Well, tonight after many weeks of waiting for a suitably long evening, we managed to squeeze in the 2 and half hour plus long film;
Inception
Boy there's people out there that really love this movie and fair play to them, if they enjoy that's fine. I for one, am not so sure.
I class myself, as someone with sufficient intelligence, to follow the plot lines of most movies. Indeed, I followed closely the story behind Inception and its' dreams within dreams within dreams scenario's.
However, if it were not for the artistic talents of Leonardo DiCaprio ad Ellen Page and the masterly special effects then for me, Inception would have been totally worthless.
As it was, I think the layers of complexity, spoilt what could have been a promising story.
The idea that you extract the inner thoughts of your subjects by invading their dreamlike states, I can go with that, but to be able to plant the seed of an idea within the mind of an individual by going through multiple layers of dreams? No.
It's a good idea, but I think writer and director Christopher Nolan, has taken the comncept too far. It makes the movie overly complicated, requiring the viewer to concentrate hard to keep the thread of the film together.
Yes, I did follow it, but as the plot wound out I still didn't feel satisfied that all the questions were answered and we were left with doubts to the completeness of the story.
Are they lining up for an Inception 2?
Well sorry, but I for one, won't be.
If you liked it, then good for you. Not my cup of tea.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Back To The Future - 22nd March 2011
Rightio then! This weeks deferential delve into the desirable depths of DVD* delights, gives us the 1985 classic;
Back To The Future
* (We actually watched it on Blu-ray!)
I shall not bore you with the storyline, as you should all be aware of the gist of this DeLorean driving, time travelling, Marty McFly movie adventure.
I will however, impart some of my favourites bits of this classic tale.
First off, Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd are outstanding in this movie. Christopher Lloyd definitely is, never was there a man so suited to the role than Lloyd to Dr. Emmett Brown. His shouts of; "Great scot!" and "Marty!" resonate throughout this film.
Michael J Fox, puts in a convincing show whilst miming on the guitar. The scene where he takes over lead guitar from Marvin Berry, whilst at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance and rips into Johnny B Goode, is a seminal moment in cinema for me. It's an absolute classic.
The way the story unfolds and is put together, also provides the film with that classic quality. Writers Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale add elements early on in the movie, which then get paid off later on. They plant a seed or thought early on, and then later in the film that comes to fruition, you see why something happens, due to that implanted thought earlier on. For example; Marty McFly wants to play in a band, this is explained at the start, it's only late on in the movie that, that element is drawn back and used to underpin another element of the storyline.
Also, the flyers for the restoration of the Clock Tower inform us of the exact date and time of the lightening strike. That element is pulled back later on.
It's the process of feeding information early on and then linking back to it later, that pulls this story together.
Here's a little snippet of information I never knew, before I watched the Blu-ray extras; that Huey Lewis, whose songs feature predominately throughout the film, has a cameo in the movie. He plays a member of staff at Marty's school, who is holding an audition for school bands.
Another trade off, between information portrayed at the start of the movie, and what we eventually see at the end, is the role reversal between Biff and George McFly. I always enjoy seeing the underdog fight back, and Back to the Future provies a classic example of this.
So there we have it. Roll on Back to the Future Part 2, coming to a Tuesday Night is Film Night night, near you, very soon!
Back To The Future
* (We actually watched it on Blu-ray!)
I shall not bore you with the storyline, as you should all be aware of the gist of this DeLorean driving, time travelling, Marty McFly movie adventure.
I will however, impart some of my favourites bits of this classic tale.
First off, Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd are outstanding in this movie. Christopher Lloyd definitely is, never was there a man so suited to the role than Lloyd to Dr. Emmett Brown. His shouts of; "Great scot!" and "Marty!" resonate throughout this film.
Michael J Fox, puts in a convincing show whilst miming on the guitar. The scene where he takes over lead guitar from Marvin Berry, whilst at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance and rips into Johnny B Goode, is a seminal moment in cinema for me. It's an absolute classic.
