film by co-star; Jonah Hill, who plays Aaron Green, a record company intern, who suggests to aid the ailing record label, that a comeback concert by Aldous Snow would bring in the necessary cash.
The record label boss; Sergio Roma (played by P Diddy), thinks it's a great idea, so entrusts Aaron to fly to London, get Aldous Snow and bring him back to the States and get him to the concert at the Greek Theatre (hence the film title), all within 72 hours.
This wouldn't be so bad, if Aldous Snow wasn't the stereotypical rock star, so what follows is the adventures they have in getting form London to LA. There are some hilarious laugh out loud moments, with cameo appearances from a few stars. (Pink, Christina Aguilera, Tom Felton).
There's is a sub-plot as well, which follows the relationship between Aaron and his longterm girlfriend; Daphne, which gives the hero of the film, some love interest. Although he has some other interests on the way!!
If you can stand the gratutious swearing, sex, drug taking etc. of which there is plenty! Then you'll enjoy this film!
A stand out performance and a surprising one at that, was P Diddy as Sergio Roma, extremely funny and ideal for the character he played.
Really enjoyed this film.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
The Butterfly Effect 2 - 16th August 2011
This week we take a look at a film sequel. The question is; will it be as good as the original.......?
The Butterfly Effect 2
If you have seen The Butterfly Effect, you will know the basic premise to the film. In the The Butterfly Effect 2 it is the same "change and effect" scenario.
This time the lead is taken by Eric Lively, who plays successful salesman Nick Larson. The film opens with four friends celebrating the Birthday of Nicks' girlfriend; Julie Miller (played by Erica Durance).
Several key elements are played out in this first sequence, elements that are revisited throughout the film.
The action kicks off after this first sequence, when the foursome are involved in a car accident. Nick survives to find his world has been turned upside down. He also discovers that he now suffers from headaches and nosebleeds, not only that, but they occur when looking at photographs. And some how he is able to travel back in time, to period when the photo was taken.
Initially, he tries to put things right, but then discovers that he can use this ability to his own advantage. Unfortunately, what could be deemed as advantageous to Nick, can have a detrimental effect on those that surround him.
So, the sequel may not have been as good as the first film, but as a psychological thriller it was top notch. It kept me on the edge of my seat and not once did I get bored with the story or the way the story was told.
All in all, a good film.
The Butterfly Effect 2
If you have seen The Butterfly Effect, you will know the basic premise to the film. In the The Butterfly Effect 2 it is the same "change and effect" scenario.
This time the lead is taken by Eric Lively, who plays successful salesman Nick Larson. The film opens with four friends celebrating the Birthday of Nicks' girlfriend; Julie Miller (played by Erica Durance).
Several key elements are played out in this first sequence, elements that are revisited throughout the film.
The action kicks off after this first sequence, when the foursome are involved in a car accident. Nick survives to find his world has been turned upside down. He also discovers that he now suffers from headaches and nosebleeds, not only that, but they occur when looking at photographs. And some how he is able to travel back in time, to period when the photo was taken.
Initially, he tries to put things right, but then discovers that he can use this ability to his own advantage. Unfortunately, what could be deemed as advantageous to Nick, can have a detrimental effect on those that surround him.
So, the sequel may not have been as good as the first film, but as a psychological thriller it was top notch. It kept me on the edge of my seat and not once did I get bored with the story or the way the story was told.
All in all, a good film.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
Holes - 2nd August 2011
Hello all! After skipping a week due to a short holiday, we are back this week! Our excursion into the silver screen this week, finds us watching;
Holes.
So, what is Holes all about? Well; Holes is an adaptation of Louis Sachar's book Holes. The film stays faithful to the original Sachar story.
After being wrongly found guilty of stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley Yelnats, admirably played by Shia LaBeouf, gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correctional facility, situated in the bed of a long-gone dry Texas lake.
Whilst there, he and the other boys are minded by the cruel, Mr Sir (Jon Voight), counselled by therapist Dr Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson) and the whole camp is overseen by the Warden played by Sigourney Weaver.
The title of the film (and the book) relates to the fact that Stanley and the dozens of other delinquents are forced to dig an endless series of holes that the warden hopes will lead her to................
Can't tell you too much there! It would spoil the fun.
