A Mel Brooks classic, rivalling Spaceballs and Blazing Saddles!
A spoof history lesson here from the comic director Mel Brooks, following the days of the early man, to ancient Rome, the Spanish Inquisition, and the French Revolution. Starring Mel Brooks, Gregory Hines, and Dom DeLuise, it is an hilarious adventure full of brilliant slapstick, great characters, and anarchic adventure.
The film uses a typical Brooks structure, and fails to take itself too seriously. Some excellent sets and backdrops are used, giving an almost theatre aspect to the film, which works well with the panto feel to the storyline.
Do not expect any attachment to the characters, or to see any great performances, but expect a few laugh out loud moments, and some aching sides.
In association with UK FILM REVIEW
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
The Last Airbender (2010)
Family fantasy film that puts another nail in the coffin for M. Night Shyamalan's career.
Based on the original Nickelodeon children's program, The Last Airbender is about a fantasy world in which four tribes representing the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water, exist amongst warfare and tension. Within each tribe there are certain members who can learn to control their element, and use it in a magical way, but mostly as a weapon. Amongst the four tribes lives an Avatar, a very special being who can learn to master all four elements, and then use this ability to install peace across the land.
Pretty basic plot line, taking an ancient story such as mastering the elements, and then throwing in some baddies and martial arts moves for good measure. The film has a family appeal, as the action is lighthearted and comical, while the violence is tame. However, the film lacks any sense of true grit, and seems to skim over the issues amongst the people of the nations, and tries to patch together a coherent storyline. There are no worthy performances to comment on, and the open ending makes me shiver with the thought of a follow-up.
In the plus column, it is easy watching, some very nice CGI landscapes, and a few moments of acrobatics that will make your muscles ache as you watch. Shyamalan has failed to live up to his outdated reputation, with consistent blunders at the box office, and The Last Airbender is definitely not his saving grace.
Based on the original Nickelodeon children's program, The Last Airbender is about a fantasy world in which four tribes representing the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water, exist amongst warfare and tension. Within each tribe there are certain members who can learn to control their element, and use it in a magical way, but mostly as a weapon. Amongst the four tribes lives an Avatar, a very special being who can learn to master all four elements, and then use this ability to install peace across the land.
Pretty basic plot line, taking an ancient story such as mastering the elements, and then throwing in some baddies and martial arts moves for good measure. The film has a family appeal, as the action is lighthearted and comical, while the violence is tame. However, the film lacks any sense of true grit, and seems to skim over the issues amongst the people of the nations, and tries to patch together a coherent storyline. There are no worthy performances to comment on, and the open ending makes me shiver with the thought of a follow-up.
In the plus column, it is easy watching, some very nice CGI landscapes, and a few moments of acrobatics that will make your muscles ache as you watch. Shyamalan has failed to live up to his outdated reputation, with consistent blunders at the box office, and The Last Airbender is definitely not his saving grace.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Shutter Island (2010)
Martin Scorsese delivers a film worthy of his reputation.
Set in 1954, the film follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels on his journey to Shutter Island, an insane asylum for patients with a violent temperament. His task is to locate an inmate who has escaped from a locked cell in the middle of the night, but the uncooperative staff at the institution make things difficult, and it is not long before Daniels (Leonardo Di Caprio) suspects foul play.
This movie has an authenticity that is understated, and impressive. The locations are brilliant to watch, the character interact in a way that is natural yet engaging, and the storyline has the right mix of conflict, entertainment, and...yes...twists!
I would argue that this film is not Scorsese's best, but definitely worth a watch for any fan of the director. It is intelligent, entertaining, and sinister in the right places.
Set in 1954, the film follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels on his journey to Shutter Island, an insane asylum for patients with a violent temperament. His task is to locate an inmate who has escaped from a locked cell in the middle of the night, but the uncooperative staff at the institution make things difficult, and it is not long before Daniels (Leonardo Di Caprio) suspects foul play.
This movie has an authenticity that is understated, and impressive. The locations are brilliant to watch, the character interact in a way that is natural yet engaging, and the storyline has the right mix of conflict, entertainment, and...yes...twists!
I would argue that this film is not Scorsese's best, but definitely worth a watch for any fan of the director. It is intelligent, entertaining, and sinister in the right places.
The Matrix (1999)
Science Fiction Masterpiece.
Directed by the Wachowski brothers, The Matrix is a superb film that transcends science fiction boundaries and portrays a storyline that is both intricately complex and massively entertaining. It is the story of a compute hacker named Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) who goes by the alias Neo, and is presented with a choice that will change everything. When the mysterious character of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) reveals to Neo that the world he knows is a lie, a computer generated to reality to keep people unaware of that they are acting as a life source for murderous machines, Neo must decide whether he will join Morpheus in the fight against the machines, or go back to his mundane, fictional reality.
This film takes a chilling sci-fi storyline and adds so many dimensions to it, viewers will inevitably struggle to keep up. Very few understand the whole story in one watch, and most require at least three, but almost everyone will agree The Matrix deserves multiple viewings. The action scenes are impressive, and the cinematography is dark and gripping. Reeves is in his element as the quiet, brooding lead, while Fishburne has some of the most delectable lines given in any movie.
As an excellent piece of cinema, proving that blockbusters can be worth their salt, watch this film...at least twice!