The way the story unfolds and is put together, also provides the film with that classic quality. Writers Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale add elements early on in the movie, which then get paid off later on. They plant a seed or thought early on, and then later in the film that comes to fruition, you see why something happens, due to that implanted thought earlier on. For example; Marty McFly wants to play in a band, this is explained at the start, it's only late on in the movie that, that element is drawn back and used to underpin another element of the storyline.
Also, the flyers for the restoration of the Clock Tower inform us of the exact date and time of the lightening strike. That element is pulled back later on.
It's the process of feeding information early on and then linking back to it later, that pulls this story together.
Here's a little snippet of information I never knew, before I watched the Blu-ray extras; that Huey Lewis, whose songs feature predominately throughout the film, has a cameo in the movie. He plays a member of staff at Marty's school, who is holding an audition for school bands.
Another trade off, between information portrayed at the start of the movie, and what we eventually see at the end, is the role reversal between Biff and George McFly. I always enjoy seeing the underdog fight back, and Back to the Future provies a classic example of this.
So there we have it. Roll on Back to the Future Part 2, coming to a Tuesday Night is Film Night night, near you, very soon!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Brideshead Revisted - 15th March 2011
A major detour, away from the chick flicks, bio-pics and feelgood movies, to a period drama tonight. Based on the the novel, first published in 1945, written by Evelyn Waugh, we have the 2008 film;
Brideshead Revisited.
Now, before you say; "wasn't that a series from the early 80's"?
Yes, yes it was, however and we only found this out recently, it was also made into a film in 2008.
Starring Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder, the story, if you are unfamiliar with the novel, or even the TV adaptation, follows "The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder", indeed that is the subtitle to the novel.
During the 2nd World War, Charles Ryder is stationed at Brideshead, a magnificent stately home belonging to the Marchmain family. What follows is his recollections of the home and it's family, especially that of the Marchmain children; Sebastian and Julia Flyte.
Charles meets Sebastian at Oxford, and they become firm friends, however, there is some dispute as to whether Evelyn Waugh has written the characters as overtly homosexual, or just very close friends. The book does little to support or deny this, the TV series plays them as close male friends with undertones of sexual kinship. The film however, does play the homosexual card quite clearly. Ben Wishaw, who plays Sebastian Flyte, has certainly "camped up" the role compared to that of Anthony Andrews (who played Sebastian in the TV series).
Regardless of this, the film adaption certainly follows the story as penned by Waugh. Charles Ryder's dalliances with the Flyte family, provide the plot for the film, the interaction between the indivduals provides the drama and in places humour.
Charles' relationship with Lady Marchmain is especially poignant, (beautifully portrayed by Emma Thompson by the way). Lady Marchmain is devout Catholic, Charles is a self professed atheist, they shouldn't get on, but they do, but don't at the same time. It is their joint love of Sebastian that brings them together, but ultimately forces them apart.
Charles, although loving Sebastian, until he becomes a worthless alcoholic, falls for the Sister; Julia. And what then follows, is an on and off relationship there also.
If you know the story of Brideshead, you will know the intricacies of the relationships.
As to the film itself, it's a fantastic, sumptuous period drama. The sets and locations are superb and exquisite, with the magnificent Castle Howard playing host Brideshead yet again.
I should note here, that the score to this movie provided a much needed aural backdrop to the stunning scenery. When you watch an action movie, you see the action, you don't necessarily see what else is going on in the background, with this movie you saw and heard a great deal of atmosphere enhancing the story.
Having seen the film and the TV adaptation, I really should read the book, just to intepret for myself the relationships as described by Waugh. For me, the film played the Charles and Sebastian relationship as too openly homosexual. Waugh writes that; Charles had been "in search of love in those days" when he first met Sebastian. Whether you interpret that as the physical love of a man, or the close friendship of kindred youthful spirits, is difficult to say.