Needless to say the story takes you to, a fairly inevitable conclusion. However, the way Sachar gets you there, is full of suspense, intrigue and several generations of the families involved, intertwining.
Holes is a quaint, fairly innocent family adventure, something for a lazy wet Bank Holiday. It a fun feelgood film, with a star-studded cast! Look out for Henry Winkler, Eartha Kitt..... OK not so many stars, but Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight are excellent.
Watch this film. That's an order!
Holes.
So, what is Holes all about? Well; Holes is an adaptation of Louis Sachar's book Holes. The film stays faithful to the original Sachar story.
After being wrongly found guilty of stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley Yelnats, admirably played by Shia LaBeouf, gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correctional facility, situated in the bed of a long-gone dry Texas lake.
Whilst there, he and the other boys are minded by the cruel, Mr Sir (Jon Voight), counselled by therapist Dr Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson) and the whole camp is overseen by the Warden played by Sigourney Weaver.
The title of the film (and the book) relates to the fact that Stanley and the dozens of other delinquents are forced to dig an endless series of holes that the warden hopes will lead her to................
Can't tell you too much there! It would spoil the fun.
Needless to say the story takes you to, a fairly inevitable conclusion. However, the way Sachar gets you there, is full of suspense, intrigue and several generations of the families involved, intertwining.
Holes is a quaint, fairly innocent family adventure, something for a lazy wet Bank Holiday. It a fun feelgood film, with a star-studded cast! Look out for Henry Winkler, Eartha Kitt..... OK not so many stars, but Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight are excellent.
Watch this film. That's an order!
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Marley & Me - 19th July 2011
This week, we take a look at the romantic family comedy, that is;
Marley & Me
I guess that Marley & Me is a feelgood movie, it makes you feel good about yourself, about family, about life, but..........
OK, let's set the scene. Young newly Wed's John and Jennifer Grogan, (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) start to settle down, both have good journalistic jobs. However, Jen has a bit of a life plan. Part 1; get married. Part 2; house etc.
John is concerned what else is in the plan. Could it be the patter of tiny feet? To dissuade Jen from thinking about a baby, John treats her to a puppy for her Birthday and this is where the fun begins.
The new puppy; Marley, is probably the worst dog ever, impossible to train, impossible to leave home alone etc. etc.
What follows, and makes up the bulk of the film, is the life journey that this small family sets off on. This small family, that soon starts to flourish, with one child, followed by another and then followed by another, just after they decide that two kids and a crazy dog was enough! So we follow John, Jen, the three kids and the crazy dog on their adventures.
This is the feelgood part of the film, you enjoy their trials and tribulations. Their ups and downs. The new jobs, the new homes etc. It is good stuff. Some fine slapstick comedy moments and some brilliant doggy antics.
Jennifer Aniston is radiant in the movie, I never liked her in Friends, but that is because I never watched it! Owen Wilson is brilliant also. He portrays that dog / owner bond so believably.
Special note should go to Alan Arkin, who played Arnie Klein, John Grogan's dry witted boss. He really injects some flat, but ever so funny humourous lines into the film.
OK, onto the inevitable. And why this is a reverse feelgood movie. There isn't a happy ending.
Well, that's not strictly true, it's a sad ending yes, but it is played so well, Owen Wilson excelling in his portrayal of the grieving dog owner. Does that give too much away?
It's a lovely movie. It's sad, very sad in places, but it's the happy journey that the film takes you on, that balances out the inevitable sad end.
Tissues at the ready.
Marley & Me
I guess that Marley & Me is a feelgood movie, it makes you feel good about yourself, about family, about life, but..........
OK, let's set the scene. Young newly Wed's John and Jennifer Grogan, (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) start to settle down, both have good journalistic jobs. However, Jen has a bit of a life plan. Part 1; get married. Part 2; house etc.
John is concerned what else is in the plan. Could it be the patter of tiny feet? To dissuade Jen from thinking about a baby, John treats her to a puppy for her Birthday and this is where the fun begins.
The new puppy; Marley, is probably the worst dog ever, impossible to train, impossible to leave home alone etc. etc.
What follows, and makes up the bulk of the film, is the life journey that this small family sets off on. This small family, that soon starts to flourish, with one child, followed by another and then followed by another, just after they decide that two kids and a crazy dog was enough! So we follow John, Jen, the three kids and the crazy dog on their adventures.
