Tonight's film was;
The Lovely Bones
This 2009 film, from the director; Peter Jackson, is an adaptation of the 2002 novel by American writer Alice Sebold.
It is the story of a 14-year-old girl from suburban Pennsylvania; Susie Salmon ("as in the fish"), played superbly by Saoirse Ronan, who is murdered by her neighbour.
The neighbour; George Harvey (Stanley Tucci) is a quiet, creepy, sinnister character, who plots the murder of Susie. This fact is not hidden, so the film is not a murder mystery. Moreover, it is Susie telling her story from her "in-between place", before going to heaven, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed, all the while attempting to get someone to find her lost body.
It's a dark, creepy film, the story keeping you gripped, while Susie narrates the action whilst on her journey from her earthly existence to heaven.
This journey gives the film makers a free rein to provide some tremendous surrealistic moments and impressive CGI effects.
Stand out performances are definitely Tucci as the creepy murderer. Saoirse Ronan also provides fantastic entertainment as Susie. Susie parents, played by Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz are also very impressive.
A special note too for Susan Sarandon who plays Susie's Grandmother, a fairly minor part in the story, but superbly acted.
So many people say that the book is better than the film, well the book must be extremely good then! Must read it some day.
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Withnail & I - 17th May 2011
Tonights sojourn into the cellarful of celebrated celluloid, produces the cult classic;
Withnail & I
The problem with knowing that a film is hailed as a cult classic, means that you should really like it, if only to be cool, hip and trendy. The problem with that is; what happens if you're not so sure? Do you look uncool, because you don't "get it", or do you feign enjoyment to fit in?
Thus we have the dilemna with Withnail & I. Do we denounce the cult classic status or do we say it was great?
I shall sit firmly on the fence. I can quite clearly see that this could be an enjoyable film, that has students quoting lines ad infinitum. "We seem to have come on holiday by mistake".
However, it sits in a genre alongside This Is Spinal Tap. Classic films that have a cult status thrust upon them, because they are of their time. If Withnail & I were to be produced today, it would probably fail.
Bruce Robinsons' semi-autobiographical story, depicts the end of the 1960's, with two struggling actors sharing a squalid life, who then decide to get away from it all and escape to the country, on a booze filled adventure.
That is pretty much the storyline.
The thing that saves the film for me are the acting skills of Richard E Grant, Paul McGann and Ralph Brown. They absolutley nail their respective characters.
Grant plays the constant drunk; Withnail ("I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze").
McGann plays Marwood, the "& I" character. ("My thumbs have gone weird").
And Ralph Brown is superb as Danny the drug dealing dropout. ("Find your neutral space. You got a rush. It'll pass. Be seated").
So, in summation there are some funny parts, even laugh out loud moments. However, based on first viewing, it doesn't make the cult classic status in my book, but who knows, on a second viewing it might just get there. The only question remains is; will we want to watch it again?
As a footnote, on the DVD is a special feature called Withnail & Us. This is very good and goes someway to explain why the film is so admired, by so many.
Withnail & I
The problem with knowing that a film is hailed as a cult classic, means that you should really like it, if only to be cool, hip and trendy. The problem with that is; what happens if you're not so sure? Do you look uncool, because you don't "get it", or do you feign enjoyment to fit in?
Thus we have the dilemna with Withnail & I. Do we denounce the cult classic status or do we say it was great?
I shall sit firmly on the fence. I can quite clearly see that this could be an enjoyable film, that has students quoting lines ad infinitum. "We seem to have come on holiday by mistake".
However, it sits in a genre alongside This Is Spinal Tap. Classic films that have a cult status thrust upon them, because they are of their time. If Withnail & I were to be produced today, it would probably fail.
Bruce Robinsons' semi-autobiographical story, depicts the end of the 1960's, with two struggling actors sharing a squalid life, who then decide to get away from it all and escape to the country, on a booze filled adventure.
That is pretty much the storyline.
The thing that saves the film for me are the acting skills of Richard E Grant, Paul McGann and Ralph Brown. They absolutley nail their respective characters.