All in all I don't think the film compares well with the TV adaptation. Although the film was very enjoyable, it is always going to be compared with the TV show, which coming first and being so succesful, is going to be a hard act to follow.
Up to you. See what you think.
Brideshead Revisited.
Now, before you say; "wasn't that a series from the early 80's"?
Yes, yes it was, however and we only found this out recently, it was also made into a film in 2008.
Starring Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder, the story, if you are unfamiliar with the novel, or even the TV adaptation, follows "The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder", indeed that is the subtitle to the novel.
During the 2nd World War, Charles Ryder is stationed at Brideshead, a magnificent stately home belonging to the Marchmain family. What follows is his recollections of the home and it's family, especially that of the Marchmain children; Sebastian and Julia Flyte.
Charles meets Sebastian at Oxford, and they become firm friends, however, there is some dispute as to whether Evelyn Waugh has written the characters as overtly homosexual, or just very close friends. The book does little to support or deny this, the TV series plays them as close male friends with undertones of sexual kinship. The film however, does play the homosexual card quite clearly. Ben Wishaw, who plays Sebastian Flyte, has certainly "camped up" the role compared to that of Anthony Andrews (who played Sebastian in the TV series).
Regardless of this, the film adaption certainly follows the story as penned by Waugh. Charles Ryder's dalliances with the Flyte family, provide the plot for the film, the interaction between the indivduals provides the drama and in places humour.
Charles' relationship with Lady Marchmain is especially poignant, (beautifully portrayed by Emma Thompson by the way). Lady Marchmain is devout Catholic, Charles is a self professed atheist, they shouldn't get on, but they do, but don't at the same time. It is their joint love of Sebastian that brings them together, but ultimately forces them apart.
Charles, although loving Sebastian, until he becomes a worthless alcoholic, falls for the Sister; Julia. And what then follows, is an on and off relationship there also.
If you know the story of Brideshead, you will know the intricacies of the relationships.
As to the film itself, it's a fantastic, sumptuous period drama. The sets and locations are superb and exquisite, with the magnificent Castle Howard playing host Brideshead yet again.
I should note here, that the score to this movie provided a much needed aural backdrop to the stunning scenery. When you watch an action movie, you see the action, you don't necessarily see what else is going on in the background, with this movie you saw and heard a great deal of atmosphere enhancing the story.
Having seen the film and the TV adaptation, I really should read the book, just to intepret for myself the relationships as described by Waugh. For me, the film played the Charles and Sebastian relationship as too openly homosexual. Waugh writes that; Charles had been "in search of love in those days" when he first met Sebastian. Whether you interpret that as the physical love of a man, or the close friendship of kindred youthful spirits, is difficult to say.
All in all I don't think the film compares well with the TV adaptation. Although the film was very enjoyable, it is always going to be compared with the TV show, which coming first and being so succesful, is going to be a hard act to follow.
Up to you. See what you think.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny - 8th March 2011
Evening all! Tonights foray in film, takes us in the pursuit of the Pick of Destiny! Yes, it's the 2006 movie;
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
So, Jack Black and Kyle Gass team up in this mock-opera, come rock-umentary, come spoof musical quest movie.
The storyline is thin, but pleasing.
The music, if you like rock and metal is awesome.
The ratio of swear words is high.
And the laughs are there, but not too many!
I'm going to nick the plot summary from IMDB, as they sum it up quite nicely;
This is the story of a friendship that changes the course of rock history forever, of the fateful collision of minds between JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) that led to the creation of the precedent-shattering band Tenacious D, and of the two heroes' quest to find the fabled Guitar Pick Of Destiny...
I shan't bore you with the story, because there isn't one apart from what you have read above. As a story, they play it out as a magical quest to find the Pick of Destiny, a plectrum that will give the holder the power of the guitar riff. It's all a bit too far fetched.
