I decided not to include these gems on the main post because I had lots to say! I suggests you watch them all!
Dallas Buyers Club: Matthew Mcconaughey wanted to get away from his stereotypical role in rom-coms. This wasn't his first to accomplish a break from the norm (The Lincoln Lawyer, Killer Joe) but it will be the one people remember for some time. Moving, eye opening and raw. Both Mcconaughey and Jared Leto (lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars) perform unbelievably convincing roles. You may have guessed that I'm not the emotional type but this one made me well up! Tissues at the ready guys. 4.5 Stars *****
Gravity 3D: I have read and heard very mixed reviews on this film, despite it's winning streak at the Oscars. But, as always, it's my turn. Graphically astounding. There is so much going on in this film despite the limited setting and cast. Clooney and Bullock acted for their lives. Even after the film had ended I was playing parts over in my mind and dwelling on the vast nothingness of space. I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone therefore I won't go into detail but the ending could be viewed in a number of ways. Extremely clever and breathtakingly beautiful. 5 Stars *****
Lego Movie 3D: You may think this an odd addition to my select few films but everybody loves an animation. The Lego Movie had adult humor, a cracking story and some creative characters. So far, I haven't met anyone who disagrees. An original treat for the whole family! 5 Stars *****
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues: Before I begin, let me just tell you I haven't seen the newest addition with extra jokes. Also, I didn't particularly enjoy the first Anchorman (The Legend of Ron Burgundy). However, and this time it's a huge one, I haven't laughed so hard at a film in a very long time. I may come across as mean but my 'things to look out for' during this moving are: the child crying on the beach and the angry woman at the ice skating rink. If you don't find something in this film funny, you have no sense of humor. There is something for everyone- innuendos, dry humor, awkward humor and people getting hurt/upset! 5 Stars *****
300: Rise of an Empire: Another outstanding sequel. Different to the first, darker, heavier on the tactics and fighting. A deeper look into the bigger picture of war. And for the guys...yes there are boobs and yes there is an overly aggressive sex scene.
It was great to see the return of Lena Heady and Rodrigo Santoro and also new additions Sullivan Stapleton and Jack O'Connell joining the fight. With films such as this surfacing I am excited for the remainder of 2014. 5 Stars *****
Friday, 14 March 2014
2014 so far...
Again, it has been some time since my last post but I guess it gives you more to sink your teeth into! Enjoy!
47 Ronin: Keanu Reeves ranges from sounded stiff to almost being Neo in this remake. The graphics weren't as elaborate as I expected, the fight scenes weren't as long or as brutal and the characters from the posters barely had any screen time. In all the film wasn't unbearable but it was severely disappointing. 2 Stars **
<3 the final line
<3 the giant armoured samurai
American Hustle: With an all star cast you expect the film to be good. None of the main five disappointed. The film was what I imagine 'The Counselor' was attempting to be. My issue with this twisted true tale was the length. I found some parts laborious and felt certain areas dragged. 3.5 Stars ****
<3 Jennifer Lawrence's rendition of 'Live and Let Die'
<3 The special guest appearance
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale: A Finnish film based on the idea that Santa is an evil being who punishes the naughty children. I have never been a fan of Christmas films- but as this one lacks yuletide cheer and festive prancing I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4 Stars ****
<3 the folklore
The Conjuring: Epically scary with a fantastic story to coincide. One of the best horror films to surface for a while! 5 Stars *****
<3 Ed & Lorainne Warren
Stand Up Guys: This one is a real slow burner. Although I found the ending well written and the story line pretty good I wouldn't watch it again. Definitely something missing from this but there are a number of good moments. 2.5 Stars ***
<3 The Cast
Insidious Chapter Two: EXCELLENT! I cannot express how good this was. Sequels are usually good or rubbish but this one blew the rest out of the water. Another brilliant and spooky story line which also explains the first film incredibly well. The only reason I have dropped it half a star is because it wouldn't work without the first one. 4 Stars *****
<3 The Further
Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug: Long winded, unnecessary and lackluster. I love dragons but I'm not a fan of Smaug. I guess we'll have to wait and see if the third can save the elongated trilogy. 2 Stars **
<3 Kili
Need for Speed: Absolutely abysmal. If you go into this film expecting rip roaring action you will be disappointed, but if you enter the cinema open minded you will encounter one of the best unintentional comedies to date! Laughing at the acting, the lines and the slang terms there was rarely a quiet moment in the screen. Imogen Poots is horrendous. 1 Star * (for pure comedy genius).
<3 'is it fast'
<3 'you learn a lot about a person when you've been hit by a truck'
That Awkward Moment: Another failure which stars Ms Poots. She must bring bad luck. There is no point to this film. There is no real connection to the title (had it been called 'so, where is this going' it would have made more sense). There is too much concentration on the break down of the friends marriage. The whole idea is flimsy and poor, clearly designed to show Zac Efron as a player. I could go on...but 0 Stars.
<3...nothing.
