Here's a first for Tuesday Night is Film Night, we take on a James Bond movie. So will it be oh oh heaven, or does Mr Bond take a tumble in;
Skyfall
So Skyfall is your typical James Bond film. The plot really doesn't require any description, as it is the same as every other previous Bond movie; evil genius tries to take over the world and James Bond is there to stop him.
In this case the evil genius is Silva, played by Javier Bardem. Silva has appeared from M's past and is out to haunt her. MI6 is under attack and Bond must stop the threat.
Bond is not really about the plot, it's more about the action and the special effects and there is no shortage of action in Skyfall. Daniel Craig is superb as the indestructible Mr Bond. However, it is Judi Dench as M that makes the film for me. Dame Judi is superb.
As with most Bond epic's, the budget has been spent on major location shooting and brilliant effects. The lighting and camera work in the finale, set in Scotland, is superb.
Also, the focus seems to have been on action and drama, rather than the cheesy Bond humour and sex that have been prevalent in previous Bond incarnations. And this is no bad thing. Skyfall keeps you on the edge of your seat, although it is apparent that nothing seems to kill James Bond, no matter how many bullets fly or explosions tear the landscape asunder, he keeps on going.
Yes, Bond movies are formulaic, but they are based on a winning formula, so why change it?
Skyfall, is a winner.
7 out of 10 in this house. Everyone's a critic!
Tuesday 26 March 2013
Enigma - 19th March 2013
Just a quick blog for this Tuesday Night is Film Night film, as we watched it during a bout of illness and didn't get chance at the time to write up anything. Anyway, here's a quick rundown on;
Enigma
It is March 1943 and the staff at Britain's top secret intelligence headquarters, Bletchley Park, are struggling to break a new German naval code. Tom Jericho (Dougray Scott) is a mathematician newly assigned to the unit, and thanks to his brilliant insights the apparently unbeatable code begins to reveal its secrets. However, Tom has another, more personal, problem to solve - his former lover Claire (Saffron Burrows) has mysteriously disappeared, leaving only a few confused traces in her wake. Joining forces with the missing woman's bespectacled housemate Hester (Kate Winslet), Tom sets out to investigate.
OK, so it's a stolen synopsis from Amazon, but it covers the basics. Enigma is a good film, it's plausible, based on real locations, but it's woefully inaccurate with some of the Bletchley Park history. Plus, they didn't use Bletchley Park for any of the exterior shots, which is a little disappointing.
When I say it is inaccurate, I do so based on my knowledge of what actually went on at Bletchley and it is highly unlikely that some of the shenanigans that are portrayed in Enigma, would actually have happened.
That aside, it is entertaining and wonderfully filmed. Kate Winslett is gorgeous and makes the film for me.
It is a shame that the real Bletchley Park did not feature. Watch out for a cameo appearance from Mick Jagger, who stumped up some cash to fund the movie.
Enigma is only a good film, because of it's historical contents, albeit inaccurate, I still enjoyed it.
7 out of 10.
Enigma
It is March 1943 and the staff at Britain's top secret intelligence headquarters, Bletchley Park, are struggling to break a new German naval code. Tom Jericho (Dougray Scott) is a mathematician newly assigned to the unit, and thanks to his brilliant insights the apparently unbeatable code begins to reveal its secrets. However, Tom has another, more personal, problem to solve - his former lover Claire (Saffron Burrows) has mysteriously disappeared, leaving only a few confused traces in her wake. Joining forces with the missing woman's bespectacled housemate Hester (Kate Winslet), Tom sets out to investigate.
OK, so it's a stolen synopsis from Amazon, but it covers the basics. Enigma is a good film, it's plausible, based on real locations, but it's woefully inaccurate with some of the Bletchley Park history. Plus, they didn't use Bletchley Park for any of the exterior shots, which is a little disappointing.
When I say it is inaccurate, I do so based on my knowledge of what actually went on at Bletchley and it is highly unlikely that some of the shenanigans that are portrayed in Enigma, would actually have happened.
That aside, it is entertaining and wonderfully filmed. Kate Winslett is gorgeous and makes the film for me.
It is a shame that the real Bletchley Park did not feature. Watch out for a cameo appearance from Mick Jagger, who stumped up some cash to fund the movie.
Enigma is only a good film, because of it's historical contents, albeit inaccurate, I still enjoyed it.
7 out of 10.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
The Lost Valentine - 12th March 2013
Well, here we are again. Tonight we have gone for, what looks to be, a tear jerking, romantic tale of love and loss. Will it be love at first sight or the big heave-ho for;
The Lost Valentine
Released in 2011, The Lost Valentine is a made-for-TV movie. Normally, this should start alarm bells ringing. Made-for-TV movies are notoriously bad, but this one came highly recommended.
The story is as follows; Caroline Thomas, played superbly by Golden Girl; Betty White, is an old romantic who, although being told that her young husband was missing in action in the Second World War, still makes an annual pilgrimage to the Union railway station, to mark the day when she last saw him, as he departed for active duties.
