Tonight's film is the regal drama; The Queen, starring Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen.
Well, my initial dubious thoughts about this film were blown away, the performances put in by Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen were amazing. I am a big fan of Michael Sheen, beacause he adds that extra layer of believability when he plays a well known person in a film.
For instance; his portrayal of Brian Clough, in The Damned United was first class. And his Tony Blair in The Queen was spot on as well, he captured his mannerisms, his smile and exuberance.
The same can be said for the lovely Helen Mirren. It is clearly not essential to portray your character just like the real person, but if you think that they are the Queen, then you get drawn into the film so much more. Mirren did this for me with her portrayal of HRH, making the fictional play on the facts that much more enjoyable.
Kudos should go to Director Stephen Frears and Writer Peter Morgan, for bridging the gap between fact and fiction and back again. Yes, we all know the facts surrounding the death of Diana, and the perceived uncaring nature of the monarchy immediately after.
Is this entirely true?
Did the Queen intentionally stay away from London?
Did she refuse to have the Royal Standard flag flown at half mast over Buckingham Palace?
Did she not want to make a public statement regarding the death of Diana?
Whatever the reasons for her actions, we'll probably never know, but this film gives a stab surmising the reality and does so in a dramatic fashion. Showing Tony Blair in a good light and the Royal Family in a distinctly bad one.
However, at the end of the film, I think the Queen comes out on top and was portrayed in a more favourable light, certainly within the context of the story.
As I say, this is purely a fictionalised spin on the events that happened, whether there is a thread of truth in it, who knows, but I would love to think that when Prince Phillip gets in to bed with the Queen at night, that he does say; "Move over Cabbage"!
If you were affected by the events of the summer of 1997, and who wasn't? Even the most uncaring person, could not have missed the outpouring of grief that occured. Then this is a delightful and poignant film to watch, whether you believe any of the fiction or not.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Nancy Drew - 21st September 2010
Tonight we have the mystery adventure from 2007; Nancy Drew.
OK, Nancy Drew was a little disappointing, it wasn't the mystery I was hoping for, but then I should have guessed that, as it really is a film for kids.
Having said that, it was good in parts and Emma Roberts (who played Nancy) had a cutesy charm about her. The storyline was thin and flimsy, the supporting cast a little wooden, the Corky character was just plain annoying. So not a film that will be high on the replay list.
However, at the end of the day, if you look at the movie in it's rightful context, which is a kids drama / comedy (a dramedy, if you will), it ticks all the boxes and for a family film, which is what we like, it kept us all entertained.
OK, Nancy Drew was a little disappointing, it wasn't the mystery I was hoping for, but then I should have guessed that, as it really is a film for kids.
Having said that, it was good in parts and Emma Roberts (who played Nancy) had a cutesy charm about her. The storyline was thin and flimsy, the supporting cast a little wooden, the Corky character was just plain annoying. So not a film that will be high on the replay list.
However, at the end of the day, if you look at the movie in it's rightful context, which is a kids drama / comedy (a dramedy, if you will), it ticks all the boxes and for a family film, which is what we like, it kept us all entertained.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Cheaper By The Dozen - 14th September 2010
Tonight we're back to the Family Fun Flicks, with the Steve Martin comedy; Cheaper By The Dozen.
As the title alludes, with a dozen kids to contend with Tom & Kate Baker (Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt), have their work cut out and when Tom lands his dream job, as Coach of a University football team, the family up sticks and moves to a new bigger town house, away from their friends and the kids schools.
And when Kates' book gets published and requires a tour for promotion, Tom is left at home to keep down a job and look after the kids. Not easy!
The film has a crowd-pleasing supporting cast, including rising young stars Hilary Duff and Piper Perabo, this heart-warming hit comedy delivers super-sized fun and laughs by the dozen!
As the title alludes, with a dozen kids to contend with Tom & Kate Baker (Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt), have their work cut out and when Tom lands his dream job, as Coach of a University football team, the family up sticks and moves to a new bigger town house, away from their friends and the kids schools.
And when Kates' book gets published and requires a tour for promotion, Tom is left at home to keep down a job and look after the kids. Not easy!
The film has a crowd-pleasing supporting cast, including rising young stars Hilary Duff and Piper Perabo, this heart-warming hit comedy delivers super-sized fun and laughs by the dozen!
The Pursuit of Happyness - 7th September 2010
Back we go to the "Feelgood" genre and to what can only be described as one of the best feelgood films of recent years, it's; The Pursuit of Happyness.
Great film, and great lead performance by the not-so Fresh Prince; Will Smith.
Smith plays an out of luck salesman (Chris Gardner), trying to sell useless bone density scanners to local hospitals. However, lack of sales and spiralling debt forces his Wife (Thandie Newton), out of the marital home leaving Gardner and his son (played by Jaden Smith, Will Smiths' real-life Son) to fend for themselves.
