Sunday, 13 March 2011

Unknown

Liam Neeson takes centre atage here as a man who suffers a car accident and awakes to find no-one, including his wife, can remember who he is.
This film has been compared alot to 2008s Taken. And rightly so really. Liam Neeson also heads that film. But he is more than capable to take the lead in either film. With Unknown, it's him that keeps you in the film, and makes you watch to the end.
With Taken and Unknown, it's likely that which ever one you watch first is the one you will stay attached to, in my case then, it's Taken.

The Adjustment Bureau

Before seeing this film, I wasn't sure how I would take it. A politician and a ballerina are apart by the Bureaux but fate keeps bringing them together. But I actually quite enjoyed watching it.
The idea is a little crazy, and even though you might never quite get into this film enough to believe in the characters, it's a good film to watch just to be entertained. Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp are the stand out people to watch here.
So even though this isn't a film your likely to want to run out and watch immediately, it's one you might want to watch some time soon.

Taxi Driver

This is one of those classic movies you will often hear being mentioned. Especially in relation to Robert De Niro. And it is a very good performance from him. My only problem with this film is how slowly it seemed to move.
The story had so much potential, and I liked the characters involved. The way this film is shot is a credit to the cinematographers and director, Martin Scorsese. But whilst watching, I felt guilty at how boring I found it. A classic movie like this and I was expecting more to happen. Even if the odd bit of something exciting would of helped but there was nothing.
I hate to say this about a movie I know lots of people will hold dear to their hearts, but it just wasn't me and I don't think I will be watching it again any time soon.

Monday, 17 January 2011

The Kings Speech

This is the biggest film out at the moment. And rightly so. Although at first sight the story may seem like it could go either way. Everything in this film fits perfectly.
The stroy of King George VI (Colin Firth) and how his speech therapist, Lionel Logue, (Geoffery Rush) helped him to become the worthy monach. Both cast perfectly and put in their best performances. Two scenes in particular stand out between them, an early session in which Logue convinces the King to swear. And the final scene when George (Bertie to his family, and Logue), gives his first war time speech.
Beside these two is the Queen, played brilliantly by Helena Bonham Carter. It is her that searches out Logue and introduces him George.
This film is great to watch, I don't think there are many moments that disappoint. It is also a great insight into a past world.

Love and Other Drugs

This is one of the hottly tipped films of the moment. (Although with much strong opposition).
Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway put in great performances as the leads. Hathaway's free spirit who won't let anyone or anything tie her down is the soul of the film. While her match in Gyllenhaal's drug rep is what the film essencially focuses on.
This film is fun to watch the subject matter has plenty going for it. Catch it if you can.

Little Fockers

This is the third outing for the Focker franchise, (following Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers). This isn't the strongest of the three but it's not too bad.
There are several laughs and certain characters, (in particular the actors/actresses playing those characters), have enough steam to keep going.
Certain parts of this film seem slow, and Jessica Alba's character in particular seemed to just annoy me. But for a third film, its ok.

Before You Go

Three sisters are reunited from their very different lives for their mother's funeral.
Although there are several funny moments/lines in this film, on the whole I'd say it was pretty weak. Many of the characters seem unfinished and the plot never really gets going. Performances aren't brilliant either, with the exception of Julie Walters, but not even her talent can save this.
Personal preference might prove me wrong in your eyes, but my opinion is, don't rush out and buy it.

Case 39

This is a slightly scary film about a social worker (Renee Zellweger) who trys to save a child from her abusive parents only to find there is more to it than originally thought.
I never got round to seeing this in cinemas a couple of years ago but am glad I've seen it now. If nothing else, this film highlights how good Renee Zellweger is. Compared with her performances in films like Chicago and Bridget Jone's Diary, this is very different.
Also, I enjoyed the ending more than the rest. Watching in a big screen cinema I'm sure it would of had an exciting effect.