Double Bill

The Woman in Black.

2012-02-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Or...

Harry Potters next film.

Well the good news is that this is a fine film. Well acted, shot and directed etc. The look of the film is instantly spooky and traditional. Think Basil Rathbones Hounds crossed with The Others and you will get the picture.

The story, which has been well adapted to the big screen by Jane Goldman (who is on a roll at the moment and looks to eclipse her husbands success!). Is about Daniel Radcliffes character having to go on a work business to a spooky house. This has similarities with Jonathons character in Brom Stokers Dracula.

Mix this up with dead children, spooky village suspicions and a ghostly house on an isolated misty island and Bobs your uncle. Things do go bump in the night.

There is nothing that original about the type of scares on offer here. However, like Insidious from 2011 its the execution that elevates the films to a higher level. Im not ashamed to say that i jumped many times (along with the a times screaming audience) throughout the film.

Whats interesting about this film is that for the most part Daniel Radcliffe is the sole actor on the screen. Although his character isn't a million miles away from a grown up, non magical Harry Potter. He stall manages to get you on side and really get inside his head. I assume that all his hard work on Broadway and the West End has honed his acting skills.

I would recommend this film to anyone who likes a traditional horror film. If you liked The Others and the first 3/4s of Insidious then you will love it.

I was pleased to see a full cinema for this film. It has also done very well in America. A lot of the audience will just have gone because the Harry Potter connection. I hope that this film will make them see the Harry Potter stars as fine actors in their own right.

The anticipation now is on when will we see Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) in his first post Potter role. We've recently had Emma Watson on fine form in My Week With Maralyn (also worth checking out - 8 out of 10). Come on Rupert your slipping behind.

Anyway now to the points out of 10.

Acting
8 out of 10. Daniel pretty much did most of the acting solo.

Costume / set design.
9 out of 10.

Spook factor.
8.5 out of 10. Not as jumpy as Insidious. But not far behind.

Overall.
8 out of 10. Fine job all around.

Cherry Tree lane.

2012-01-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

This was a curious little film. I only watched it because the director had previously done London To Brighton. A small budget but very good UK film from a few years ago.

Cherry Tree Lane is in the mould of the French film 'Them' and the US film 'The Strangers'.

However, this entry into the Urban Horror genre is so gritty that it makes the above two films look like Bambi. In fact it was so gritty that at one point I though that I could not watch it anymore.

The film is set in South London. Where a middle class (white) couple are attacked and held prisoner in their own home by a trio of young lads (two are black). Their son has offended them in some way and they are now out for revenge. Whilst all are waiting for said son to come home all hell breaks lose.

It was difficult to have any sympathy with any of the characters. The youths were brutal, stupid and played to all the stereotypes set out for them in society. The parents just seemed a bit clueless, and as they didn't seem to like each other I found it hard to like them either.

The film follows a predictable route until the final violent ten minutes. No one came out of this a 'winner'. There were losses all round. Everyone get brutalised in some way.

Its one of those films were you are almost shouting at the screen for the father (who is tied and beaten up) to get up and beat the crap out of the youths. My partner and I even tried to see if it would be possible to get out of having your hands tied behind your back afterwards. Although, to be fair I did stop short at beating him up first.

I found this an uncomfortable film to watch. I'm sure this was the directors intention. So job well done.

I wouldn't watch this film again. I would watch future films by the same director though. He has a definite talent and is making films outside of the mainstream. Which obviously won't go down well with David Cameron.

Marks out of 10.
Overall - 7.
Acting - 7.
Cinematography / score etc - not really relevant.

The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane.

2012-01-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

Here is another curio I watched on TV. It stars Jodie Foster as a 13 year old girl who is left to fend for herself after her father dies. She pretends to outside world that he is either asleep, busy, working or away.

Obviously, outsiders start to notice that something is wrong. In particluar her nosey landlady and her creepy, no make that pervey son. Who is superbly played by Martin Sheen.

Jodie Foster as expected plays the part to perfection. Even at such a young age her acting skills were outstanding. You really get to feel her sense of loss, isolation and steely determination. I fact this is one young girl not to mess with.