However, as a vehicle to showcase the talents, musical and otherwise, of our two heroes; JB and KG, then it is perfect. Kyle Gass and Jack Black wrote or co-wrote a great deal of the music in the film.
Gass certainly looks unconvincing as a rock God, but his musical talent clearly shines through. And the vocal talents of Jack Black are also very evident.
In a way, it can be seen as a bit pretentious; "look at us, aren't we great musicians"? Look through that and you find a delightful film, with a cracking soundtrack.
Jokes and storyline were thin, but it is is an amusing romp.
Not sure that it's worth going out and buying, but if you spot it in one of the bargain bins, in your local supermarket, then give it a whirl.
Oh! And look out for Meatloaf at the start.
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny
So, Jack Black and Kyle Gass team up in this mock-opera, come rock-umentary, come spoof musical quest movie.
The storyline is thin, but pleasing.
The music, if you like rock and metal is awesome.
The ratio of swear words is high.
And the laughs are there, but not too many!
I'm going to nick the plot summary from IMDB, as they sum it up quite nicely;
This is the story of a friendship that changes the course of rock history forever, of the fateful collision of minds between JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) that led to the creation of the precedent-shattering band Tenacious D, and of the two heroes' quest to find the fabled Guitar Pick Of Destiny...
I shan't bore you with the story, because there isn't one apart from what you have read above. As a story, they play it out as a magical quest to find the Pick of Destiny, a plectrum that will give the holder the power of the guitar riff. It's all a bit too far fetched.
However, as a vehicle to showcase the talents, musical and otherwise, of our two heroes; JB and KG, then it is perfect. Kyle Gass and Jack Black wrote or co-wrote a great deal of the music in the film.
Gass certainly looks unconvincing as a rock God, but his musical talent clearly shines through. And the vocal talents of Jack Black are also very evident.
In a way, it can be seen as a bit pretentious; "look at us, aren't we great musicians"? Look through that and you find a delightful film, with a cracking soundtrack.
Jokes and storyline were thin, but it is is an amusing romp.
Not sure that it's worth going out and buying, but if you spot it in one of the bargain bins, in your local supermarket, then give it a whirl.
Oh! And look out for Meatloaf at the start.
Tuesday 1 March 2011
Legally Blonde - 1st March 2011
So, we have gone back to the Chick-Flicks, but with two girls in the house, I'm on a hiding to nothing and will always lose out on the vote (not that I mind).
It was a proper Chick-Flick night tonight as well, as we sat eating a box of chocolates and watching.......
Legally Blonde!
To be honest I was not expecting much from this movie, the format was pretty much determined by the first 20 minutes.
Blonde air-head Fashion and Design major, gets blown out by her boyfriend who's off to Harvard to study law.
She mopes around for a week, pigging out on chocolates and then decides that to win back her beau, she should also go to Harvard and study law.
If he wants a serious girlfriend, with a serious future, that's what she should do!
So she does.
First term at Harvard and she is humiliated even more, she discovers her boyfriend is engaged to a fellow first year student. She finds people are making fun of her. She looks a blonde airhead and is treated as such, by pupils and staff alike.
So there we have it, the stage is set for the usual feelgood movie formula;
Reese Witherspoon is a sheer delight as Elle Wood, the blonde bimbo (that's a bit harsh, but it'll do), who becomes our heroine. She is so believable, that you do really get behind her character and yes, I cheered at the end!
The finest supporting role in this film for me was; Jennifer Coolidge who played Paulette Bonafonté, Elle's manicurist whilst she is at Harvard.
Their relationship for me, really helps to make this movie more rounded. Paulette is Elle's confidante and they help each other out through their various troubles. It is this relationship above others, in the film, that adds an extra layer of completeness.
Clearly the formulaic approach has you rooting for the underdog, and as such you have your nasty characters for our leading lady to contend with, but they have done this quite cleverly, as several characters in turn play the enemy, so to speak.
