Marnie (1964)

A career con-artist falls prey to a forgiving boss, who wants to try and change her ways.

Marnie (“Tippi” Hendren), is a troubled thief, who scams the places that employ her, in order to steal money and send it home to her poor mother. Her plan becomes deeply complicated though, when her current boss (Sean Connery) recognises her from a business that was robbed recently, and becomes curious about her plans. When he catches her red handed, instead of turning her over to the authorities, he makes her his girlfriend, and tries to uncover the secrets she is hiding.

A wonderful psychological thriller, with two amazing actors. The performance from Connery is laden with charisma and charm, whilst providing an equally intriguing character next to Marnie. Hendren is simply brilliant as the complicated Marnie, she has to act like she is acting, and the result is a wonderfully engaging portrayal.

For character exploration, this film is perfect. We see an angst-ridden young woman who seems to deny any help or comfort from another person, who only wants to be loved by her mother. And, as the plot reveals itself, there is a complex reason for her disturbed behaviour.

The film is impressive in terms of the complicated plot, and the special effects which are used. A degree of lag occurs during the middle to last section of the film, where the events seem to be going nowhere, but the ending is altogether worth watching.

A Hitchcock film to rival the likes of Psycho and The Birds.

Pet Sematary (1989)

A Stephen King horror about a family living near a makeshift cemetery for pets, who are being killed by a busy road nearby.

The Creed family have just moved into their new home, when a neighbour pops by to tell them that the road they live next to, the one with loads of trucks roaring past, will inevitably kill any pet they own. He then goes on to show them the “Pet Sematary” which has been built over decades by families who have lost pets in the nearby area, and hints at some kind of spooky power that lies beyond.

When the cat of the family dies, Louis (Dale Midkiff), the father of the family, is told by the neighbour that there may be a way of saving the cat, in order to protect his daughter from sadness. He takes Louis to an sacred Indian site, just beyond the cemetery, where they bury the cat, and return home. A few days later, the cat reappears, but is not quite the same jolly little kitten.

A shocking horror film, with a few nauseating scenes, Mary Lambert, the director, has managed to capture some of the grotesque fascination which people love about King’s writing. The film itself seems a little dated, using some outmoded techniques to elicit an audience response, but on the whole it was an engaging scary movie.

The acting was nothing special, with performances very reflective of 80s films, and the script seemed quite wooden in places, even if it was written by Stephen King himself.

If you are a fan of Stephen King, this movie will probably suck compared to the book, but, having read none of his novels, I enjoyed the story being told here.

Skyline (2010)

An alien invasion film from the Strause brothers…it makes Independence Day look like Citizen Kane!

When a couple attend a friend’s birthday bash in L.A. their trip is turned into a desperate attempt to avoid a horde of extraterrestrials, who want to harvest their bodies. Using a “beautiful” glowing blue light, the aliens lure the humans in, before gobbling them up and using them for reasons unknown.

Set almost entirely within the confines of a plush hotel, Jarrod and his pregnant girlfriend Elaine try to find a way past these harvesters, and to the supposed safety of open water, whilst the U.S. army tries its best to shoot the invaders down.

Arguably one of the worst films I have seen this year. From the outset, the story is bulked out with irrelevant subplots, like Jarrod’s (Eric Balfour) career as an artist, or Terry’s (Donald Faison) super-awesome lifestyle. Too much time is spent watching them freak out in the hotel room, and there is not enough engagement with the aliens. Some of the CGI moments are impressive, once they get started, in particular when terry is stomped on by one of these huge aliens whilst he is trying to escape in a luxury sports car.

Alien invasion films can often fall into the shallower waters of filmmaking, depending too much on shock factor without enough substance, but Skyline seems to avoid both! A poorly chosen cast, combined with a mundane plot, made for a very disappointing viewing.

Cinderella Man

Magnificent boxing film, based on a true story, about James Braddock, a professional boxer during the era of the Great Depression in America.

Russell Crowe stars as James, a boxer from New Jersey. His initial entry into the sport was greeted with mild success, but after a string of defeats and injuries, as well as the onset of the market slump, he had to abandon his career in boxing in order to provide for his family. An honest and decent man, James didn’t bear any grudges, and simply tried to do right by his family, teaching his kids to be upstanding citizens, even during the harsh times. But, when a chance to compete in the big arena of Madison Square Gardens, comes up, he just had to take it.

His wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), is anxiously worried that her husband will end up killing himself in the ring, leaving the family to fend for themselves. And, as James’ opponents become tougher and tougher, that fear becomes increasingly likely.

Boxing films have a unique ability to combine underdog grit, with brutal entertainment. Many films that deal with the subject of boxing are often based on true stories, suggesting that fighters make for the best protagonists. Cinderella Man uses a very compelling character, but also shows him in a totally engaging setting. By using the theme of boxing during the Great Depression, the film is able to combine the hope and agony of the sport, with the devastation of a nation, allowing us to see one man’s struggle for greatness, whilst those around pin their hopes on him.