This is the feelgood part of the film, you enjoy their trials and tribulations. Their ups and downs. The new jobs, the new homes etc. It is good stuff. Some fine slapstick comedy moments and some brilliant doggy antics.
Jennifer Aniston is radiant in the movie, I never liked her in Friends, but that is because I never watched it! Owen Wilson is brilliant also. He portrays that dog / owner bond so believably.
Special note should go to Alan Arkin, who played Arnie Klein, John Grogan's dry witted boss. He really injects some flat, but ever so funny humourous lines into the film.
OK, onto the inevitable. And why this is a reverse feelgood movie. There isn't a happy ending.
Well, that's not strictly true, it's a sad ending yes, but it is played so well, Owen Wilson excelling in his portrayal of the grieving dog owner. Does that give too much away?
It's a lovely movie. It's sad, very sad in places, but it's the happy journey that the film takes you on, that balances out the inevitable sad end.
Tissues at the ready.
Tuesday 12 July 2011
Philadelphia - 12th July 2012
I would normally start the weekly Film Night blog with a bit of alliteration, I think this week's movie is beyond the facile choice of words and deserves a modicum of sobriety. Having never seen the movie at all since it's release (1993), it's content, although known, was a bit of an enigma.
Tonight we watched;
Philadelphia
Couple of points to make about Philadelphia, firstly we had this video'd from years ago, when we first had cable TV installed. We had free movies for 3 months and this was the only film, at that time, that was worth seeing. We kept that VHS tape for years, literally years. In fact DVD and Blu-Ray have superceded the VHS medium since we taped it and we still never watched it!
Secondly, it has been suggested that the reviews that I post for Tuesday Night is Film Night, are always favourable, never harshly critical of the films that we see. This is true, but then we tend to watch films that we think, we are going to like.
So what of Philadelphia? Is this going to be a favourable review?
You betcha! It was brilliant!
The one disappointment is, that we didn't dust off that VHS tape and watch the film years ago.
I have always said, and I will continue to say, until proven otherwise, that Tom Hanks has never made a bad movie (that I have seen). Philadelphia is no exception.
The synopsis of the film, if you don't know, is that a successful up and coming (and gay) lawyer; Andrew Beckett (Hanks), gets fired by his law firm, on the premise of bad performance in a recent high brow case.
Whereas Beckett cites discrimination based on the recent revelation that he has AIDS.
After approaching several law firms to represent him, Beckett finds Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a lawyer who advertises his litigation services on TV. Miller clearly displays homophobic tendencies towards Beckett, but nevertheless, eventually takes on the case.
This is when Philadelphia turns into a gritty, but sometimes witty courtroom drama. Probably the best courtroom drama I have seen since the film JFK.
Picking up on a point I made earlier re. Tom Hanks and never seen a bad movie that he is. Well, this is true of Philadelphia yes, but I don't think Hanks is necessarily the best actor, no. I think that prize must go to Denzel Washington. He absolutely steals it.
Although Hanks won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar in 1994 for Philadelphia. I think the role played by Washington, may have been overlooked somewhat.
Having said that, there is no denying that Tom Hanks isn't absolutely sublime in this film. In the latter stages of the film and therefore the latter stages of the illness, there some very poignant scenes where Hanks is tremendous.
I guess the ending is feelgood in a way, although ultimately tinged with sadness.
There is also a fabulous soundtrack to the movie, which provides drama, poignancy and pathos.
Philadelphia is one of those films that draws you in, you become involved and engrossed, hanging on every word, emotion and expression. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted.
It certainly is right up there with the best films we have seen.
Tonight we watched;
Philadelphia
Couple of points to make about Philadelphia, firstly we had this video'd from years ago, when we first had cable TV installed. We had free movies for 3 months and this was the only film, at that time, that was worth seeing. We kept that VHS tape for years, literally years. In fact DVD and Blu-Ray have superceded the VHS medium since we taped it and we still never watched it!
Secondly, it has been suggested that the reviews that I post for Tuesday Night is Film Night, are always favourable, never harshly critical of the films that we see. This is true, but then we tend to watch films that we think, we are going to like.
So what of Philadelphia? Is this going to be a favourable review?
You betcha! It was brilliant!