Grant plays the constant drunk; Withnail ("I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze").
McGann plays Marwood, the "& I" character. ("My thumbs have gone weird").
And Ralph Brown is superb as Danny the drug dealing dropout. ("Find your neutral space. You got a rush. It'll pass. Be seated").
So, in summation there are some funny parts, even laugh out loud moments. However, based on first viewing, it doesn't make the cult classic status in my book, but who knows, on a second viewing it might just get there. The only question remains is; will we want to watch it again?
As a footnote, on the DVD is a special feature called Withnail & Us. This is very good and goes someway to explain why the film is so admired, by so many.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Irresistible - 10th May 2011
And yet again the march of time brings us around once more, to another Tuesday Night is Film Night. This week we take a look at the pyschological thriller;
Irresistible
Wasn't sure about this film, having never heard of it, but the synopsis was interesting and a we haven't seen a thriller for ages, so we thought; "give it a go". And jolly glad we did too.
Filmed on location in Australia and backed by Australian producers, this could have been a low budget film, (not sure about that), but it was an extremely well written film and Susan Sarandon as Sophie Hartley and Emily Blunt as Mara Toufiey, are outstanding, bringing drama, suspense and nail biting realism to their roles.
The synopsis is as follows;
Sophie Hartley is convinced that someone is trying to steal her children, her husband: her life. Forced to prove her sanity, Sophie fights back and makes a discovery more shocking than her worst fear.
All the way through the film, you knew there was going to be twists and turns, but you never knew what. The suspense draws you in and you start wondering which character is stalking who. At first Mara (Emily Blunt) is stalking Sophie (Susan Sarandon), although you never see this. So is this all in Sophie's head? Is she imagining this? She then turns stalker herself and lands herself in big trouble, when she is caught.
The film builds and builds, adding layer upon layer of intrigue, tying the viewer into a pyschlogical knot, unsure which way to go to unravel the mystery.
As I say, first rate story, first rate acting. Must mention Sam Neil as well, as Sophie's Husband, who is embroiled in this intrigue and suspense. He plays his part extremely well.
A right little cracker of a film. If you get chance to see it, it's well worth it. Check out the reviews on Amazon too.
Irresistible
Wasn't sure about this film, having never heard of it, but the synopsis was interesting and a we haven't seen a thriller for ages, so we thought; "give it a go". And jolly glad we did too.
Filmed on location in Australia and backed by Australian producers, this could have been a low budget film, (not sure about that), but it was an extremely well written film and Susan Sarandon as Sophie Hartley and Emily Blunt as Mara Toufiey, are outstanding, bringing drama, suspense and nail biting realism to their roles.
The synopsis is as follows;
Sophie Hartley is convinced that someone is trying to steal her children, her husband: her life. Forced to prove her sanity, Sophie fights back and makes a discovery more shocking than her worst fear.
All the way through the film, you knew there was going to be twists and turns, but you never knew what. The suspense draws you in and you start wondering which character is stalking who. At first Mara (Emily Blunt) is stalking Sophie (Susan Sarandon), although you never see this. So is this all in Sophie's head? Is she imagining this? She then turns stalker herself and lands herself in big trouble, when she is caught.
The film builds and builds, adding layer upon layer of intrigue, tying the viewer into a pyschlogical knot, unsure which way to go to unravel the mystery.
As I say, first rate story, first rate acting. Must mention Sam Neil as well, as Sophie's Husband, who is embroiled in this intrigue and suspense. He plays his part extremely well.
A right little cracker of a film. If you get chance to see it, it's well worth it. Check out the reviews on Amazon too.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Chariots of Fire - 3rd May 2011
And so to tonights' film presentation, it's the multi Oscar award winning film, from 1981;
Chariots of Fire.
Unfortunately, I don't think it set anything alight in our household. OK, it is 30 years old and it is based on the real life story of Harold Abraham and Eric Liddell, who were aspiring athletes, so the storyline was never going to be electric.
However, what the film lacked in spark, it gained in the cinematography and production. The film makers pulled out all the stops to make this an authentic period piece.