Cinderella Man is a triumph of a film. Representing a heart warming and touching story with great deals of suspense and drama. Both Crowe and Zellweger are impressive within the film, as well as Paul Giamatti as James’ trainer Joe. Very few films have the ability to get me on the edge of my seat, but this one literally did. The beatings that this guy had to take, juxtaposed with the victories he claimed, are a completely turbulent ride, one which I would gladly take again.

Just Go With It (2011)

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston star in this unlikely Rom-Com about a man trying to impress a girl, by pretending he has an ex-wife and children.

Danny (Sandler) is a successful plastic surgeon, whose romantic life consists of telling women he is unhappily married to a monstrous wife, so that they will sleep with him and not expect any kind of commitment. A system that seems pretty fool-proof, until he meets a girl called Palmer, whom he does want a commitment with. In the aftermath of a night of passion, Palmer mistakenly believes that Danny is married, after she finds a wedding ring in the pocket of his jeans (the one which Danny usually wears to trick chicks). Instead of telling the truth, Danny opts to create an imagined wife Katherine (Aniston), who is usually the secretary at his work.

The pretence becomes further enlarged after Katherine accidentally lets it slip she has children. Now Danny must pretend to have a whole family, in order to keep the trust of Palmer whom he is falling in love with.

A typically farcical story, one which represents Sandler’s current status as middle-of-the-road filmmaker. Like many Rom-Coms, you can spot the outcome a mile away, and instead of opting for some sense of tragedy or sadness, they keep with the happy smileys. That is not to say it wasn’t an enjoyable film, there were some good comedic moments, and the script was quite witty in places. Also, the scenery is gorgeous to look at, especially once they get to Hawaii. It is just that from the man who brought us such enduring comedies as: Happy Gilmore, The Waterboy, and Little Nicky, we expect a lot more.

Watch this for a few laughs and a switch-off, and quite a lot of scantily clad frivolity.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

More shenanigans from everyone’s favourite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow.

A fourth instalment to the famously popular Pirates of the Caribbean series, this time sporting a slightly altered cast. Johnny Depp continues on as Sparrow, but there is no Orlando Bloom or Kiera Kightley. Instead, Penélope Cruz arrives as the buxom beauty Angelica, and Ian McShane plays the cold-hearted Captain Blackbeard.

In true Pirates form, this film has a fantastical journey in search of a myth, this time the Fountain of Youth. A place where two people can visit, and, with the right ingredients and methodology, transfer the years of one life to the other. Like any story about eternal life, there are plenty of goodies and baddies in search of it, and, as always, Jack is the central figure. As several bands of men race towards the fountain, Captain Jack must try and stay ahead of the game, and avoid the deathly punishment of Captain Blackbeard.

It is a decent family film, and a worthy successor to the troublesome third film (one which was immensely confusing, and way too dark). On Stranger Tides manages to recapture some of the original magic from the first film, and, rather than suffering without two of the major characters, the film seems to have been given a new life without them. Geoffrey Rush returns as Captain Barbossa, and gives a very impressive performance. Depp is brilliant as Sparrow, offering a bit of humanity to his character as he has a history with Angelica which becomes developed during the movie.

The stunts are as wacky as ever, and the dramatic filmmaking, with plenty of grand orchestral tunes and stunning landscape shots create a filmic experience that is very entertaining and enjoyable.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Two horse riders, working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain, struggle with their feelings for each other, and the destructive nature of their love.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger star in this brutal modern western, one that is both gripping and devastating. Ennis (Ledger) is a married man with kids, who has to find work wherever he can in the small town where he lives. Taking on jobs like sheep herding, ranching, and farming duties are his only way of paying the bills, and keeping his family from the poverty line. Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal) is an enthusiastic cowboy, who loves to bull ride, and wants his own ranch one day.

Ennis and Jack take a job on Brokeback Mountain, herding the sheep from one side to the other. Whilst on their journey, the two begin to form a close bond, one that is difficult for them both to register, especially for Ennis. At first it seems like simple camaraderie, but they soon realise they want to be together, and experience a savage lust for each other. However, once the job is done, they have to go back to their old lives, a world that is unwilling to allow two men to live together. The film follows the lives of Ennis and Jack, as they try to go on without each other, only allowing themselves sneaky reunions on the mountain, and how they become violently frustrated with their situation.

It is an outstanding film, one completely founded on two amazing performances. The two lead actors provide an undoubtedly brilliant display of complex emotions and inner battles. Ledger is superb as the rage-filled yet stoic man, offering some spectacular outbursts of emotion, whilst Gyllenhaal is wonderful as the optimistic, naïve lover whose pursuit of freedom fights with his love for Ennis.

