As the Harry Potter franchise nears its end, the penultimate film is the darkest, and most enjoyable film so far.
The film sees the famous trio, Harry Ron and Hermione, battle against Voldemort's underlings after the death of Professor Dumbledor in the previous film. This time, the action takes place away from Hogwarts, the magical school, and in the real world of modern Britain.
A stunning production, with many scenes utilizing the horror that occurs in the book to full effect. The characters are developed well, and there is a sense of clarity that a couple of the other films seemed to lack. Performance wise, Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter gives his most impressive yet, and Emma Watson is worthy of mention, as the film offers more of her story this time, allowing for a deeper portrayal.
As with any story split into two parts, the Deathly Hallows part one, will make audiences yearn for the next installment, and if this film is anything to measure by, I cannot wait for the final adventure!
In association with UK FILM REVIEW
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Sunday 5 December 2010
300 (2006)
Epic graphic novel translation, with cinematic beauty.
Director Zach Snyder must have spent months slowing footage down to make this film, most of the action shots are gory, slow-paced comic-book visuals of spears piercing skin and swords decapitating heads. The story of the 300 Spartans who faced the Persian army is deeply rooted in ancient Greek mythology, and the original graphic novel by Frank Miller uses the story to create a vibrant, violent tale that appeals to a modern audience. The film does not disappoint.
With a gutsy production of imaginative fight sequences, amazing characters, and inspiring storyline, the film should be revered as one of the most impressive films of the 21st Century. High praise, I know, but few films affect me the way this one has. It is a film that takes heroism, pride, bravery, loyalty, and faith and pits it them against tyranny, brutality, slavery, and greed. The epic battle is given a cinematic beauty that seems years ahead of its time, and the punchlines, which on paper would seem silly, work well to enthuse these ideas of patriotism and heroism.
Director Zach Snyder must have spent months slowing footage down to make this film, most of the action shots are gory, slow-paced comic-book visuals of spears piercing skin and swords decapitating heads. The story of the 300 Spartans who faced the Persian army is deeply rooted in ancient Greek mythology, and the original graphic novel by Frank Miller uses the story to create a vibrant, violent tale that appeals to a modern audience. The film does not disappoint.
With a gutsy production of imaginative fight sequences, amazing characters, and inspiring storyline, the film should be revered as one of the most impressive films of the 21st Century. High praise, I know, but few films affect me the way this one has. It is a film that takes heroism, pride, bravery, loyalty, and faith and pits it them against tyranny, brutality, slavery, and greed. The epic battle is given a cinematic beauty that seems years ahead of its time, and the punchlines, which on paper would seem silly, work well to enthuse these ideas of patriotism and heroism.
Four Christmases (2008)
It is the holiday season, so Christmas films are filling our televisions with joy and cheer!
Any movie with a Christmas storyline automatically faces many limitations. The setting has to be around December, usually with winter weather, and there has to be an element of overcoming adversity in order to enjoy the most magical day of the year. Seth Gordon's Four Christmases starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn definitely succumbs to the boundaries of the genre, but manages to create a film which delves into the pressure that relationships suffer from during Christmas.
Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Witherspoon) are a couple who do everything together! They go on holidays, couples massages, dancing lessons...they even skip Christmas with each other. Every year they concoct a plan to avoid dealing with their complicated families, and fly off to some tropical island to wait out the season. However, their plans go awry when their flight is cancelled and their families see them on the news still in the country, now Brad and Kate are forced to spend Christmas visiting all four of their divorced parents.
Initially emerging as a comedy, the film develops into a more intricate exploration of the family unit. Kate struggles with her issues over parenthood, while Brad has to face the prospect of finally growing up emotionally.
A half-decent Christmas film that avoids the typical clichés, and there are some slapstick moments which are hilarious. Worth a watch on a lazy Sunday!
Any movie with a Christmas storyline automatically faces many limitations. The setting has to be around December, usually with winter weather, and there has to be an element of overcoming adversity in order to enjoy the most magical day of the year. Seth Gordon's Four Christmases starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn definitely succumbs to the boundaries of the genre, but manages to create a film which delves into the pressure that relationships suffer from during Christmas.
Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Witherspoon) are a couple who do everything together! They go on holidays, couples massages, dancing lessons...they even skip Christmas with each other. Every year they concoct a plan to avoid dealing with their complicated families, and fly off to some tropical island to wait out the season. However, their plans go awry when their flight is cancelled and their families see them on the news still in the country, now Brad and Kate are forced to spend Christmas visiting all four of their divorced parents.
Initially emerging as a comedy, the film develops into a more intricate exploration of the family unit. Kate struggles with her issues over parenthood, while Brad has to face the prospect of finally growing up emotionally.
A half-decent Christmas film that avoids the typical clichés, and there are some slapstick moments which are hilarious. Worth a watch on a lazy Sunday!
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