Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

Western/Sci-Fi/Adventure film that promises a lot more than it actually delivers.

It’s a story as old as time: a small western town in the U.S. finds itself under attack from giant flying aliens who are literally lassoing citizens up into the air and dragging them away. Daniel Craig plays a wanted bandit who finds himself in the middle of the wild west with no memory of who he is, or how he got there, or what this weird metal contraption is that is now stuck to his wrist. Unfortunately for him, his reputation precedes him, and he is soon arrested at the nearest town which is under the unofficial rule of an aggressive tycoon, played by Harrison Ford. However, once the aliens start their airborne fishing antics, the town realises it needs Craig, if only for his gizmo which is able to shoot these abductor ships down.

A chase soon begins, as those willing to go after the aliens and rescue those who have been taken, go off in search of the mother ship. The gang have to put aside their differences in order to defeat these evil creatures, whilst encountering trials and tribulations along the way.

The premise is obviously quite outlandish, coming from a comic strip, but manages to stay true to the Western side of filming. The goodies, baddies and inbetweeners are all there, with plenty of gun slinging and saddling up. The action, whilst mainly family-oriented, is good and the tempo keeps you from getting too bored during the two hours duration. However, this film could have been so much more.

Rather than opting for a bland, please-all paying customers approach, it would have been more interesting to see this film with an 18 certificate, and some real horror and gore. The storyline would easily transfer into a horror film, and the happy-smiley horse riding scenes could be replaced with terrifying journeys into the alien lair, and Daniel Craig could be on a race against time to prevent the world from being probed…just a thought.

Go into this film expecting Indiana Jones meets Independence Day and you will probably not leave too disappointed, but if you go in expecting the brilliance that a title like Cowboys and Aliens promises, you will probably leave wishing for that time back.

The Fighter (2010)

An outstanding exploration of the world of professional boxing, and the brutal effects it can have on the boxers and their families.

Starring Mark Wahlberg as Micky, an up-and-coming fighter whose career is co-managed by his mother, and his has-been boxer brother Dicky (Christian Bale). Micky looks up to his brother a lot, and seeks advice from him on how to become a world champion fighter, however, his dependency co-exists with Dicky’s addiction to crack. The older brother, who once “knocked down” Sugar Ray Leonard, is now a junkie loser, who spends his days talking about his past achievements and living in a world of fantasy, whilst ruining his brother‘s chances of becoming legendary.

Micky, fed up with the lacklustre management he receives from his drug-addicted brother and useless mother, finds strength in a new relationship with Charlene (Amy Adams). She spurs him on to greater things, in particular moving his boxing career away from his home town in order to develop. Once the brutal defeats start turning into glorious victories, Micky’s career seems destined for greatness, but he must face difficult choices on who should be standing in his corner.

It is a remarkable film, one which delves deep into a personal story and manages to find a lot of enduring themes which make for excellent viewing. The toll that a career in boxing has taken on Dickie seems like a glaring warning sign, as we watch that of Mickie’s developing, and the way that most of these characters seem to be striving for something better is devastatingly apparent. There are a lot of moments of sad poignancy, but also some very funny bits, and Bale is an absolute…dare I?…Knockout in this movie, his portrayal of the delusional has-been boxer is definitely worth watching. Wahlberg provides an authentic down-but-not-out rough kid, and Amy Adams is excellent as the fearless opposition to Micky’s family.

The Fighter has some things in common with the Rocky films, but it has a lot more in common with a film like The Wrestler, as it grapples with these tragic American sportspeople, and how their devotion to a career seems to take from them more than it gives, which offers a harsh reality for the viewer.

Wonderful film, based on a true story.

Hereafter (2010)

Matt Damon stars as a “gifted” connection between the living and the people they have lost.

Being able to talk to the dead may seem like a fantastic superpower, but Damon would disagree, he spends his days in dark isolation, trying to avoid the person he really is. Having given up the spiritual spokesperson job for more blue collar work, George Lonegan keeps finding himself being pulled back to his old life, as those who discover his ability pursue him for it.