The one disappointment is, that we didn't dust off that VHS tape and watch the film years ago.
I have always said, and I will continue to say, until proven otherwise, that Tom Hanks has never made a bad movie (that I have seen). Philadelphia is no exception.
The synopsis of the film, if you don't know, is that a successful up and coming (and gay) lawyer; Andrew Beckett (Hanks), gets fired by his law firm, on the premise of bad performance in a recent high brow case.
Whereas Beckett cites discrimination based on the recent revelation that he has AIDS.
After approaching several law firms to represent him, Beckett finds Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a lawyer who advertises his litigation services on TV. Miller clearly displays homophobic tendencies towards Beckett, but nevertheless, eventually takes on the case.
This is when Philadelphia turns into a gritty, but sometimes witty courtroom drama. Probably the best courtroom drama I have seen since the film JFK.
Picking up on a point I made earlier re. Tom Hanks and never seen a bad movie that he is. Well, this is true of Philadelphia yes, but I don't think Hanks is necessarily the best actor, no. I think that prize must go to Denzel Washington. He absolutely steals it.
Although Hanks won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar in 1994 for Philadelphia. I think the role played by Washington, may have been overlooked somewhat.
Having said that, there is no denying that Tom Hanks isn't absolutely sublime in this film. In the latter stages of the film and therefore the latter stages of the illness, there some very poignant scenes where Hanks is tremendous.
I guess the ending is feelgood in a way, although ultimately tinged with sadness.
There is also a fabulous soundtrack to the movie, which provides drama, poignancy and pathos.
Philadelphia is one of those films that draws you in, you become involved and engrossed, hanging on every word, emotion and expression. It is brilliantly written, directed and acted.
It certainly is right up there with the best films we have seen.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Good Will Hunting - 5th July 2011
So then, the Tuesday Night is Film Night rolls around yet again. And for our DVD delight, our film fascination and our magical movie moment tonight is;
Good Will Hunting
This could, quite easily be the easiest review that I will ever write for a film.
Why?
I'll tell you why. All I would have to write is;
BRILLIANT!
That's it in a nutshell. Good Will Hunting is a brilliant film.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are just superb. Even more so when you consider that they actually wrote it. And quite rightly won Oscars for the Best Original Screenplay.
Talking of Oscars, Good Will Hunting also produced the Best Supporting Actor, which went to Robin Williams, who played, so brilliantly; Sean Maguire the shrink, come therapist who manages to scratch the surface of the complex Will Hunting (Damon).
Will Hunting is the troubled genius, who is a janitor at MIT who just ignores his inbuilt knowledge. Until such times that he is saved from a jail term by arrogant college lecturer Prof. Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
Lambeau refers Will to Sean Maguire, to try to release the inner genius and avoid wasting himself on his no-good mates.
It's a deep, meaningful, feelgood film. The use of expletives is liberal, but it is well placed and not gratuitous. Matt Damon is fantastic in the lead role, ably supported by Affleck. Minnie Driver injects a much needed glamour aspect and a love interest for Will.
If you haven't seen this film, then do so. It is as close to the perfect movie, as you can get.
Good Will Hunting
This could, quite easily be the easiest review that I will ever write for a film.
Why?
I'll tell you why. All I would have to write is;
BRILLIANT!
That's it in a nutshell. Good Will Hunting is a brilliant film.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are just superb. Even more so when you consider that they actually wrote it. And quite rightly won Oscars for the Best Original Screenplay.
Talking of Oscars, Good Will Hunting also produced the Best Supporting Actor, which went to Robin Williams, who played, so brilliantly; Sean Maguire the shrink, come therapist who manages to scratch the surface of the complex Will Hunting (Damon).
Will Hunting is the troubled genius, who is a janitor at MIT who just ignores his inbuilt knowledge. Until such times that he is saved from a jail term by arrogant college lecturer Prof. Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
Lambeau refers Will to Sean Maguire, to try to release the inner genius and avoid wasting himself on his no-good mates.
It's a deep, meaningful, feelgood film. The use of expletives is liberal, but it is well placed and not gratuitous. Matt Damon is fantastic in the lead role, ably supported by Affleck. Minnie Driver injects a much needed glamour aspect and a love interest for Will.
If you haven't seen this film, then do so. It is as close to the perfect movie, as you can get.
