9 DAYS... yes 9 days until 'The Dark Knight Rises' premiers in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday 11 July 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man
After reading both positive and
negative reviews on this summer’s action block buster, I wasn't quite sure what
to expect. Nonetheless, I was still excited about watching the film- Andrew
Garfield (Yes please).
Plot...
A
reboot of the Marvel franchise- a much needed reset due to
the ropy Spider-Man 3 in 2007. Not only is the story
line fresher compared to previous, but the casting is much more
fitting. Andrew Garfield catches the sleek role of Spider-Man and appeals
to both a male and female audience, compared to Toby Maguire (who in my opinion
made Spider Man one of the wettest and
least desirable super hero).Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacey, a strong
female character who is both smart and attractive (Queue jealousy).
The Film opens with a young Peter Parker being whisked out of his family home by his mother and father in a mysterious hurry. Peter is left to stay with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, never to see his parents again after they tragically pass in a car accident. Growing up, Peter is somewhat of an outcast at school- smart and nerdy, yet Garfield's character is given a quirky twist, carrying a vintage camera and a battered up old skateboard around, he's less loser and more hipster. Parker longs for answers behind his father mysterious career and visits the lab in which he and his father’s partner, Dr Curtis Connors (Rhys Ifans) worked. This is where the soon to be webbed-crusader is bitten by a somewhat magical spider and gains his super powers.
What's right with it...
The
story line is much more believable compared to the previous trilogy-
a modernized approach that is surely achieved by the casting.
Rhys Ifans does well in being a convincing character, playing a scientist who
lost one of his arms, and is successful in reflecting emotion and passion. Some
aspects of the old story line are still kept, such as Parker's uncle being shot
by a thief, which makes the film familiar to the fans. Garfield perks up the
film with his humor, something I feel Maguire lacked to capture, and Stone's
Gwen Stacey has much more sass compared to Kirsten Dunst's Bland Mary
Jane.
What's wrong with it...
The
film isn't a completely new reboot compared to other super hero films that have
been given a much more sinister, darker tone (e.g. Batman and Superman).
However, I think that would be unnecessary considering our hero is a teenager.
Although the story line is somewhat predictable, it's just as enjoyable to go
through the motions with the web-slinging vigilante.
Conclusion...
This film is fresher, punchier and slicker than its predecessor. A block buster that can be enjoyed by all, and I look forward to the next installment.
Monday 2 July 2012
Blockbuster Bonanza
I cannot wait for 'The Amazing Spider-Man' to come out tomorrow. although some reviews have only given it adverage ratings, I'm sure it won't dissapoint. after all, its about the whole franchise that adds the the excitmenet ( As well as the main man himself being played by Andrew Garfield of 'The social Netork'- an upgrade from Tobey Maguire if i do say so myself). I also love Emma Stone ( Easy A) and I hope this film takes full benefit of the 3D experiece, as some previouse 3D flicks I have seen have been fairly dissapointing in making the most of its advantages ( Such as 'The Avengers').
But most of all I'm really anticipating the new Batman Film 'The Dark Knight Rises'. the previous film 'The Dark Knight' (2008) quickly became my all time favorite film and I can't even count the amount of times i have watched it. My favorite character was the Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger, whos performance was outstanding to say the least. I must admit, I'm worried i won't love this new addition as much without Ledger, but the trailers are extremely promising!
Hooked
Its no wonder this series has won six Emmy awards, as well as Cranston being nominated for a Golden Globe award. not only is the story line original and inticing, but the use of editing and camera work also adds together with the impecible acting of the cast to make 'Breaking Bad' the success that it is.
I love the use of establishing shots of the dessert, heat rippling across the orange sand, crimson sunsets and clouds of dust, the whole mise en scene of the film is beautiful. editing is all up to a high standard, with each scene and cut seamlesssly moving on to the next, I find myself thinking 'oh, that was smart what they did there' but perhaps thats just my media trained brain! I am also fond of how each episode usually starts with a short scene from the future or the past, which draws me in and leaves me wondering- a narrative hook to keep the audience interested.
