Film Review - Thor (2011)

Thor (2011) - Kenneth Branagh

a.k.a Marvel hearts Continunity

Ok, so I told a slight lie. This review IS major spoiler-free but if you avoid spoilers like the plague (I'm looking at you @tjmont !), then it would be classed as slightly contagious. Nothing major, though, I promise.

However, if you don't want to know the details, here's a mini review- it's amazing, Asgard's beautiful and it's brilliantly handled by Branagh, with great performances all round, especially Tom Hiddleston (Loki).

Tim, you might wanna stop reading now. Some of you still with me, though? Good. Here's the full meaty review...

Like most people, I was quite surprised to hear Kenneth Branagh was directed this film. A superhero movie? From the King of Shakespeare? I didn't think it was a bad thing... just a change of tune and something unexpected.

However, now I can see why he was chosen. The direction is brilliant, subtly adding to the film without ever becoming distracting. Asgard, with all it's majesty, required the touch of someone used to the dramatic and Branagh's experience and love of Shakespeare serves him well.

We constantly flick between Earth and Asgard and each story and place is given the same respect; none of it is used as filler, and the story line is never confusing. I have never read the Thor comics, so I don't know how it compares but Asgard looks incredible; regal, majestic and otherworldly* (as it should be) and the Bifrost is certainly the best way to travel ever. That doesn't mean the film doesn't translate well to Earth; on the contary, this is given the slick treatment we are used to from Ironman, with SHEILD featuring a lot more. There's even a cameo that I knew nothing about that got me very excited... However, it is Asgard that truly stands out, as it should do.

 

What really got my excited about this film, however, are the characters. While the action sequences are there, the characters are what drives this story, and each is played incredibly well.

Chris Hemsworth has the unenvible job of playing a hero that, at least to start with, we aren't supposed to like. He's arrogant, reckless and rude to Anthony Hopkins, which will never put you in anyone's good books. However, he pulls it off brilliantly. It could possibly be argued that he's slightly OTT, but he should be- he's the God of Thunder for Odin's sake! His change throughout the movie, at the hands of Jane, is utterly believable and he never, ever loses that powerful prescence that makes him the son of Odin. I can't think of anyone better for the job.

Speaking of Jane, my girl crush Natalie Portman is on top form as always. Honestly, she must be the hardest working actress in Hollywood; that girls in everything and she just gets better... Stellan Skasgard is also fantastic, as Dr Selvik... and now I'll shut up about him *wink*. I also complete love Thor's 'dream team' of Sif and The Warriors Three- prequel, anyone?

However, the real joy to watch is Tom Hiddleston as Thor's brother Loki. This is as much his story as Thor's and he is the most well rounded villan I've seen in a superhero movie for a long time. Hiddleston makes him completely compelling, as he deals with his own identity crisis. My favourite scenes where those between Thor and Loki, especially the one in the SHEILD bunker. Hemsworth and Hiddleston do an amazing job- these two brothers clearly love each other, even if they don't always agree.

At it's heart then, it is a story about family and character, and this is what sets it apart from other hero movies and keeps you completely absorbed. As stated above, Marvel loves contiunity (look out for that cameo and stay until after the credits...) and hopeful everything should come together nicely for the Joss Whedon written-and- directed Avengers next year (*fangirl squeeing*). This is a wonderful addition to the Marvel franchise and I hope we see Branagh, Hemsworth and Hiddleston in a lot more.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

*I didn't see the film in 3D simply because my father was with me and he doesn't like it. However, I will see it again in 3D just to see the effect... I can imagine be pretty epic and not just there for show...

Mini Film Review - Arthur (2011)

Arthur (2011) - Jason Winer

Ok, I admit. Being a Brand fan, this film always appealed to me. But even if Brand isn't always your cup of tea, this film is definately worth a look. 

Of course, it does completely rely on Brand's charm and appeal, but luckily, he has it in abundence. There are also some genuinely touching and heartwarming moments, and yes, Russell Brand made me cry. Helen Mirren is also brilliant, but, let's be honest, that goes without saying...

The storyline is slightly confusing, with Brand's prescence taking all the attention. But overall, this is a warm, witty film with Brand on top form.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

Game of Thrones

I've just caught up with the first episode of Game of Thrones (Mondays, 9pm, Sky Atlantic).