There was much controversy with this film, in particular with the infamous sex scene. Whilst difficult to watch, it is an important scene, as it shows the raw feelings of these two characters, and also the way their masculinity is not diminished. It is a darkly entertaining film, with engaging characters and a devastating story.

If you are a fan of intense dramas, character exploration, or amazing dramatic performances this is a brilliant film to watch.

Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)

A war is brewing in the owl community, between the Pure Ones and the illusive Guardians.

Soren is a young owl, still learning how to fly with his brother Kludd. But one day, during one of their lessons, they accidentally fall from the safety of their tree, and land on the ground, a place no owl wants to be as they become the prey for other animals. They are rescued by some unknown older owls, who whisk them away from their home, and take them to a fortress in a mountain.

Soren and Kludd are soon told that they are now in the clutches of the Pure Ones, who want to use them both as part of the army they are forming. Soren, refuses and is thrown into the lower ranks as a slave, but Kludd, seeking power and status, joins up. As Soren watched his brother soar as a warrior for the pure ones, he must make a daring escape, and seek refuge with the Guardians. Since childhood, Soren has heard stories about the legend of the Guardians, and how they battled to free owls from tyranny, but, as he flies to their supposed sacred tree, he soon realises it could be possible they don’t even exist.

A beautiful film to watch for the CGI; the delicacy of the birds, and the scenery. So much work must have gone into a film like this to make it such a visual treat, but, unfortunately, that is all it is. The plot fails to evolve into a marvellous story that is never-before-seen, opting instead for generic themes of bravery and fighting evil. The characters are not memorable, like they are in Disney and Pixar films, and their struggles seem quite irrelevant.

Owls were a peculiar choice for a film, they are not the most exciting of creatures, but the makers have managed to add a degree of danger and bloodshed to these mostly boring animals. The fight scenes are with talons, claws, and swords, conjuring some dramatic moments.

Overall, though, this is a very mediocre CGI kids film, one that most kids would get bored of. Kids and family films can provide some of the best entertainment, as they have the challenge of entertaining everyone, and some of the best make it into a lot of people’s top 50 lists - such as Shrek, Toy Story, and Aladdin. Unfortunately, I don’t think the owls will be swooping in any time soon.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Hitchcock delivers a wonderful film about a young woman who suspects her Uncle Charlie of being a serial killer.

Set in the beautiful, picket-fenced suburbia of the U.S., a family is thrilled with the announcement that their estranged Uncle Charlie will be coming to visit. His presence immediately lights up the lives of his family, in particular his namesake niece, Charlie. However, small discrepancies soon emerge in Uncle Charlie’s story that make him seem to be living a lie. While the family go on in blissful unawareness, girl Charlie starts to investigate her Uncle. With detectives hot on the trail of Uncle Charlie also, his options become limited, and now he must plot to kill his niece before she uncovers his secret.

It is an impressive film for its time, emerging before the end of WW2. The story, based on a short story, is hugely captivating, and the tense stand-offs between the two Charlies are thoroughly entertaining. It lacks much of Hitchcock’s later prowess as a director, but still has a more familiar and heart warming approach.

The performances are worthy, although seem very dated (which is understandable). Shot in black and white, the film has a nostalgic quality, which, coupled with the films interesting plot, make it a film that will live on in the history banks.

Not the best Hitchcock, but an old film worth watching for the theatrical-style plot, and the early tension building mastery.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

A devastatingly brilliant film about the uniqueness of life, and our desire for more.

Set in a parallel Britain, during the latter half of the twentieth century, the film follows a group of kids who will one day become “donors”. Medical advancement has meant that using organs from a donor will fight against deathly diseases and illnesses. The solution, therefore, was to cultivate organs from actual people, who were only born and raised to perform this function. Schools were created for them, they were kept under strict supervision, and their entire lives are formulated so that they will grow up to donate their organs for the rest of the world.

Three donors form the basis of the film, as we see them journey through their tumultuous lives. Tommy, a shy boy who struggles with his place in the world, is befriended by Kathy during the childhood. The two form a close friendship, but it is one that is ultimately ruined by Ruth, who becomes jealous of the two, and sets her sights on Tommy. Kathy is left isolated, as Ruth and Tommy begin dating, but all three find it difficult to come to terms with their roles as donors, and seek ways of preventing their inevitable demise.

Andrew Garfield, of The Social Network fame, plays Tommy, and delivers what is undoubtedly a spectacular performance. Opting for an awkward and quiet delivery throughout makes him an extremely likeable character, even though he is essentially foolish and weak. Keira Knightley plays Ruth, and portrays the deviousness of her character well, whilst displaying the overriding insecurity and vulnerability which seem to cripple her on the inside.

Based on a book, the film delivers the hard hitting message about the dangers of medical science, and the tender frailty of life, with superb results. Be warned, it is a drama with plenty of character exploration, and does not provide an equal measure of action sequences to offset it. The film does lag towards the middle section, and then jumps forward quite rapidly, but overall it is an engaging piece of film with terrific performances.