Directed by the Wachowski brothers, The Matrix is a superb film that transcends science fiction boundaries and portrays a storyline that is both intricately complex and massively entertaining. It is the story of a compute hacker named Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) who goes by the alias Neo, and is presented with a choice that will change everything. When the mysterious character of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) reveals to Neo that the world he knows is a lie, a computer generated to reality to keep people unaware of that they are acting as a life source for murderous machines, Neo must decide whether he will join Morpheus in the fight against the machines, or go back to his mundane, fictional reality.
This film takes a chilling sci-fi storyline and adds so many dimensions to it, viewers will inevitably struggle to keep up. Very few understand the whole story in one watch, and most require at least three, but almost everyone will agree The Matrix deserves multiple viewings. The action scenes are impressive, and the cinematography is dark and gripping. Reeves is in his element as the quiet, brooding lead, while Fishburne has some of the most delectable lines given in any movie.
As an excellent piece of cinema, proving that blockbusters can be worth their salt, watch this film...at least twice!
Monday, 3 January 2011
High Anxiety (1977)
Mel Brooks' tip of the hat to Alfred Hitchcock.
The film is about the tension of insanity, and laughing at it. Brooks maintains his penchant for slapstick gags and tongue-in-cheek humour, but attempts a stylistic approach that mimics Hitchcock.
Focusing around the lead character of Dr. Richard Thorndyke (Brooks), the film follows the mysterious happenings of an insane asylum for the Very Very nervous and its inhabitants. As the murderous plot thickens, all is not as it seems for Thorndyke, who must untangle the complex web of deceit before he becomes the next victim.
Not one of Brooks' best, but worth a watch for its respectful Hitchcock remembrance.
The film is about the tension of insanity, and laughing at it. Brooks maintains his penchant for slapstick gags and tongue-in-cheek humour, but attempts a stylistic approach that mimics Hitchcock.
Focusing around the lead character of Dr. Richard Thorndyke (Brooks), the film follows the mysterious happenings of an insane asylum for the Very Very nervous and its inhabitants. As the murderous plot thickens, all is not as it seems for Thorndyke, who must untangle the complex web of deceit before he becomes the next victim.
Not one of Brooks' best, but worth a watch for its respectful Hitchcock remembrance.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
As the franchise reaches its eagerly anticipated third film, viewers can expect a watered-down movie that is more Jack Sparrow than Aslan.
The Narnia films are hugely popular with British audiences, who expect a Christmas treat in a magical land filled with entertainment and adventure. However, this newest addition to the franchise is a serious let-down. While the basic elements of the story are still there, director Michael Apted has opted for a Pirates of the Caribbean for children approach, rather than a film with any authenticity.
From the outset, the acting is poor by all concerned, and the action sequences fail to live up to the standards set by the Harry Potter films. It seems that troubles with the shooting and delays all round, have made this film a sinker.
Bring on the next one...
The Narnia films are hugely popular with British audiences, who expect a Christmas treat in a magical land filled with entertainment and adventure. However, this newest addition to the franchise is a serious let-down. While the basic elements of the story are still there, director Michael Apted has opted for a Pirates of the Caribbean for children approach, rather than a film with any authenticity.
From the outset, the acting is poor by all concerned, and the action sequences fail to live up to the standards set by the Harry Potter films. It seems that troubles with the shooting and delays all round, have made this film a sinker.
Bring on the next one...
It's Complicated (2009)
Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin star in a romantic comedy that takes the complexities of relationships to new levels!
On paper, this film should not work. Here we have some of the all time greatest talent in the movie industry thrust into a Rom-Com that, on the surface, seems hopelessly benign. However, there is a pumping heart to this story that connects with the audience, and makes some poignant remarks about the modern way of living love. Rather than offer two hours of misunderstandings and brooding comments, director Nancy Meyers prefers to explore a rather typical relationship with an untypical grit.
The film is full of character development, subtlety and realism that appeal to the modern viewer, and the comedic moments do not shy away from the awkward, instead embracing it with a vengeance. Streep is always impressive, but gives this film the warm foundation it needs to stay afloat, while Martin and Baldwin offer more intriguing performances and characters that give the film its entertainment edge.
Streep's kids remain irrelevant blurs in the film, which works well to focus on the relationships that her character are going through, but leaves for an undeveloped element to the movie. As with most films within this genre, the soundtrack is carefully chose to evoke the emotions of willing audience, and adds to the pleasurable feel of the film.
A Rom-Com worth watching for excellent performances and a story that adds something new to an already saturated genre.
On paper, this film should not work. Here we have some of the all time greatest talent in the movie industry thrust into a Rom-Com that, on the surface, seems hopelessly benign. However, there is a pumping heart to this story that connects with the audience, and makes some poignant remarks about the modern way of living love. Rather than offer two hours of misunderstandings and brooding comments, director Nancy Meyers prefers to explore a rather typical relationship with an untypical grit.
The film is full of character development, subtlety and realism that appeal to the modern viewer, and the comedic moments do not shy away from the awkward, instead embracing it with a vengeance. Streep is always impressive, but gives this film the warm foundation it needs to stay afloat, while Martin and Baldwin offer more intriguing performances and characters that give the film its entertainment edge.
Streep's kids remain irrelevant blurs in the film, which works well to focus on the relationships that her character are going through, but leaves for an undeveloped element to the movie. As with most films within this genre, the soundtrack is carefully chose to evoke the emotions of willing audience, and adds to the pleasurable feel of the film.
A Rom-Com worth watching for excellent performances and a story that adds something new to an already saturated genre.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One (2010)
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!
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!
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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