The look, sound and feel of the film is typically 70s. So has a real retro attraction nowadays. Part of me is surprised this hasn't been remade with one of the Fanning sisters in the role. Although with how things are nowadays it would probably be toned down and given a happy ending.

I read on IMDB that Jodie Foster does not think much of the film. That's a shame if true as although filming it may have been a bit traumatic for someone so young. The end result is very good.

If you get a chance to see this film. Give it a go with an open mind.

Marks out of 10.
Overall film - 7.5.
Acting (in particular Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen) - 8.5.
Look, feel and sound - a cool retro 70s 7.5.

Never Let Me Go.

2012-01-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

Ok. I didn't see this at the cinema. its was on Sky. However, I was so moved by this film that I had to put it on the blog.

This is a beautiful film. Beautifully acted by all. In particular Carey Mulligan and Kiera Knightly. Miss knightlys role is more of a supporting one. However, when she is on the screen your eyes are rivetted on her. I was watching it hopng for more screen time from her.

Carey Mulligan is outstanding. I can see now why people in the know have been raving about her, and have such high hopes for her career. Its all in the eyes with her. They betray such emotion.

Andrew Garfield got better as the film progressed. Although, to be honest I found him a bit annoying at first. Too floppy for my liking. I can't say Im that excited about his upcoming Spiderman film.

The soundtrack is one of the best I have heard in years. I have already downloaded it and listened to it today. Haunting strings and pianos. Rachel Portman who did the score deserves credit for a job well done.

I loved the fact that part of the film was based in Hailsham (Sussex). I know Hailsham well. Having worked around that area for years and living nearby.

I strongly recommend that you watch this film. Its a shame it didn't get wider recognition on release.

Marks out of 10.
Overall - 9.5
Acting - 9
Score - 10.
Cinemaphotograpy - 8.

W.E

2012-01-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

Well this was a bit of a surprise. I had low expectations for this film. The reviews have been pretty bad. And lets be honest Madonna has not really had the best history in film.

But. And there is always a but. The film is actually very good. Not perfect by any means. But surprisingly good. The soundtrack is fantastic. The cinematography, costume design etc is well done. The acting from all is good.

Madonna seems to be pushing the actors playing Wallis and Edward whilst promoting the film. They are good. However, I feel that the actress playing the modern day ' Wally' was amazing. She really got my sympathy. She reminded me of a young Charlize Theron.

Its a shame that the critics are being so negative towards this film. I suspect that if someone else had directed the film the reviews would be different.

As a director I feel that Madonna has been influenced by Sofia Coppola.

As stated above the film is not perfect. Madonna could have done with a stricter editor. Especially at the start were it seemed a bit busy.

However, for her first full length feature Madonna should be really proud. I'm now looking forward to what Madonna directs for her next feature.

I did find it amusing that the cinema was playing Elton John records before this showing. Someone has a sense of humour.

Marks out of 10.
Overall score for film - 7.5.
Acting - 8
Score / soundtrack - 8.

Sherlock Holmes - Game of Shadows.

2012-01-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Although this is only the second film in Guy Ritchies Sherlock Holmes franchise. I knew exactly what to expect before it even started.

Jude Law and Robert Downey JNR are perfectly cast, and are obviously having a ball together.

In this film we are introduced to Moriarty. Played by the fantastic Jared Harris. I am so glad Guy Ritchie didn't go for someone really obvious like Brad Pitt. This is the type of role that should really go to character actors.

This is a fast paced action film. With loads of humour. You can tell its a Guy Ritchie film. He has a certain style that comes across well.

I like that fact that Jude Laws Dr Watson is not a bumbling fool. Although if I'm really honest my favourite Holmes will always be Basil Rathbone. Robert Downey Jnr does come a close second though.

I did think the film was a tad long. The last scene is superb though. Overall I am looking forward to the next one.

The inclusion of Noomi Rapace seemed a bit redundant. I hope her role in Ridley Scotts incoming Alien 'prequel' will do her more justice.

Marks out of 10.
Overall 7.5
Robert Downey Jnr and Jude Law 8.

Just watched this again. I am increasing the overall score to 8. Enjoyed it more the second time around.