The film also follows a French journalist who was caught up in a tsunami, who almost died, but managed to survive after experiencing visions of the dead, as well as a young English boy whose twin brother dies in an accident.

All of these people struggle with the difficulties of death, but all have varying degrees of suffering as well as varying coping methods.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, many will be disappointed to hear that this film is quite boring. It moves at a snail’s pace, and takes a very long time to make quite simple points. It has a nice atmosphere to it, creating subtle poignant moments of drama, but for the most part, it is redundant, which is nothing like most of Eastwood’s films! Without Damon, I don’t think this film would have made a cinematic release, and would have gone straight to DVD and daytime TV.

The premise of this film is good, but the execution is depressingly flat. Watch only if you enjoy a leisurely pace and tender dramas.

True Grit (2010)

A Coen brothers Western based on the John Wayne original, it bristles with manly outlaw behaviour whilst containing a hilariously dark atmosphere and a sentimental plot line.

Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is a determined young girl in search of her father’s killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), and she enlists the help of a brutal U.S. Marshall called Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), whose drunken violence is matched only by his incoherence.

Tom Chaney is also being pursued by a Texas Ranger called LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is a bumbling fool, but also a loveable try-hard and stickler for the rules. Together, the three reluctantly join forces in search of Chaney, and embark on a horse-trip across the ominous landscape of the wild west.

The premise is very typical for a western, good chasing evil, bounties, horses, gunfights and drinking, but there are also some very interesting differences. First of all, the relationship between the main characters Mattie, LaBeouf and Rooster is very different from your usual band of goodies, as you have the innocent and resourceful child, a foolish ranger, and an old racist Marshall. Secondly, the film is less about heroism, and more about self preservation, redemption, and revenge.

Being a Coen brothers film, the expectation levels were very high for this film, and it seems they have delivered. The moments of slapstick comedy are literally laugh out loud moments, the character development is perfectly timed to allow the audience a chance to love/hate some of the main players, and the aesthetics are wonderfully creative, making for amazing scenery, a delightful piano score and some brilliant little western towns. Jeff Bridges is superb in his role as Rooster, if you can understand enough of what he says through the southern slur, and his character arc is the most interesting of all. It is important to mention that Hailee Steinfeld is truly magnificent in this movie.

It is quite obvious that this film is a remake, due to the old-fashioned plot structure, but for those who enjoy a good ole western with plenty of frontier antics it is definitely a film that delivers. That is not to say that this film is outdated, the directors have done well to pull it into the new century with complex character development and excellent comedic set-pieces. Some may find that Damon is mis-cast in this film, and I would agree, but he does an admirable job of portraying the clownish ranger.

Watch this if you like: Coen brothers films, westerns, or black comedies.

The Tourist (2010)

Two of the biggest movie stars of all time collide in this action comedy set in the absolutely stunning streets of Venice.

Johnny Depp plays Frank Tupelo, a tourist from America who travels to the splendour of Europe, only to find himself caught up in the explosive lives of murderous hit men, rampaging police detectives, and the gorgeous crook Elise (Angelina Jolie). Elise purposively chooses Frank as a decoy for the police as they hunt an elusive thief, who is also her lover. Alongside this, Elise, and therefore Frank, have to avoid being caught by a vicious mobster and his cronies, who want retribution after Elise’s lover stole a huge amount of money from them.

It is a film that brings in many moments of humour, quirky little action sequences, and a breathtaking cinematography. The script has some excellent sections; well timed lines with tongue-in-cheek moments. Depp is enigmatic as always, and it is nice to see him portraying a lifelike character, after so many of the Burton-esque ones of recent years. Jolie does well to bring an unusual intrigue to her character in this film, as it could have been rather shallow in the hands of a lesser actress.