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Bride Wars - 28th June 2011
Yes indeed film fans, we are back again with another magical movie moment, a tantalising Tuesday trip, down the movie motorway, the film freeway, the............
......you get the idea.
This week, it's back to romantic comedy, with the 2009 offering;
Bride Wars
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway go head to head in this bridal comedy. Childhood friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) have dreamed of June weddings at the Plaza since they were kids, and now their fantasy is finally within reach.
Both women are engaged to be married and they've booked their dates at the famed Manhattan landmark, the Plaza Hotel.
However, an error in the office of their wedding planner, the famous Marion St. Claire (Candice Bergen), causes their weddings to be scheduled on the same day, and neither woman will budge.
Harsh words escalate into sabotage and each woman craftily plots the demise of the other's wedding until events reach a screeching, squealing pitch on a sunny June day.
Yes this is a delightful fluffy romp through the; "best friends, become worst enemies scenario". Don't worry it all comes good in the end, you know it always does.
So the plot was thin, but not unlikeable. The acting was all fine and dandy. With the beautiful Anne Hathaway! She's gorgeous, but really needs to put a few pounds on.
In short, Bride Wars; romantic comedy, chick flick, get the girls round, get a box of chocolates, a bottle of Lambrini, and maybe a tissue or two, for the occasional tear and the little lovey-dovey, fluffy moments. You won't fall out of your seat laughing, but there will be fun on the way.
Enjoy.
......you get the idea.
This week, it's back to romantic comedy, with the 2009 offering;
Bride Wars
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway go head to head in this bridal comedy. Childhood friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) have dreamed of June weddings at the Plaza since they were kids, and now their fantasy is finally within reach.
Both women are engaged to be married and they've booked their dates at the famed Manhattan landmark, the Plaza Hotel.
However, an error in the office of their wedding planner, the famous Marion St. Claire (Candice Bergen), causes their weddings to be scheduled on the same day, and neither woman will budge.
Harsh words escalate into sabotage and each woman craftily plots the demise of the other's wedding until events reach a screeching, squealing pitch on a sunny June day.
Yes this is a delightful fluffy romp through the; "best friends, become worst enemies scenario". Don't worry it all comes good in the end, you know it always does.
So the plot was thin, but not unlikeable. The acting was all fine and dandy. With the beautiful Anne Hathaway! She's gorgeous, but really needs to put a few pounds on.
In short, Bride Wars; romantic comedy, chick flick, get the girls round, get a box of chocolates, a bottle of Lambrini, and maybe a tissue or two, for the occasional tear and the little lovey-dovey, fluffy moments. You won't fall out of your seat laughing, but there will be fun on the way.
Enjoy.
Tuesday 21 June 2011
The Notebook - 21st June 2011
OK then, how do you start a review of a film like "The Notebook"?
It's tagline states that it is; "the most romantic movie since Titanic".
Do we like romantic movies? Yes, yes we do and we certainly liked this one.
However, I can't describe too much of the film, for fear of giving too much of the plot away, but here goes.
The film counterpoints between a current storyline and an historical one.
James Garner plays a character, stuck in a nursing home, relaying a story from a notebook (hint to the title of the film), to an elderly lady resident.
The story, as told by Duke (James Garner), tells of a poor and passionate young man; Noah (Ryan Gosling) falling in love with a rich young woman; Allie (Rachel McAdams). Noah gives Allie a sense of freedom, however their Summer love affair ends as they are separated by their social differences.
So the film flicks between the modern storytelling (from the notebook), to the historic action, how this plays out and the juxtaposition between the two era's is a beautifully acted and extremely poignant. Going into too much detail will detract from what really is a fascinating and gripping love story.
It's certainly one for you, if you love a good weepie!
Rachel McAdams is an absolute dream as the young Allie (there's a clue!) and Ryan Gosling portrays Noah with immense gravitas and spirit.
This film was a total unknown quantity, but it was well worth watching. At the end there are a few twists and turns. A bit of a "will they, won't they" moment and right at the end, get the tissues ready!
Fantastic!
Next week, we must try something a bit more macho!
It's tagline states that it is; "the most romantic movie since Titanic".
Do we like romantic movies? Yes, yes we do and we certainly liked this one.
However, I can't describe too much of the film, for fear of giving too much of the plot away, but here goes.