The story follows two British track athletes, one a determined Jew (Harold Abraham), and the other a devout Christian (Eric Liddell) who compete in the 1924 Olympics.
Certainly the portrayal of Abraham and Liddell, by Ben Cross and Ian Charleson respectively, were most enthralling and engaging. Especially Charleson, who managed to get the balance just right with his character, being a devout Christian who refused to run on the Sabbath day.
Although, it was Ian Holm who picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, as Sam Mussabini, the down-to-earth coach toHarold Abraham.
The film picked up four Oscars in all that year. Best Costume Design went to Milena Canonero.
David Putnam picked up the Best Picture Oscar.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen went to Colin Welland, yes, him from Z Cars.
And also an Oscar for Vangelis for Best Music, Original Score. Now, we all know the haunting theme music to Chariots of Fire, but having now seen the film, I am not so sure that the Vangelis style of synthetic electro-classico-pop music, is suitable or fitting for a 1920's period drama. In fact, the theme music aside, some of the incidental music was particularly bad. Maybe 30 years ago, it would have been seen as a remarkable piece of work, but to my ears, it hasn't stood the test of time.
Neither has the film. It is rather disjointed, albeit beautifully shot. It clearly lost some credibility in the edit. Plus the music was dire.
Now, if there were to be a modern day remake.........
Chariots of Fire.
Unfortunately, I don't think it set anything alight in our household. OK, it is 30 years old and it is based on the real life story of Harold Abraham and Eric Liddell, who were aspiring athletes, so the storyline was never going to be electric.
However, what the film lacked in spark, it gained in the cinematography and production. The film makers pulled out all the stops to make this an authentic period piece.
The story follows two British track athletes, one a determined Jew (Harold Abraham), and the other a devout Christian (Eric Liddell) who compete in the 1924 Olympics.
Certainly the portrayal of Abraham and Liddell, by Ben Cross and Ian Charleson respectively, were most enthralling and engaging. Especially Charleson, who managed to get the balance just right with his character, being a devout Christian who refused to run on the Sabbath day.
Although, it was Ian Holm who picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, as Sam Mussabini, the down-to-earth coach toHarold Abraham.
The film picked up four Oscars in all that year. Best Costume Design went to Milena Canonero.
David Putnam picked up the Best Picture Oscar.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen went to Colin Welland, yes, him from Z Cars.
And also an Oscar for Vangelis for Best Music, Original Score. Now, we all know the haunting theme music to Chariots of Fire, but having now seen the film, I am not so sure that the Vangelis style of synthetic electro-classico-pop music, is suitable or fitting for a 1920's period drama. In fact, the theme music aside, some of the incidental music was particularly bad. Maybe 30 years ago, it would have been seen as a remarkable piece of work, but to my ears, it hasn't stood the test of time.
Neither has the film. It is rather disjointed, albeit beautifully shot. It clearly lost some credibility in the edit. Plus the music was dire.
Now, if there were to be a modern day remake.........
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Back To The Future 3 - 26th April 2011
So, we complete the trilogy tonight, with;
Back To The Future 3
There we have it then, the final part of the Back To The Future series. This time we see our heroes; Doc Emmett Brown and Marty McFly back in 1885 and the old west.
The story follows the same plot line as before, although this time 100 years in the past. Doc Brown gets himself a love interest and it seems like the roles are reversed, Marty being the sensible one, trying to avoid any catastrophic changes to the very fabric of the space time continuum! Whilst Doc lets his heart rule his head, as he falls in love with Clara, played the lovely Mary Steenburgen (One Magic Christmas).
The same characters make appearances, as in the previous films, albeit as their ancestors this time. Buford Tannen is the bad guy in this story and is out to get at first, Doc Brown, but soon turns his attention to Marty.
Cameo appearances and some music for the soundtrack are provided by ZZ Top. Whilst a lot of the Western scenes were filmed with the delightful backdrop of Monument Valley.
Of all the Back to the Future films, some people say this is the weakest and before seeing it again, I would have tended to agree, but with hindsight and watching all 3 in a short space of time, I now think that Back to the Future 3 can stand by itself as a great end to a great trilogy.