The most impressive part of this film though, is the location. It is beautiful to watch, and feels like a mini holiday as you watch them travel around the beautiful streets of Venice, with soothing orchestral music in the background.

The plot is like a short-story for a James Bond book, not much different to the recent action film Knight and Day (2010), but without the ridiculousness of the stunts.

A film to watch if you like comedy action films, or if you love Italy (like me), but a film to avoid if you hate far-fetched, suspect circumstantial plot-lines.

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

An alien invasion film that brings the best of Science Fiction and War movies together, for an all out blast-em-up.

Aaron Eckhart plays marine Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz, who is nearing the end of his commitment to the U.S. military, when he is called back into action after some “meteorites” begin hitting the oceans near heavily populated areas. He soon learns, however, that what is actually hitting the water are murderous aliens hell-bent on colonizing the earth. Downtown Los Angeles soon becomes a war-zone like no other: with hordes of these metallic extraterrestrials leaping from rooftops taking shots at soldiers and civilians alike.

Nantz joins a battalion of soldiers whose mission it is to go into the battlefield of L.A and rescue as many civilians as they can, before the army drop a giant bomb on the area as their solution to killing these aliens.

The premise is suitably simple, not taking too much time to try and explain the ins and outs of why/how these creatures have got to earth, instead focusing on the hearty action of an incredible fighting power coming and kicking earth’s ass. This film has an unrelenting tempo that is not really science fiction, and is more reminiscent of war films. There are plenty of explosions, gun fights, outrageous stunts and heroic bravery. The movie is heavily patriotic, similar in essence to a film like Independence Day (1996), so if you don’t like Uncle-Sam rhetoric and “ooh-rahs”, then you will probably be cringing a bit during this film. Another let down was the aliens, not much in the way of originality, especially with the Predator-style clicking noise.

I must say though, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went in to the film with low expectations, thinking it would be a load of CGI and explosions, and funnily enough that is what it was, but for some reason it made for a very entertaining watch. There were extremely sad moments, brilliant little pieces of character development, and an unshakable determination to make this film a constant war zone. It was two hours long, and didn’t drag at all.

Sequels and prequels may be an unfortunate result from this film, but this one is worth a watch if you like fast war film action and heroism.

Lord Of War (2005)

Another film from my 50 Films To See scroll, this time seeing Nicolas Cage portraying an international arms dealer, whose life of weapons, lies, and money becomes his biggest battlefield.

Directed by Andrew Niccol, the film is based on the real life of an actual gun runner, and it spans several decades of history. Many famous wars are involved, such as the African conflicts during the nineties, the Russian ones in the eighties, as well as modern warfare, but this film involves very little war action. It is essentially a human narrative about Yuri Orlov (Cage), a Ukrainian by birth, but grew up in the USA, he decided to become an arms dealer when it struck him that someone has to supply all the weapons our civilizations use to massacre each other. And, instead of starting in the small leaugues like gang crimes etc, he goes straight for the big dogs, the wars.

Once he becomes successful in his trade, providing massive quantities of illegal guns around the world to anyone who will pay, he finds a whole host of new problems. A straight-as-an-arrow agent pursues him relentlessly (Ethan Hawke), and Yuri struggles to maintain his picture perfect marriage with the girl of his dreams Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan). Also, Yuri’s brother Vitaly (Jared Leto) is a cocaine-addicted screw up, who is a constant pain in the side to his older bro.

Completed narrated by Cage, the film is an interesting memoir into such a fascinating history of a dangerously brilliant man. His business is completely corrupt, and his morals are extremely questionable, but the principles he holds dear are far less different from those of our own, and the constant battle in his own head makes for a spectacular fight.

Some may go into this expecting a bucket load of battle scenes, but that is not what Niccol delivers. Yes, there is a lot of action, guns, sex, and money, but there is also a wonderful story to be told here.

A worthwhile watch, one which came recommended from many people…so thanks.

Unknown (2011)

Liam Neeson stars as an amnesia-stricken scientist in Berlin, desperately trying to remember his old life, whilst his current one spirals into violent chaos.