The film counterpoints between a current storyline and an historical one.
James Garner plays a character, stuck in a nursing home, relaying a story from a notebook (hint to the title of the film), to an elderly lady resident.
The story, as told by Duke (James Garner), tells of a poor and passionate young man; Noah (Ryan Gosling) falling in love with a rich young woman; Allie (Rachel McAdams). Noah gives Allie a sense of freedom, however their Summer love affair ends as they are separated by their social differences.
So the film flicks between the modern storytelling (from the notebook), to the historic action, how this plays out and the juxtaposition between the two era's is a beautifully acted and extremely poignant. Going into too much detail will detract from what really is a fascinating and gripping love story.
It's certainly one for you, if you love a good weepie!
Rachel McAdams is an absolute dream as the young Allie (there's a clue!) and Ryan Gosling portrays Noah with immense gravitas and spirit.
This film was a total unknown quantity, but it was well worth watching. At the end there are a few twists and turns. A bit of a "will they, won't they" moment and right at the end, get the tissues ready!
Fantastic!
Next week, we must try something a bit more macho!
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Run, Fatboy, Run - 14th June 2011
So we get back to the RomCom, Feelgood Comedy genre tonight, with the 2007 film;
Run, Fatboy, Run
Starring and written by, the guy who seems to do no wrong in British cinema at the moment; Simon Pegg.
Run, Fatboy, Run follows the antics of Dennis Doyle, (played by Pegg), who at the start of the film, jilts his then pregnant fiance (Libby played superbly by the gorgeous Thandie Newton) at the altar.
This then sets the scene for Dennis, he's a bit of a loser, lazy, untidy, unfit, overweight and never sees anything through to completion.
5 years on, nothing has changed, Dennis is still lazy, but has managed to maintain ties to Libby, through the visits to see his and Libby's Son; Jake on regular occasions.
Enter Hank Azaria, playing a suave, confident American financier working in London, called Whit. He sets out to woo Libby in front of Dennis. Dennis see's this as an affront to himself and a challenge to secure, at least some affection, from Libby.
As a result of some lying, boasting and general "I'm better than you are" action, Dennis ends up entering into the same Marathon race as Whit.
The whys and where-fors of how this happens, I'll leave down to you and your viewing, we don't want to spoil it.
However, it is as with all feelgood movies, formulaic. Which is a good thing! You know where you stand. There's a good guy, a bad guy and a gorgeous girl. Then there's the hangers-on, scattered around for comedic effect.
I should point out at this point, Dylan Moran is superb as Gordon, as is Harish Patel as Mr. Goshdashtidar.
The jokes are sometimes obvious, but dependable. The action is well shot (thanks to Director, David Swimmer) and the story is as it should be, the gormless villain turns into "our hero"!
Some other gems to look out for are cameos from David Walliams and Floella Benjamin. Simon Day is also really great as the East London gangster type.
Following hot on the heels of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, this is another great Simon Pegg movie, although there is no Nick Frost in this one.
Give it go. It's a good film.
Run, Fatboy, Run
Starring and written by, the guy who seems to do no wrong in British cinema at the moment; Simon Pegg.
Run, Fatboy, Run follows the antics of Dennis Doyle, (played by Pegg), who at the start of the film, jilts his then pregnant fiance (Libby played superbly by the gorgeous Thandie Newton) at the altar.
This then sets the scene for Dennis, he's a bit of a loser, lazy, untidy, unfit, overweight and never sees anything through to completion.
5 years on, nothing has changed, Dennis is still lazy, but has managed to maintain ties to Libby, through the visits to see his and Libby's Son; Jake on regular occasions.
Enter Hank Azaria, playing a suave, confident American financier working in London, called Whit. He sets out to woo Libby in front of Dennis. Dennis see's this as an affront to himself and a challenge to secure, at least some affection, from Libby.
As a result of some lying, boasting and general "I'm better than you are" action, Dennis ends up entering into the same Marathon race as Whit.
The whys and where-fors of how this happens, I'll leave down to you and your viewing, we don't want to spoil it.
However, it is as with all feelgood movies, formulaic. Which is a good thing! You know where you stand. There's a good guy, a bad guy and a gorgeous girl. Then there's the hangers-on, scattered around for comedic effect.