Plus the extras on the DVD / Blu-Ray give a fascinating insight to all three movies, if you haven't seen these extras, it's well worth buying the DVD / Blu-Ray disks just for them.
Back To The Future 3
There we have it then, the final part of the Back To The Future series. This time we see our heroes; Doc Emmett Brown and Marty McFly back in 1885 and the old west.
The story follows the same plot line as before, although this time 100 years in the past. Doc Brown gets himself a love interest and it seems like the roles are reversed, Marty being the sensible one, trying to avoid any catastrophic changes to the very fabric of the space time continuum! Whilst Doc lets his heart rule his head, as he falls in love with Clara, played the lovely Mary Steenburgen (One Magic Christmas).
The same characters make appearances, as in the previous films, albeit as their ancestors this time. Buford Tannen is the bad guy in this story and is out to get at first, Doc Brown, but soon turns his attention to Marty.
Cameo appearances and some music for the soundtrack are provided by ZZ Top. Whilst a lot of the Western scenes were filmed with the delightful backdrop of Monument Valley.
Of all the Back to the Future films, some people say this is the weakest and before seeing it again, I would have tended to agree, but with hindsight and watching all 3 in a short space of time, I now think that Back to the Future 3 can stand by itself as a great end to a great trilogy.
Plus the extras on the DVD / Blu-Ray give a fascinating insight to all three movies, if you haven't seen these extras, it's well worth buying the DVD / Blu-Ray disks just for them.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Christopher And His Kind - 21st April 2011
Forgetting for a minute that the above date is an actual Thursday, (yes, yes, I know the title of the blog is; Tuesday Night is Film Night, but how can I explain an unexpected delivery of 17m2 of turf for my garden, that needed to be laid regardless of the time of week? That's neither here nor there, but back to the point)!
This weeks' film was;
Christopher And His Kind.
Apparently based on the writer Christopher Isherwood’s critically acclaimed memoir, of the same name, Matt Smith (yes, the Matt Smith, now of Doctor Who fame, please forget this before watching this film, there is absolutely no relation whatsoever, even if you do hum the Doctor Who theme music at the start), stars as the writer Christopher Isherwood.
This film adaptation gives a; "fascinating glimpse into the decadent and politically unstable world of 1930s Berlin. A young, wide-eyed Christopher escapes repressive English society and arrives in Berlin at a time when the cabaret scene is in full swing. Launched into the thriving gay subculture, Christopher embarks on a seminal journey of self-discovery." (Description stolen from Amazon).
Yes, one couldn't cover this critically acclaimed memoir without delving into the then seedy and illegal underbelly of 'behind closed doors' homosexuality.
That part aside, not wishing to belittle the 1930's gay scene, the film is beautifully shot. Matt Smith and Imogen Poots are an absolute delight in this. Poots especially, as the sometimes down-at-luck cabaret singer; Jean Ross.
The 1930's backdrop, with the rising Nazi oppression, the impending war and the rise of Herr Hitler, provides a fascinating insight in to the time, being based, as they are, on the actual experiences of Christopher Isherwood.
The actual storyline behind the film, is not your bog standard "start, middle and end", it's a memoir, so follows a chronological timeline of events.
If you like 1930's history, Christopher and His Kind provides an entertaining and fascinating insight into that period.
A really well filmed period drama. (With strong language and scenes of a sexual nature).
I'll leave it for you to decide.
This weeks' film was;
Christopher And His Kind.
Apparently based on the writer Christopher Isherwood’s critically acclaimed memoir, of the same name, Matt Smith (yes, the Matt Smith, now of Doctor Who fame, please forget this before watching this film, there is absolutely no relation whatsoever, even if you do hum the Doctor Who theme music at the start), stars as the writer Christopher Isherwood.
This film adaptation gives a; "fascinating glimpse into the decadent and politically unstable world of 1930s Berlin. A young, wide-eyed Christopher escapes repressive English society and arrives in Berlin at a time when the cabaret scene is in full swing. Launched into the thriving gay subculture, Christopher embarks on a seminal journey of self-discovery." (Description stolen from Amazon).