What happens next is disaster after disaster for Father and Son, as they lose their home and money and end up on the streets. All the while Chris Gardner is fighting to get, keep and maintain an internship with a local brokerage firm.
Based on the real life of Chris Gardner who went onto become a wealthy Chicago businessman.
Will Smith is a delight, as is his son Jaden. The story is perfect, with Gardner suffering knock back, after knock back, (almost too many to be true), but the viewer is willing him to succeed and make a name for himself and provide a home for his son.
Great film! Buy it and watch it, now!!
Great film, and great lead performance by the not-so Fresh Prince; Will Smith.
Smith plays an out of luck salesman (Chris Gardner), trying to sell useless bone density scanners to local hospitals. However, lack of sales and spiralling debt forces his Wife (Thandie Newton), out of the marital home leaving Gardner and his son (played by Jaden Smith, Will Smiths' real-life Son) to fend for themselves.
What happens next is disaster after disaster for Father and Son, as they lose their home and money and end up on the streets. All the while Chris Gardner is fighting to get, keep and maintain an internship with a local brokerage firm.
Based on the real life of Chris Gardner who went onto become a wealthy Chicago businessman.
Will Smith is a delight, as is his son Jaden. The story is perfect, with Gardner suffering knock back, after knock back, (almost too many to be true), but the viewer is willing him to succeed and make a name for himself and provide a home for his son.
Great film! Buy it and watch it, now!!
Miss Potter - 31st August 2010
Tonights' film has been hanging around on the Sky+ box for sometime and kept getting overlooked, but not tonight, no no, tonight we had the pleasure to watch; Miss Potter.
This was a bit of a change to have a charming period drama, interspersed with some romance, comedy and tragedy. Renee Zellweger confidently takes the leading role and brings to life the story of the creator of Peter Rabbit; Beatrix Potter. Not only do we get an insight into the life of Miss Potter, but we are also provided with a stunning back drop of the English countryside.
It's a charming story, as well as a charming film and well worth a look if you get the chance.
This was a bit of a change to have a charming period drama, interspersed with some romance, comedy and tragedy. Renee Zellweger confidently takes the leading role and brings to life the story of the creator of Peter Rabbit; Beatrix Potter. Not only do we get an insight into the life of Miss Potter, but we are also provided with a stunning back drop of the English countryside.
It's a charming story, as well as a charming film and well worth a look if you get the chance.
National Lampoons: Vegas Vacation - 24th August 2010
OK, to mark our return from our USA holidays, we picked a themed film for tonight, and the only one we had was; National Lampoons: Vegas Vacation.
Pretty bog standard stuff for Chevy Chase and the National Lampoon team. It tells of the comedic antics of the Griswold family as they take Las Vegas by the throat and give it a good shake! (So to speak).
We much prefer the Christmas Vacation, but the Vegas Vacation still had laughs a plenty.
Worth a viewing if it's repeated soon on Channel 5.
Pretty bog standard stuff for Chevy Chase and the National Lampoon team. It tells of the comedic antics of the Griswold family as they take Las Vegas by the throat and give it a good shake! (So to speak).
We much prefer the Christmas Vacation, but the Vegas Vacation still had laughs a plenty.
Worth a viewing if it's repeated soon on Channel 5.
Catch Me If You Can - 27th July 2010
This weeks' film is another corker!
Yes indeed. It is the "inspired by a true story" tale; Catch Me If You Can.
It's the story of Frank Abagnale Jnr, played by the lovely Leonardo di Caprio. Abagnale is a mature-looking teenager who spent the 1960s as a conman, passing himself off as an airline pilot to get free flights. Also holding down a job as supervisor in an Emergency Room.
Then he even passes a bar exam after only two weeks' study. All the while he is dealing in forged cheques.
As his illicit earnings spiral up above 4 million dollars, Frank is dogged by FBI agent Hanratty (Tom Hanks), a plodder who begins to have a relationship with his quarry. Abagnale even takes to politely ringing Hanratty every Christmas, just to catch up.
Yes indeed. It is the "inspired by a true story" tale; Catch Me If You Can.
It's the story of Frank Abagnale Jnr, played by the lovely Leonardo di Caprio. Abagnale is a mature-looking teenager who spent the 1960s as a conman, passing himself off as an airline pilot to get free flights. Also holding down a job as supervisor in an Emergency Room.
Then he even passes a bar exam after only two weeks' study. All the while he is dealing in forged cheques.
As his illicit earnings spiral up above 4 million dollars, Frank is dogged by FBI agent Hanratty (Tom Hanks), a plodder who begins to have a relationship with his quarry. Abagnale even takes to politely ringing Hanratty every Christmas, just to catch up.
Loved this film, which is not surprising, as it stars Tom Hanks. And I'll say it again; "I've never seen a bad Tom Hanks film"!
If you haven't seen it, get it now!
If you haven't seen it, get it now!
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