I should point out at this point, Dylan Moran is superb as Gordon, as is Harish Patel as Mr. Goshdashtidar.
The jokes are sometimes obvious, but dependable. The action is well shot (thanks to Director, David Swimmer) and the story is as it should be, the gormless villain turns into "our hero"!
Some other gems to look out for are cameos from David Walliams and Floella Benjamin. Simon Day is also really great as the East London gangster type.
Following hot on the heels of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, this is another great Simon Pegg movie, although there is no Nick Frost in this one.
Give it go. It's a good film.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Face/Off - 7th June 2011
Continuing the thriller style action movies, (we had Munich last week), tonight we had the delights of the 1997 movie;
Face/Off
Well, it was an action packed thriller, with plenty of blood, guts, bullets, fire, explosions and unlikely goings on.
It was also bloody good!
The premise of the movie is that super FBI Agent Sean Archer, played ably by John Travolta, is out to revenge the accidental killing of his Son, by the super villain, Castor Troy, played superbly by Nicolas Cage.
Archer finally gets his man in the first part of the film and we think that justice is done. Not so.
A large bomb, set by Troy and his brother Pollux (Alessandro Nivola), is set to blow downtown LA sky high. Castor Troy is dead (or is he....?) and Pollux isn't talking. None of the Troy gang members know anything. So, the only thing left to do is..............
OK, this is where the films trips off into the realms of pseudo fantasy and surrealism. Apprently, Castor Troy has been kept alive on life support and pioneering Doctors working for the FBI can carry out face transplants. So what better way to find out the location and nature of the bomb, than to turn Agent Archer into Castor Troy, by transplanting their faces!!
Yes, it is a little far-fetched. It was far-fetched in 1997 and it's still alittle far-fetched 14 years later! Matters not, go with it.
So, Agent Sean Archer now looks and sounds (oh yes, they can do the voice as well!!), like Castor Troy. Castor Troy is face less on life support in a hospital bed. Sean Archer's face is in a bowl of water, keeping fresh!
Sean Archer, now looking like Castor Troy, is shipped off to a high security prison, to meet up with Pollux Troy, to find about about the bomb. The prison knows nothing of the face change.
Next bizarre twist comes when the comatose body of Castor Troy wakes up! Not only does he wake up, he works out he is faceless and where the face of Sean Archer is and then gets his gang to kidnap the surgeon, who carried out the original transplant, to carry out a second one, thus making Castor Troy; Sean Archer!
Confused?
No, you'll be fine.
Not only does Castor Troy now look like Sean Archer, he kills the surgeon and all the FBI agents who were aware of the top secret face transplant programme!
That's what happens in the first half of the film. What follows is how they battle it out, to regain each others identity and for a super cop, who looks like a super villain, to capture a super villain, who likes a super cop!
The latter part of the film is an horrendous bloody battle with bullets and blood flying everywhere!
We enjoyed it. The bizarre premise of a face transplant, does bring rise to a wonderful juxtaposition between good and evil, cop against villain, but in different guises.
Travolta is great, Cage, who I'm not a big fan of, was actually really rather good. However, the film is one of those that you either love or hate, it's a typical Marmite movie.
If you haven't seen it, give it a try.
If you have seen it and didn't like it, see what we have next week!
Face/Off
Well, it was an action packed thriller, with plenty of blood, guts, bullets, fire, explosions and unlikely goings on.
It was also bloody good!
The premise of the movie is that super FBI Agent Sean Archer, played ably by John Travolta, is out to revenge the accidental killing of his Son, by the super villain, Castor Troy, played superbly by Nicolas Cage.
Archer finally gets his man in the first part of the film and we think that justice is done. Not so.
A large bomb, set by Troy and his brother Pollux (Alessandro Nivola), is set to blow downtown LA sky high. Castor Troy is dead (or is he....?) and Pollux isn't talking. None of the Troy gang members know anything. So, the only thing left to do is..............
OK, this is where the films trips off into the realms of pseudo fantasy and surrealism. Apprently, Castor Troy has been kept alive on life support and pioneering Doctors working for the FBI can carry out face transplants. So what better way to find out the location and nature of the bomb, than to turn Agent Archer into Castor Troy, by transplanting their faces!!
Yes, it is a little far-fetched. It was far-fetched in 1997 and it's still alittle far-fetched 14 years later! Matters not, go with it.