Yes, one couldn't cover this critically acclaimed memoir without delving into the then seedy and illegal underbelly of 'behind closed doors' homosexuality.
That part aside, not wishing to belittle the 1930's gay scene, the film is beautifully shot. Matt Smith and Imogen Poots are an absolute delight in this. Poots especially, as the sometimes down-at-luck cabaret singer; Jean Ross.
The 1930's backdrop, with the rising Nazi oppression, the impending war and the rise of Herr Hitler, provides a fascinating insight in to the time, being based, as they are, on the actual experiences of Christopher Isherwood.
The actual storyline behind the film, is not your bog standard "start, middle and end", it's a memoir, so follows a chronological timeline of events.
If you like 1930's history, Christopher and His Kind provides an entertaining and fascinating insight into that period.
A really well filmed period drama. (With strong language and scenes of a sexual nature).
I'll leave it for you to decide.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
The Butterfly Effect - 12th April 2011
So, tonight's film was;
The Butterfly Effect.
This is the 2004 film, starring Aston Kutcher and Amy Smart. It was written and directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber.
It is also, bloody marvellous!
You should know the following snippet of information first;
"The butterfly effect is a popular metaphor for the principle in chaos theory that in any dynamic system, small initial differences may over time lead to large unforeseen consequences."
And that basically sums up the film!
Ashton Kutcher plays Evan Treborn, whose troublesome childhood leads, via several encounters, mishaps, misdemeanours and the passing of thirteen years, to him being at college, at the age of twenty.
As a child he suffered blackouts, generally around the time when, strange, traumatic or abusive moments occurred. He then discovers that through reading his journals, that he had written during his childhood, he can recreate that time in the past and change the outcomes of those events.
Each time he does this, something changes, but not always for the better. It seems he cannot make it right for everyone.
In the most simplistic terms, the story is a sort pyscholgical cross between Groundhog Day and Back to the Future, but it is so, so much more than that.
It's a dark, psychological thriller, each twist and turn bringing forth undesired effects. One little change in the past and the whole future changes.
These "change and effect" moments, provide us with flashbacks to Evan at the age of 7 and 13 and the way he changes the scenario's to try to provide a better future for himself and his friends. In the end, it is apparent that he cannot provide the right formula to provide happiness for all, so he hits upon the only course of action...........
To find out what, that action is, watch the film!!
Brilliant film. Fantastic story. Ashton Kutcher is amazing in this.
A must-see film.
The Butterfly Effect.
This is the 2004 film, starring Aston Kutcher and Amy Smart. It was written and directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber.
It is also, bloody marvellous!
You should know the following snippet of information first;
"The butterfly effect is a popular metaphor for the principle in chaos theory that in any dynamic system, small initial differences may over time lead to large unforeseen consequences."
And that basically sums up the film!
Ashton Kutcher plays Evan Treborn, whose troublesome childhood leads, via several encounters, mishaps, misdemeanours and the passing of thirteen years, to him being at college, at the age of twenty.
As a child he suffered blackouts, generally around the time when, strange, traumatic or abusive moments occurred. He then discovers that through reading his journals, that he had written during his childhood, he can recreate that time in the past and change the outcomes of those events.
Each time he does this, something changes, but not always for the better. It seems he cannot make it right for everyone.
In the most simplistic terms, the story is a sort pyscholgical cross between Groundhog Day and Back to the Future, but it is so, so much more than that.
It's a dark, psychological thriller, each twist and turn bringing forth undesired effects. One little change in the past and the whole future changes.
These "change and effect" moments, provide us with flashbacks to Evan at the age of 7 and 13 and the way he changes the scenario's to try to provide a better future for himself and his friends. In the end, it is apparent that he cannot provide the right formula to provide happiness for all, so he hits upon the only course of action...........
To find out what, that action is, watch the film!!
Brilliant film. Fantastic story. Ashton Kutcher is amazing in this.
A must-see film.
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