There's Warner Huntington III (played by Matthew Davis), Elle's original boyfriend, who dumped her, clearly he's a candidate for nasty character, that our blonde heroine can wreak revenge upon.
Then there's Vivian (Selma Blair), Warners fiancé at Harvard, who is a bitchy character at the start, but turns good at the end.
Then later in the story we get; Professor Callahan (Victor Garber) who is one of Elle's tutors, who after lauding praise on Elle throughout the trial they are working, tries to make a pass at her. He get's his comeuppance.
And there's others, who just can't see past the dizzy blonde facade.
My point is here; all these characters further exaggerate the underdog trait of Elle. Therefore, you start to root for her even more. This is also very key, because if you don't believe these things are happening, right here, right now, in front of your very eyes, on the screen in front of you, then the film makers are not doing there job properly.
I was totally sucked in and entranced by the story.
It was brilliant.
Some people like disaster movies, some like horror, some like thrillers.
I like a really good feelgood movie.
Legally Blonde is a really good feelgood movie.
You can generally tell how much I like a movie, by counting the lines between this point and the start of the review. The more lines, the better the film!!
Enjoy.
It was a proper Chick-Flick night tonight as well, as we sat eating a box of chocolates and watching.......
Legally Blonde!
To be honest I was not expecting much from this movie, the format was pretty much determined by the first 20 minutes.
Blonde air-head Fashion and Design major, gets blown out by her boyfriend who's off to Harvard to study law.
She mopes around for a week, pigging out on chocolates and then decides that to win back her beau, she should also go to Harvard and study law.
If he wants a serious girlfriend, with a serious future, that's what she should do!
So she does.
First term at Harvard and she is humiliated even more, she discovers her boyfriend is engaged to a fellow first year student. She finds people are making fun of her. She looks a blonde airhead and is treated as such, by pupils and staff alike.
So there we have it, the stage is set for the usual feelgood movie formula;
- Great start.
- Bottom falls out of world.
- Seeks revenge.
- Ups and downs.
- Then finally wins.
Reese Witherspoon is a sheer delight as Elle Wood, the blonde bimbo (that's a bit harsh, but it'll do), who becomes our heroine. She is so believable, that you do really get behind her character and yes, I cheered at the end!
The finest supporting role in this film for me was; Jennifer Coolidge who played Paulette Bonafonté, Elle's manicurist whilst she is at Harvard.
Their relationship for me, really helps to make this movie more rounded. Paulette is Elle's confidante and they help each other out through their various troubles. It is this relationship above others, in the film, that adds an extra layer of completeness.
Clearly the formulaic approach has you rooting for the underdog, and as such you have your nasty characters for our leading lady to contend with, but they have done this quite cleverly, as several characters in turn play the enemy, so to speak.
There's Warner Huntington III (played by Matthew Davis), Elle's original boyfriend, who dumped her, clearly he's a candidate for nasty character, that our blonde heroine can wreak revenge upon.
Then there's Vivian (Selma Blair), Warners fiancé at Harvard, who is a bitchy character at the start, but turns good at the end.
Then later in the story we get; Professor Callahan (Victor Garber) who is one of Elle's tutors, who after lauding praise on Elle throughout the trial they are working, tries to make a pass at her. He get's his comeuppance.
And there's others, who just can't see past the dizzy blonde facade.
My point is here; all these characters further exaggerate the underdog trait of Elle. Therefore, you start to root for her even more. This is also very key, because if you don't believe these things are happening, right here, right now, in front of your very eyes, on the screen in front of you, then the film makers are not doing there job properly.
I was totally sucked in and entranced by the story.
It was brilliant.
Some people like disaster movies, some like horror, some like thrillers.
I like a really good feelgood movie.
Legally Blonde is a really good feelgood movie.
You can generally tell how much I like a movie, by counting the lines between this point and the start of the review. The more lines, the better the film!!
Enjoy.
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