The day that he left was Valentines Day.
Every year Caroline returns, hoping that he (Neil Thomas), may someday return. She has been doing this, for 65 years, every since they parted in 1944.
The story of this epic devotion, is picked up by the local TV network, who set up their glamourous reporter; Susan Allison (played by the ever-so lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt), to cover the story. Susan is not so sure that the story has any gravitas and says as much, accidentally in front of Caroline's grandson Lucas (Sean Faris). And although this meeting of Susan and Lucas gets off on the wrong foot, you know that there is a spark between the two, thus providing us with another layer of romance.
Susan eventually gets to interview Caroline and this is where the film starts filling in all the necessary detail, utilising flashbacks to the 1940's, where the young Caroline and Neil first get together.
Fair enough so far. The approach, layering and scene setting of the movie is very formulaic. However, what sets this film apart from the rest, is the story. We all know how the Americans love their war veterans (and rightly so). And we see in The Lost Valentine elements which are very believable. You can almost sense that it's real, that someone would have revisited such a special place, for so many years, just to relive the parting of a loving couple and hope beyond hope, that one day their loved one would return.
Above and beyond the great story, it is the way that it is bought to life on our screens so superbly by Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Aided extremely well by Sean Faris, that makes all the difference. If you believe the storyline, then this is enhanced by some great acting.
It is without doubt a tearjerker. Some may suggest that it's a little too much and over steps the line between a good romantic story and into a somewhat cheesy affair, but I would suggest not. I think it portrays a tender, believable story, laced with emotion, pride, honour and respect.
A good film and thoroughly enjoyable. Which scores a massive 9 out of 10 in this house.
The Lost Valentine
Released in 2011, The Lost Valentine is a made-for-TV movie. Normally, this should start alarm bells ringing. Made-for-TV movies are notoriously bad, but this one came highly recommended.
The story is as follows; Caroline Thomas, played superbly by Golden Girl; Betty White, is an old romantic who, although being told that her young husband was missing in action in the Second World War, still makes an annual pilgrimage to the Union railway station, to mark the day when she last saw him, as he departed for active duties.
The day that he left was Valentines Day.
Every year Caroline returns, hoping that he (Neil Thomas), may someday return. She has been doing this, for 65 years, every since they parted in 1944.
The story of this epic devotion, is picked up by the local TV network, who set up their glamourous reporter; Susan Allison (played by the ever-so lovely Jennifer Love Hewitt), to cover the story. Susan is not so sure that the story has any gravitas and says as much, accidentally in front of Caroline's grandson Lucas (Sean Faris). And although this meeting of Susan and Lucas gets off on the wrong foot, you know that there is a spark between the two, thus providing us with another layer of romance.
Susan eventually gets to interview Caroline and this is where the film starts filling in all the necessary detail, utilising flashbacks to the 1940's, where the young Caroline and Neil first get together.
Fair enough so far. The approach, layering and scene setting of the movie is very formulaic. However, what sets this film apart from the rest, is the story. We all know how the Americans love their war veterans (and rightly so). And we see in The Lost Valentine elements which are very believable. You can almost sense that it's real, that someone would have revisited such a special place, for so many years, just to relive the parting of a loving couple and hope beyond hope, that one day their loved one would return.
Above and beyond the great story, it is the way that it is bought to life on our screens so superbly by Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Aided extremely well by Sean Faris, that makes all the difference. If you believe the storyline, then this is enhanced by some great acting.
It is without doubt a tearjerker. Some may suggest that it's a little too much and over steps the line between a good romantic story and into a somewhat cheesy affair, but I would suggest not. I think it portrays a tender, believable story, laced with emotion, pride, honour and respect.
A good film and thoroughly enjoyable. Which scores a massive 9 out of 10 in this house.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
The Runaways - 5th March 2013
Tuesday Night is Film Night spins the wheel of genre's tonight and it stops with it's arrow pointing straight at a music biopic. So will it be a hit or a miss, as we watch;
The Runaways
This film from 2010, traces the rise to fame, or possibly infamy of the real life band; The Runaways. The Runaways were an all girl group making their music out of Los Angeles from 1975 onwards. If you are still none the wiser, then their rhythm guitarist and singer was a one Joan Larkin, who changed her name to Joan Jett. Ah yes, her.
Based on the book; Neon Angel, written by The Runaways lead singer, Cherie Currie, The Runaways follows the lives of Currie and Jett and the other girls as the band is formed.
Down to the nitty gritty. Joan Jett is quite superbly portrayed by the sombre Kristen Stewart, dropping her vampire fangs, in exchange for a plectrum. Cherie Curry is bought to life on the screen by Dakota Fanning, who does a superb job recreating the teasing good looks and provocative nature of Currie.
Unfortunately, as with most music biopic's the other members of the band, the lead guitarist, drummer and bass player are lost to the background and although they are very much part of the band, they are reduced to bit parts in the film.