So, Agent Sean Archer now looks and sounds (oh yes, they can do the voice as well!!), like Castor Troy. Castor Troy is face less on life support in a hospital bed. Sean Archer's face is in a bowl of water, keeping fresh!
Sean Archer, now looking like Castor Troy, is shipped off to a high security prison, to meet up with Pollux Troy, to find about about the bomb. The prison knows nothing of the face change.
Next bizarre twist comes when the comatose body of Castor Troy wakes up! Not only does he wake up, he works out he is faceless and where the face of Sean Archer is and then gets his gang to kidnap the surgeon, who carried out the original transplant, to carry out a second one, thus making Castor Troy; Sean Archer!
Confused?
No, you'll be fine.
Not only does Castor Troy now look like Sean Archer, he kills the surgeon and all the FBI agents who were aware of the top secret face transplant programme!
That's what happens in the first half of the film. What follows is how they battle it out, to regain each others identity and for a super cop, who looks like a super villain, to capture a super villain, who likes a super cop!
The latter part of the film is an horrendous bloody battle with bullets and blood flying everywhere!
We enjoyed it. The bizarre premise of a face transplant, does bring rise to a wonderful juxtaposition between good and evil, cop against villain, but in different guises.
Travolta is great, Cage, who I'm not a big fan of, was actually really rather good. However, the film is one of those that you either love or hate, it's a typical Marmite movie.
If you haven't seen it, give it a try.
If you have seen it and didn't like it, see what we have next week!
Tuesday 31 May 2011
Munich - 31st May 2011
So this weeks film takes us on a turgid, moralistic journey through the terrorism fuelled months following the Olympic games attack of 1972 in;
Munich
Firstly, this is a long film (157 minutes). It is also not an easy film to watch, due to the subject matter and the complexities of the political relationships. However, it is an important film, as it shows with passion and gravitas, the story surrounding the terrorist attack on the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. And the bloody aftermath.
There is little point in filling in the details of the situation that the film deals with, these are known facts. If you don't know them, look them up prior to watching, it will make for a more fulfilling film.
To summarise the plot; a terrorist faction calling themselves Black September, attack and take hostage some of the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic games. The film tackles the aftermath, showing the journey taken by the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day.
What follows is a bloody battle between the assassins and the targets that they are instructed to kill. However, it is never that easy and there are others out to get the assassins.
Eric Bana plays the lead character Avner and a great lead actor he is too. Other notable appearances are Daniel Craig (pre Bond) and Geoffrey Rush, now more renowned for The Kings Speech.
It may take more than one viewing to gain the complete impact of this fictional film (based on real events). It is deep, disturbing, filled with hate and anguish and despair. It is difficult to take sides, there are no real good guys and bad guys in this, how can you decide based on the facts? Do we condone the violence? Do we accept the retribution?
As I say, it's a moralistic maze, that individual viewers will find different routes from. It is a hard film, a true film, a difficult film, you decide if it's a good film.
Munich
Firstly, this is a long film (157 minutes). It is also not an easy film to watch, due to the subject matter and the complexities of the political relationships. However, it is an important film, as it shows with passion and gravitas, the story surrounding the terrorist attack on the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. And the bloody aftermath.
There is little point in filling in the details of the situation that the film deals with, these are known facts. If you don't know them, look them up prior to watching, it will make for a more fulfilling film.
To summarise the plot; a terrorist faction calling themselves Black September, attack and take hostage some of the Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic games. The film tackles the aftermath, showing the journey taken by the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day.
What follows is a bloody battle between the assassins and the targets that they are instructed to kill. However, it is never that easy and there are others out to get the assassins.
Eric Bana plays the lead character Avner and a great lead actor he is too. Other notable appearances are Daniel Craig (pre Bond) and Geoffrey Rush, now more renowned for The Kings Speech.
It may take more than one viewing to gain the complete impact of this fictional film (based on real events). It is deep, disturbing, filled with hate and anguish and despair. It is difficult to take sides, there are no real good guys and bad guys in this, how can you decide based on the facts? Do we condone the violence? Do we accept the retribution?
As I say, it's a moralistic maze, that individual viewers will find different routes from. It is a hard film, a true film, a difficult film, you decide if it's a good film.
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