Robocop: I wasn't expecting much...and I didn't get much. There isn't enough action, there is definitely a whole chunk that could be removed. I am, however, anticipating the next installment as I feel the story and action could improve. The suit is pretty bad ass and it does seem like a good set up for a series of Robocop films. So, not a total loss! 2.5 Stars ***
<3 Joel Kinnaman
Into the Mouth of Madness: An old one watched for the first time recently. Odd, definitely old school and a tiny bit cheesy. Great idea but not in the same leagues as Event Horizon so I'm afraid it's only 2 Stars **
Lone Survivor: Really inspiring and tense. A great action and true story film. 'Nuff said! 4 Stars ****
<3 The real life soldiers section before the credits.
Out of the Furnace: A little old school, a little a gritty and a whole load of revenge and backward justice. Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson rarely fail to impress. 4 Stars ****
<3 the Setting
Killer Joe: Off the wall, definitely one of the weirdest films I've seen. You'll just have to watch it because I can't explain! 2 Stars **
I, Frankenstein: 'Underworld' for kids. Cheesy, too similar to other films and not original. Bill Nighy plays an almost identical character to his role in Underworld. Aaron Eckhart's acting was pretty shocking. 1 Star *
<3 The Gargoyles
47 Ronin: Keanu Reeves ranges from sounded stiff to almost being Neo in this remake. The graphics weren't as elaborate as I expected, the fight scenes weren't as long or as brutal and the characters from the posters barely had any screen time. In all the film wasn't unbearable but it was severely disappointing. 2 Stars **
<3 the final line
<3 the giant armoured samurai
American Hustle: With an all star cast you expect the film to be good. None of the main five disappointed. The film was what I imagine 'The Counselor' was attempting to be. My issue with this twisted true tale was the length. I found some parts laborious and felt certain areas dragged. 3.5 Stars ****
<3 Jennifer Lawrence's rendition of 'Live and Let Die'
<3 The special guest appearance
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale: A Finnish film based on the idea that Santa is an evil being who punishes the naughty children. I have never been a fan of Christmas films- but as this one lacks yuletide cheer and festive prancing I thoroughly enjoyed it! 4 Stars ****
<3 the folklore
The Conjuring: Epically scary with a fantastic story to coincide. One of the best horror films to surface for a while! 5 Stars *****
<3 Ed & Lorainne Warren
Stand Up Guys: This one is a real slow burner. Although I found the ending well written and the story line pretty good I wouldn't watch it again. Definitely something missing from this but there are a number of good moments. 2.5 Stars ***
<3 The Cast
Insidious Chapter Two: EXCELLENT! I cannot express how good this was. Sequels are usually good or rubbish but this one blew the rest out of the water. Another brilliant and spooky story line which also explains the first film incredibly well. The only reason I have dropped it half a star is because it wouldn't work without the first one. 4 Stars *****
<3 The Further
Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug: Long winded, unnecessary and lackluster. I love dragons but I'm not a fan of Smaug. I guess we'll have to wait and see if the third can save the elongated trilogy. 2 Stars **
<3 Kili
Need for Speed: Absolutely abysmal. If you go into this film expecting rip roaring action you will be disappointed, but if you enter the cinema open minded you will encounter one of the best unintentional comedies to date! Laughing at the acting, the lines and the slang terms there was rarely a quiet moment in the screen. Imogen Poots is horrendous. 1 Star * (for pure comedy genius).
<3 'is it fast'
<3 'you learn a lot about a person when you've been hit by a truck'
That Awkward Moment: Another failure which stars Ms Poots. She must bring bad luck. There is no point to this film. There is no real connection to the title (had it been called 'so, where is this going' it would have made more sense). There is too much concentration on the break down of the friends marriage. The whole idea is flimsy and poor, clearly designed to show Zac Efron as a player. I could go on...but 0 Stars.
<3...nothing.
Robocop: I wasn't expecting much...and I didn't get much. There isn't enough action, there is definitely a whole chunk that could be removed. I am, however, anticipating the next installment as I feel the story and action could improve. The suit is pretty bad ass and it does seem like a good set up for a series of Robocop films. So, not a total loss! 2.5 Stars ***
<3 Joel Kinnaman
Into the Mouth of Madness: An old one watched for the first time recently. Odd, definitely old school and a tiny bit cheesy. Great idea but not in the same leagues as Event Horizon so I'm afraid it's only 2 Stars **
Lone Survivor: Really inspiring and tense. A great action and true story film. 'Nuff said! 4 Stars ****
<3 The real life soldiers section before the credits.
Out of the Furnace: A little old school, a little a gritty and a whole load of revenge and backward justice. Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson rarely fail to impress. 4 Stars ****
<3 the Setting
Killer Joe: Off the wall, definitely one of the weirdest films I've seen. You'll just have to watch it because I can't explain! 2 Stars **
I, Frankenstein: 'Underworld' for kids. Cheesy, too similar to other films and not original. Bill Nighy plays an almost identical character to his role in Underworld. Aaron Eckhart's acting was pretty shocking. 1 Star *
<3 The Gargoyles
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