Mission Impossible 4 - Ghost Protocol.

2012-01-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Boxing Day. Not sure if the Christmas spirit had taken me over. But I really liked this film. IMO I think this is the best of the series.

Tom Cruise was good. He did his usual dangling from great heights thing he always does. His supporting team. Especially Jeremy Renner were very good. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Jeremy Renner takes more of a lead role in future films on the series.

I liked the fact that although the template stayed the same. The director (Brad Bird of Pixar fame) whilst managing to give the expected 'darker' edge. There was also a good sense of humour throughout.

I think this film has surpassed a lot of people myself included. As Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible franchise was seen as being past its sell by date. The good reviews, word of mouth and high box office returns will surely see future films in the franchise.

Marks out of 10.
8 Overall.

Puss In Boots.

2012-01-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

There is not really much to say about this. It is very cute. Especially Puss and Humpty Dumpty. The Selma Hayek puss character was a bit weak though.

I did prefer this to the Shrek movies. Which really isn't difficult as I didn't really like them. Tended to think they were a bit overrated.

A good family film. Not something I would watch again.

Marks out of 10.
7.

The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo (US version).

2012-01-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have been a bit precious about this remake. Some won't watch it because its a remake. Yes the Swedish version is outstanding, and yes Noomi Rapaci was amazing (the role of Lisbeth will always be hers).

Howwer, I had no doubts as David Fincher (the director of the remake) is one of my favourite commercial US directors of recent years. IMDB him and look at his list of films.

Anyway back to the remake. Its beautifully filmed. The opening credits, as expected with most David Fincher films are a amazing. The acting by all is good. Daniel Craig though is playing the type of character he always plays. Still good though.

Rooney Mara plays Lisbeth very well. However, I feel that she's just really copying Noomi Rapaci. Personally I would have liked her (Noomi Rapaci) and Michael Nyqvist to have come and played their characters again. Just this time speaking English. It may have worked?!.

There has been talk of Rooney Mara getting a Oscar for her role. I doubt this somehow. Especially when probably up against Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady.

I liked seeing Steven Berkoff and Alan Dale (yes the one from Neighbours) in their small roles.

The film stuck more to the books that the Swedish Film. Although it did cut out the Australian part of the book. Which is a shame.

Overall I really liked the film, and hope that they make the next two books. After watching the Swedish trilogy again and the books. I feel that with the exception of the first film and the amazing acting by the main actors throughout. The Swedish films are not that good when watched again. I suppose this is to be expected as they were made for Swedish TV not international cinemas.

Marks out of 10.
8 for the film.
8 for the acting.

The Iron Lady.

2012-01-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

There has been a bit of fuss about this film. Should it have been made whilst Maggie is still alive. Personally it don't think it makes any difference. If a film was made about me, and Meryl Streep was playing me I would be gutted if I wasn't around to watch it.

Meryl Streep is (as expected) totally amazing in the role. If she doesn't win the Oscar then there is something seriously wrong. She totally gets into the role, without making it a caricature. The scenes with her daughter Carol are moving.

Jim Broadbent (Dennis Thatcher) is good. But he comes across like all his other roles. The scenes with Jim Broadbent where he is part of Margets dementia are not well done. I think it is very insensitive to have these scenes. Especially as theses scenes are at the expense of real life incidents instead of the imagination of the film makers.

Olivia Colman (From Peep Show) is a revelation. She plays Carol Thatcher and is superb. If there is any justice she will get some supporting actress awards. The scenes with her and Meryl Streep are so good. I particularly liked the driving lesson scene.

As for the rest of the supporting cast: Anthony Head and Richard E Grant etc. They might as well not be there. Its a case of blink and you miss them. Which is a shame as the few scenes they are in they seem very good. I suspect a lot of there scenes have been left on the cutting room floor. And where was Norman Tebbit?

Overall I enjoyed the film. It was tastefully shot and well acted. However, I feel that a different director could have done a better job. Paul Greengrass anyone?

Too much was glossed over or not mentioned at all. Maybe it should have been a mini series. The BBC or HBO would have done her story justice.

Marks out of 10:
7 for the film.
10 for Mery Streep.
9 for Olivia Colman.