The acting also does not dissapoint. Cranston has done well in transforming from his shallow character from 'Malcom in the Middle' in to a very diverse personality portrayed in Walter, who is a believeable and relatable character. Each character has their own personality- Jesse brings aspects of comedy to the show with his 'gangster' ways and nievety; as well Walters wife Skylar white (Anna Gunn) and his DEA broth-in-law Hank Schrader (Dean Norris).
The story lines in the early episode have done well in developing action and drama- events such as killing two drug dealers and dissolving the evidence in a bath of acid... However the show has subtly developed over the series and is now capable of making episode with less action and more meaning, but still being successful.
So if you've become bored of what the dreary and boring British televion has to offer, check out Breaking Bad!
Sunday 1 July 2012
the chernobyl diaries (2012)...
Director:- Bradley ParkerStarring:- Devin Kelley, Dimitri Diatchenko, Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski, Nathan Phillips, Olivia Taylor Dudley
Star Rating:- **
Plot...
A group of three young friends are travelling round europe and are convinced by Chris' (McCartney) brother to go on an 'extreme tourisim' trip to a deserted town just outside of Chernobyl. However, in typical horror-film style things start to go suspiciously wrong and the gang find themselves stranded in the toxic town, and are apparently not alone...
What right with it...
The film is based on a good idea, I'm suprised nobody has thought to use the truth of Chernobyl before. the calm before the storm sets up the audience for scares as we're left anticipating the horrors to come, and there are some good moments where mystery taps into fear.
Whats wrong with it...
The story line is completely lacking in any form of structure. the whole film seems to go nowehere, just a set of scenes strung together poorly. Just when you think things seem to be getting on track, they subside again and move onto the next bit. We dont ever find out what or 'who' is haunting the gang which I was really dissapointed in. I found myself comparing 'The Chernobyl Diaries' to similar idea of 'The Hills Have Eyes' but the contrast is huge- mainly becuase 'The Hills Have eyes' is actually a successful horror film. The blair witch-esque camera style and lighting all becomes very tedious and leads to the conclusion that the editing is just used to cover up the low quality ideas. I also have a problem with the title, 'Diares' really has no relation to the film?
Conclusion...
Save your money. Not only are you almost garenteed to have any horror film experience ruined by mouthy teens in the back row, but 'The Chernobyl Diaries' truly is just another low budget horror, lacking in structure and with a dissapointing and rushed ending.
Star Rating:- **
Plot...
A group of three young friends are travelling round europe and are convinced by Chris' (McCartney) brother to go on an 'extreme tourisim' trip to a deserted town just outside of Chernobyl. However, in typical horror-film style things start to go suspiciously wrong and the gang find themselves stranded in the toxic town, and are apparently not alone...
What right with it...
The film is based on a good idea, I'm suprised nobody has thought to use the truth of Chernobyl before. the calm before the storm sets up the audience for scares as we're left anticipating the horrors to come, and there are some good moments where mystery taps into fear.
Whats wrong with it...
The story line is completely lacking in any form of structure. the whole film seems to go nowehere, just a set of scenes strung together poorly. Just when you think things seem to be getting on track, they subside again and move onto the next bit. We dont ever find out what or 'who' is haunting the gang which I was really dissapointed in. I found myself comparing 'The Chernobyl Diaries' to similar idea of 'The Hills Have Eyes' but the contrast is huge- mainly becuase 'The Hills Have eyes' is actually a successful horror film. The blair witch-esque camera style and lighting all becomes very tedious and leads to the conclusion that the editing is just used to cover up the low quality ideas. I also have a problem with the title, 'Diares' really has no relation to the film?
Conclusion...
Save your money. Not only are you almost garenteed to have any horror film experience ruined by mouthy teens in the back row, but 'The Chernobyl Diaries' truly is just another low budget horror, lacking in structure and with a dissapointing and rushed ending.
Tuesday 19 June 2012
30 Second Thoughts...
Films:-Prometheus
Director:-Ridley Scott
Starring:- Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace,Logan Marshall-Green and Michael Fassbender
Star rating:- ****
Plot...
