Everything Must Go (Film Review)

There is a charm behind muted low-key performances, underplayed but spark heavily allowing for a realistic performance from the actor towards his/her character. This is quite evident in the movie Everything Must Go.

Everything Must Go is both a comedy and a drama of a recently fired, recently divorced and alcoholic; Nick Halsey (played by Will Ferrell). The film showcases Halsey's struggles with his alcohol addiction whilst living on his lawn after being kicked out his home. Everything Must Go isn't exactly a heart warming tale as this film doesn't tie up all loose ends, instead the film is like a fable; you walk out with a motto.

The performances of Everything Must Go are strong throughout, however the real star of this film is Will Ferrell. Throughout the film, Ferrell provides enough charm within his character to give out a a few chuckles but at the same time, enough depth to take seriously.

4.5/5 

Drive (Film Review)

Drive is quite a unique film. The film has all the features of an action film; cars chases, guns and violence; yet it features enough drama and story present to make it a recommended drama film. The soundtrack and character designs and outfitting's easily cries the 1980s yet the film is set in the present day with technology and gadgets frequently used by the characters.

Overall the film is great.

However there are two points which really stood out in Drive. The first one is the star Ryan Gosling. Not only his performance was amazing. His character was heavily reminiscent of Clint Eastwood's character "The Man with No Name". However unlike Eastwood's character, Gosling's character was human and real. The other area which really stood out in Drive  was the soundtrack. If this film was to win any awards, it should be for the sound designs. Not only was the soundtrack deep and heavy. The soundtrack was very erotic. This is especially true when vehicles come into the mix. Not only were they loud, the cars themselves were a character in their own right.

4.5/5

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy Review

Summer has gone and past, Oscar season is approaching fast. 

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is a spy thriller, based of the book by John le Carre. The novel (and the film) is often described as the anti-Bond. So for those who expect a fast moving movie with high violence and sex should look elsewhere. Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is not that movie; instead it's a movie with the intellectual challenge of finding a mole acting as the sole driving force.

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is often said by critics to be the contender of being the best film of 2011. With amazing performances ranging from Gary Oldman as George Smiley to Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch as Peter Guillam. This film is guaranty to be nominated for the performance alone. 

The acting isn't the only element that is great. The Cinematography deserves to gain a mention from the 1970s Cold War feel to the beautiful scenery featured in the establishing shots.The writing is also top notch, with cleverly written words of dialogue to a daunting monologue about the cheating wife from Smiley himself. The soundtrack while kept to a minimum, also adds towards the feel and vibe of scenes.

This film is destined to be praised by the critics. Nominated (and possibly win) by the awarding bodies of the Academy and British Film Academy.  And possibly, by a small chance, go down in history and stand the test of time as being among the best films ever made.

5/5

They Live (1988) Film Review

This film was recommended to me for several reasons. One of the reasons being, Hitchin based metal group; Neverworld has written a song loosely based off this movie. The song titled, They Live (We Sleep) has been recorded and is currently having a music video in the making. I am currently serving as the camera operator for the video and I was told to watch this film for ideas. The other reason for this film being recommended towards me is because; the film in question is known to have a 5 minute plus long fight scene which, I been told I would enjoy.

I could honestly say, I enjoyed this film the moment the first frame hit my TV screen. Granted the acting isn't at all great, the special effects look very dated, topped off with the fact that there are plot holes big enough a fully grown elephant could walk through...but that is the charm behind John Carpenter's They Live.

The well known fight scene is easily the highlight of the film. What makes it funnier is that the entire context of the fight itself is absolutely pointless.

If this film had a bigger budget or had featured better acting and writing, The charm of this fun flick wouldn't at all exist.

5/5

Cowboys and Aliens Review

Cowboys and Aliens is kinda like a bag of pick 'n' mix sweets. While there maybe a tasty addictive treat within, there is also the bitter soul tasting sweet which no one likes.

Cowboys and Aliens opens up like the old classic westerns of the '50s and '60s. And for the the first 25minitues or so. The film does feel like a genuine western. However due to the title, the viewer always knows that aliens will come into the narrative at some point.

Cowboys and Aliens does strike some similarities to another film; Starship Troopers. The similarities throughout can be seen in the narrative and alien design. To begin with, Cowboys features quite a large cast for a 2 hour film, because of this, some characters do not gain enough screen time or character development. This was a problem which featured in Starship Troopers. Luckily the acting in Cowboys is strong throughout. Another similarity to Starship could be seen in the alien design and portrayal. The aliens themselves are shown to be powerful, dominant and almost invincible in the first half of the movie, however their design contradicts them, especially in the daylight scenes where their looks are just corny and comic. Again, very similar to Starship.

Overall, Cowboys and Aliens will entertain despite the 'aliens' element being somewhat ripped from other films. The western motifs are strong though.

My Rating

3/5

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes review

As of mid-august 2011, no film has grabbed my attention, causing a stir with my emotions, until Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the 2011 reboot to the franchise, and unlike that Tim Burton movie, the Rise of the Planet of the Apes, manages to succeed in creating a film which can both stand on its own merit, but also have enough material to spawn it sequels.

To note, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a violent film. Much more than what the trailer promotes. Luckily the violence works for the story and is not tacked on. The film is also brilliantly acted with characters being from ambitious yet flawed, threatening yet human. The specials effects are also great; while they are not Avatar, the special effects managed to the job.

When I saw the Rise of the Planet of the Apes, I was in an almost crowded cinema, and what was unique was that every reaction following certain scenes, happened in unison. It happened during character Caesar's first spoken words; it happened during the finale battle.

Now I wrote in the review of Captain America, that it was the best film of the summer. After seeing the Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The opinion has changed. The Rise of the Planet of the Apes is so far the best summer film of 2011. It is also the best film I have seen this year period.

My Rating

5/5

Captain America Review

The Superhero Genre are the new Westerns. Both genres share the similar themes and concepts. They're also profitable, and currently, studios; major and minor, right now are milking the genre to every penny. Frankly, its getting boring now.

Captain America is the last major superhero release for 2011, and its a good one. While it has its problems, it is easily the best film of the summer so far. It is also the best superhero film to come out this year.

Since the release of Iron Man 2, all the Marvel film releases (with the exception of X-men) have been building up to The Avengers movie. Because of this, these films (Iron Man 2, Thor) suffer from problems. These include pacing issues, lack of character development, and the under use of some great names and actors. However in Captain America; the first avenger, those issues are none existent. Like the first two Marvel cinematic universe titles (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk), Captain America can easily be a stand alone title.

The film itself is very enjoyable, however this film doesn't make great use 3D so if possible. Captain America should be viewed in 2D if possible. The acting in Captain America is good throughout even thou it can be quite over the top and over dramatic. The characters in the film are well written and well portrayed, and unlike Iron Man 2 or Thor, the romantic sub-plot isn't tacked on.

Sadly the film does have its problems. Because the superhero genre is becoming overpopulated, clichés are starting to emerge, and those are quite evident in Captain America throughout. While the clichés ain't as bad as they are in Fast Five; it can be quite distracting when one or two pop up.

This film is easily the best film of the summer so far, and is the best superhero release of this year. It is also the last major superhero film for this year which is a good thing.

My Rating
4.5/5