The build up to this film mentioned Taken (2008) incessantly. Being another action film starring Neeson it was less than surprising, but be warned, this film is not Taken. Whilst there are a few glaring similarities, the general make-up of the film remains wildly different. First of all, the premise has more in common with a film like The Bourne Identity (2002), throwing in plenty of sporadic memories, ulterior political motives, and a lust for stunt-filled scenes. Taken had a far more down-to-earth gritty grace, a hard-hitting realism that made the film seem bolder than most action/thrillers.

Neeson’s character Dr. Martin Harris loses his identity after a car crash in Berlin. He recalls some of his past, but is baffled by the stranger posing as him, and the fact that his wife and those who knew him seem to now see him as a stranger.

Unknown takes place in the cold and unappealing capitol of Germany, with a metallic-cum-graffiti landscape. This is a brilliant choice, as a squeaky clean L.A or N.Y would have made the film fall into the typical action category. Plot wise the story unfolds with quite a few twists and turns, and Neeson is still excellent as the leading role. His ability to portray a character who is vulnerable yet deadly in unmatched.

A couple of the female roles are played well, and most of the stunts are impressive. A decent action film, but one to not expect much from. If you go in to this expecting the heights of a film like Taken, you will probably leave disappointed.

Life As We Know It (2010)

Two opposites brought together by the deaths of their best friends, they must now look after their god child Sophie. This film brings all the clichés out of the heart-shaped-box, and should of been called, Life As We Knew It Would End.

Katherine Heigl is her usual quirky self, whose portrayal of no-one-wants-to-marry-me characters has kept her career alive and strong. She is a worthy actress though, who avoids the tempting appeal of bimbo roles, and instead delivers quite brilliant comedy moments and touching emotional poignancy. She plays Holly, a neurotic baker, who was bffs with the mother of Sophie.

Josh Duhamel plays the rough-edged Eric, or Messer. A motor-bike riding, philandering slob who prefers the easy life.

I know what you are thinking, how could these two come together to raise a baby? They are so different! Well, with the magic of a last will and testament, the deceased parents of Sophie decided to throw caution to the wind and place this odd couple as the legal guardians of their baby. What ensues is a slapstick/emotional roller coaster that throws in the will-they-wont-they moments well all love to hate, and some baby theatrics that make us laugh, cry and throw up.

This is an enjoyable film, but one that you have to go in to expecting the Rom-Com treatment.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Knight Shyamalan’s brilliant film about a boy who can speak to ghosts, and the psychologist who tries to help him.

Shyamalan is one of the most talked about directors of recent years. His films have fallen into two very different categories: Outstanding Achievements, or Epic Failures. This being said, he has brought a lot of interesting stories to the industry, and even if The Village (2004) was a total disaster, the man did bring us Unbreakable (2000), which, if you haven’t seen it, is a great piece of cinema. Luckily, The Sixth Sense falls into the former of the categories, and is a wonderful made piece of supernatural thriller.

Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a troubled psychologist who, after being shot by a former patient, has focused his life into redeeming himself for the mistakes he made with that patient, and wants to help a child in a similar situation. He happens upon Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who displays many of the same traits that the assassin did, such as anxiety issues, being a loner etc. Malcolm dedicates his life to helping Cole, whilst his relationship with his wife seems to have been in tatters since the shooting, and only gets worse as the Doctor becomes obsessed with helping Cole. Once it is revealed that Cole sees dead people, the film takes on a creepy pace, as everyone struggles with their secrets.

This being the first time I have watched The Sixth Sense it was impossible to not have been influenced by the huge array of pop culture references to the film. I abstained from watching it for as long as I could, simply because I knew the epic twist at the end. However, I must say, even though I knew what was happening all along, this was still an amazing film. Brilliantly shot, genuinely scary in places, Shyamalan has created a enduring film that will stand up as one of the greats. His attention to small details, and a perfectionist approach to standards give this film the high quality which has ensured it is not a great story ruined (see the aforementioned The Village).