A team of scientist explorers think they have discovered clues to the origins of mankind and earth, and travel to the darkest corners of the universe in which they must battle to save the future of the human race. A prequal to the 'Alien' franchise that stands alone from the rest.
What's right with it...
Prometheus is an attractive movie. big space ships, cool space suits and plenty of new ideas for one to ponder over about the future of earth. it does not disappoint- if your looking for a film filled with action, thrills and suspense then this is the one for you. Never is there a dull moment, but thats just where the problem lies...
What wrong with it...
There's so much going on once we reach the second third of the films and it was all just a tad overwhelming with some real uncomfortable scenes- I mean there's alien abortions performed by some super high tech medical machine. Everything reaches a climax at the same point and it gives the audience little time to come to terms with some aspects of the film. Characters also seem to perish as they lack any development throughout the film and fail to connect with the audience.
Verdict...
I enjoyed Prometheus, it ticked all the big Block-Buster boxes but seemed to be lacking slightly in a defined plot and specific message. It concentrates more on the special effects and physical appearance of the film and for this reason comes across as too busy. One may have expected much more coming from Alien franchise. However, this gritty film with stunning visuals definitely makes it worth a watch.
Director:-Ridley Scott
Starring:- Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace,Logan Marshall-Green and Michael Fassbender
Star rating:- ****
Plot...
A team of scientist explorers think they have discovered clues to the origins of mankind and earth, and travel to the darkest corners of the universe in which they must battle to save the future of the human race. A prequal to the 'Alien' franchise that stands alone from the rest.
What's right with it...
Prometheus is an attractive movie. big space ships, cool space suits and plenty of new ideas for one to ponder over about the future of earth. it does not disappoint- if your looking for a film filled with action, thrills and suspense then this is the one for you. Never is there a dull moment, but thats just where the problem lies...
What wrong with it...
There's so much going on once we reach the second third of the films and it was all just a tad overwhelming with some real uncomfortable scenes- I mean there's alien abortions performed by some super high tech medical machine. Everything reaches a climax at the same point and it gives the audience little time to come to terms with some aspects of the film. Characters also seem to perish as they lack any development throughout the film and fail to connect with the audience.
Verdict...
I enjoyed Prometheus, it ticked all the big Block-Buster boxes but seemed to be lacking slightly in a defined plot and specific message. It concentrates more on the special effects and physical appearance of the film and for this reason comes across as too busy. One may have expected much more coming from Alien franchise. However, this gritty film with stunning visuals definitely makes it worth a watch.
Friday 4 May 2012
Smash
**** ( Good find)
What I have to say....
I stumbled upon this briefly- heard- about programme on Sky Anytime, one desperately boring afternoon. After the first five minutes, I wasn't expecting much more than a glorified glee, but I was proven wrong. although similar to the popular teen-musical drama, Smash is something more mature, something for an older audience with a little more spark and sexuality to it.
The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Brian d’Arcy James) of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break.
each character is undetstandable and relatable, and i felt my self warming to each one of them, as well as wanting more once the episode finish. My verdict? I will be watching the next episode and hopefully not be dissapointed anytime soon. The americans do make some rubbish, but this shall not disappoint, its a pity us English don't make any big production series like this.
What I have to say....
I stumbled upon this briefly- heard- about programme on Sky Anytime, one desperately boring afternoon. After the first five minutes, I wasn't expecting much more than a glorified glee, but I was proven wrong. although similar to the popular teen-musical drama, Smash is something more mature, something for an older audience with a little more spark and sexuality to it.
The series centers on the process of creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Christian Borle) and Julia (Debra Messing). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Brian d’Arcy James) of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Bell (Megan Hilty), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break.
each character is undetstandable and relatable, and i felt my self warming to each one of them, as well as wanting more once the episode finish. My verdict? I will be watching the next episode and hopefully not be dissapointed anytime soon. The americans do make some rubbish, but this shall not disappoint, its a pity us English don't make any big production series like this.
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