The only other real main character is that of Kim Fowley, a record producer, impresario and song writer, that pulls The Runaways together, developing their style and moulding their future. Fowley is apparently; "one of the most colourful characters in the annals of rock & roll...", as well as being; "....a shadowy cult figure well outside the margins of the mainstream." Either way he is played by Michael Shannon, who has appeared in many films, including previous Tuesday Night is Film Night films, such as The Woodsman and World Trade Center.
OK, so there we have our cast and the basic story. And I'm afraid the story is pretty basic and a standard music biopic. We see our band form, with ambitions to take on the world, but reality kicks them in the teeth, when they find out that the glamorous world of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, is an arduous, hard slog, formed in the back of a van, trailing around tiny venues, scraping together a living, but only just. Working hard and waiting for that moment when they burst into headlines and into our ears.
The portrayal of the formative years of the band, covering the years from 1975 onwards, is really quite good. A solid seventies soundtrack provides the back beat to the visual shenanigans of these five girls thrown together into an increasing sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll filled haze.
I don't recall so much swearing in the '70's!
In reality The Runaways were not that big. Their biggest hit is probably Cherry Bomb, however the film really does do justice to their story, from their nervous beginners, through the formative years and onto a degree of stardom, certainly in Japan and the far east. However, as with most stories from the music business, The Runaways eventually succumbed to the internal frustrations and external pressures and imploded. With the lead singer Cherie eventually walking out.
Of course, Joan Jett went onto bigger and greater things with The Blackhearts.
This is turning into a review of the band rather than the film!
One other point to make about the film, the cinematography is most excellent, the way the film is shot, brings an extra dimension to the movie, normally with a music based film, there is a lot of concentration on the music itself, with The Runaways this is not so true, but this is no bad thing, we get a very well rounded, visually attractive, study on music and musicians, seeing their highs and lows, the ups and the inevitable downs.
As a whole package, it's pretty good, but as a film, I'm not sure it would warrant the cost of a cinema ticket these days. Having siad that, if I were ever to see the book the film is based on, I might be tempted to buy it.
The film struggles to hit a score of 6.5 out of 10.
The Runaways
This film from 2010, traces the rise to fame, or possibly infamy of the real life band; The Runaways. The Runaways were an all girl group making their music out of Los Angeles from 1975 onwards. If you are still none the wiser, then their rhythm guitarist and singer was a one Joan Larkin, who changed her name to Joan Jett. Ah yes, her.
Based on the book; Neon Angel, written by The Runaways lead singer, Cherie Currie, The Runaways follows the lives of Currie and Jett and the other girls as the band is formed.
Down to the nitty gritty. Joan Jett is quite superbly portrayed by the sombre Kristen Stewart, dropping her vampire fangs, in exchange for a plectrum. Cherie Curry is bought to life on the screen by Dakota Fanning, who does a superb job recreating the teasing good looks and provocative nature of Currie.
Unfortunately, as with most music biopic's the other members of the band, the lead guitarist, drummer and bass player are lost to the background and although they are very much part of the band, they are reduced to bit parts in the film.
The only other real main character is that of Kim Fowley, a record producer, impresario and song writer, that pulls The Runaways together, developing their style and moulding their future. Fowley is apparently; "one of the most colourful characters in the annals of rock & roll...", as well as being; "....a shadowy cult figure well outside the margins of the mainstream." Either way he is played by Michael Shannon, who has appeared in many films, including previous Tuesday Night is Film Night films, such as The Woodsman and World Trade Center.
OK, so there we have our cast and the basic story. And I'm afraid the story is pretty basic and a standard music biopic. We see our band form, with ambitions to take on the world, but reality kicks them in the teeth, when they find out that the glamorous world of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, is an arduous, hard slog, formed in the back of a van, trailing around tiny venues, scraping together a living, but only just. Working hard and waiting for that moment when they burst into headlines and into our ears.
The portrayal of the formative years of the band, covering the years from 1975 onwards, is really quite good. A solid seventies soundtrack provides the back beat to the visual shenanigans of these five girls thrown together into an increasing sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll filled haze.
I don't recall so much swearing in the '70's!
In reality The Runaways were not that big. Their biggest hit is probably Cherry Bomb, however the film really does do justice to their story, from their nervous beginners, through the formative years and onto a degree of stardom, certainly in Japan and the far east. However, as with most stories from the music business, The Runaways eventually succumbed to the internal frustrations and external pressures and imploded. With the lead singer Cherie eventually walking out.
Of course, Joan Jett went onto bigger and greater things with The Blackhearts.
This is turning into a review of the band rather than the film!
One other point to make about the film, the cinematography is most excellent, the way the film is shot, brings an extra dimension to the movie, normally with a music based film, there is a lot of concentration on the music itself, with The Runaways this is not so true, but this is no bad thing, we get a very well rounded, visually attractive, study on music and musicians, seeing their highs and lows, the ups and the inevitable downs.
As a whole package, it's pretty good, but as a film, I'm not sure it would warrant the cost of a cinema ticket these days. Having siad that, if I were ever to see the book the film is based on, I might be tempted to buy it.
The film struggles to hit a score of 6.5 out of 10.
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