Willis is outstanding in this film, absolutely perfect for the role, and great to see him shedding the die-hard stunts for an intimate and challenging piece of script drama. Osment is breathtaking in this film! He is an absolute prodigy. His timing is perfect, his vocal tones deliver the lines like a natural, and he has a beautiful vulnerability that makes him so engaging.

If you haven’t seen this film, and don’t know the ending (where the hell have you been!) then I demand you watch it. If you do know the ending, it is still a magnificent piece of drama, one that is thoroughly entertaining, gripping, and thrilling.

Gremlins (1984)

A horror/comedy that stands proudly as a revered cult classic.

Few creatures in the history of cinema have become so synonymous with chaotic hilarity! They are cheeky and cute on the one hand, and murderous and evil on the other, but either way, Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, has a brilliant nostalgia about it.

Watching this at the Film4 Summer Screen on Saturday night, my expectations were low. I did not enjoy this film as a youngster and thought, with time, it would have grown into a revolting blotch on the list of films from my childhood memory. However, I am pleased to say, that I thoroughly enjoyed the silliness, the sentiment, and the stunts. It was a pleasure to see a film just being brilliantly entertaining and not taking itself too seriously. While the plot is ridiculous and the acting is far from Oscar-winning, there is such a heart to it, a warm fuzziness about Gizmo and his brethren of wrong-doers that has seen the film become sweeter with age.

The musical score is enticing, linking scene-to-scene with a masterful ease, and the moments of slap-stick horror are genuine laugh-out-loud moments - such as the bit where the woman flies out the window…gut-wrenchingly funny!

Don’t expect much, but watch this film with a few of your mates who remember it from your youth, have a few beers, and drink every time you laugh!

The Town (2010)

Forget everything you feel about Ben Affleck, this is the mother of redemptions.

Based in Affleck’s hometown of Boston, Ben plays Doug McRay, a career bank-robber, whose father was also a famous criminal. He is part of a crew from the Charlestown area of Boston, which is notorious for breeding delinquents.

After a semi successful heist of a local bank, Doug becomes involved with one of the workers from the bank called Claire, whom they took hostage during their getaway. Initially, his interest is to learn about her dealings with the police and FBI in order to asses whether she needs “dealing with”. However, Claire soon sparks a fire inside Doug which causes a tremendous battle within him of whether to remain in the criminal world he knows so well, or to break free and move to Florida.

In Doug’s life, there is also his adopted brother Jim (Jeremy Renner). A volatile member of the crew, Jim makes Doug’s choice even more difficult, by upping the ante as it were within their career. He constantly takes the violent route with victims and the police, and his reckless, almost suicidal nature makes him a very loose cannon for the Charlestown crew. The back story of how Jim went to prison for nine years explains a great deal about his character, and also about his relationship with Doug.

Doug finds his life in chaos as the FBI increase their investigation into his life and his crew, whilst he struggles to juggle the desire for the freedom of a new life, with the restrictions of the one he has.

The film is a superb dive into the heartbreaking world of lower-class, city America. The lives these people live seem painfully predetermined, and the choices they make are not as black-and-white as we may think. Doug’s internal conflict we see repeated in many of the other characters, and the choices he has made in the past are reflected by the lifestyle he now seems chained to.

Affleck has approached this film with a loving familiarity, being his hometown. The characters he portrays are probably ones he knew, or knew about growing up, and the interaction seems extremely genuine. Although, fair warning, the accents are thicker than paint, you may need subtitles.

Whilst the overall plot of this film may seem predictable, with typical themes and a usual structure, it is a movie that is more about the conflict of these characters, and the options they have available to them in the so-called land of opportunity. They are developed well through the story, and few moments are wasted on sentimentality or pointless diversions. A wonderful accomplishment for a relatively new director.

Number 6 on the list, another win.