Oh. My. God.

Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love fantasy but this film takes the genre to a new level. It's intelligent, dark, bold, sexy and undenaibly beautiful, with incredibly high production values that could rival the Lord of the Rings series. Just watch the title sequence and listen to that gorgeous music...

(I've heard that the map is going to fill in the more we see of the Seven Kingdoms)

Whilst the sets and costumes are gorgeous, the one thing that struck me was the calibre of the acting, Every single person was on top form but performances that stood out for me were Kit Harrinton as Jon Snow, Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen and Peter Dinklage, who definately deserves industry recogination as the irrefutable Tyrion Lannister. The child actors also derserve major kudos, particularly Isaac Hempsted-Wright as Bran Stark and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.

Harry Lloyd as the desperately ambitious Viserys

From what I've researched about the books the series is best on (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin) there are three different storylines to be explored. I already know that each will be handled beautifully. Every single character already has their own personality and I can't wait to see the journeys they will take.

I'm already gasping for the new episode. Why can't it be Monday everyday?!

Film Review - Red Riding Hood (2011)

Red Riding Hood (2011) - Catherine Hardwicke

The first in the latest tradition of taking fairy tales away from their Disney versions (look out for two new versions of Snow White out soon), this is also the new film from Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke.

As can be expected then, this film is made for fans of the shiny vampire series. A brilliant storyline becomes muddled and confused with the obligatory love scenes and random angsty close-ups tailored specifically for Twilight fans.

The basic plot of the film seems like the perfect murder mystery albeit set in a medival time. A werewolf stalks a village, but who is it? It's a perfect whodunnit, with each new body adding a bit more to the mystery. However, this isn't given enough attention. The focus keeps changing too often and too quickly between the wolf plot and the boring romance plot, neither have any affect on the other.

We see this world through the eyes of Valerie, played by Amanda Seyfried. Unfortunately, she suffers from 'Bella-Swann' syndrome- she seems to be universally loved, even though she is actually incredible dull and doesn't do anything. This is not a critcism of Seyfried- she's actually very good with what she's given, much better than Kristen 'one-expression' Stewart and is a lot more likeable (I can't help but wonder if Twilight would have worked better with her... my guess is 'hell, yes!').

And the Twilight comparisons don't stop there. Enter Edward and Jacob... sorry, Peter and Henry, the two boys fighting over Bella/Valerie. The marketing focused on this love triangle, obviously wanting to draw in the Twilight fans. But to be honest, anything with the two boys just kills the film stone dead, with unnecessray scenes and shots that take attention away from the much meaty affair of the 'whodunnit' mystery. 

It may surprise you to hear Gary Oldman is in this movie. It could have been such a great role, the evil witchfinder, who thinks everyone is a suspect and will stop at nothing to get them to confess. However, his character is just confusing; he could have been put to much better use, instead of just shouting all the time.

What I believe this movie needed then, was to dump the love story and make it a much darker mystery thriller. Amanda Seyfried is a talented actress and given the right treatment of the script, this could have been her chance to carry a movie. But the confusing plot muddled in with the dull (and frankly pointless) romantic storyline just kills this movie for me.

Rating: 3 out of 10

Film Review #6 - Your Highness (2011)

Your Highness (2011) - David Gordon Green

A parody? Of fantasy films? By the makers of Pineapple Express? I'm there...

Written by Danny McBride and Ben Best, this is how a parody should be made. This film is truly epic, with many elements such as the costumes, locations and special effects walking straight off the set of Lord of the Rings (some of the jokes too- the true nerds will spot the 'Tracking in Fangorn Forest' bit with ease...). There are some brilliant set pieces too. It honestly looks like any of the best made fantasy films you can name.

Of course, it's full of every cliche you can name too. There's the quest the mythical sword, and the obligatory evil wizard... pretty much the whole of TV Tropes can be found in this movie. 

But that's the point, isn't it? It's a parody and it's job is to make you laugh, not dazzle you with it's amazing storyline. There are plenty of laughs to be found... as long as you don't mind them crude; don't be expecting anything intellectual here. But it isn't trying to be. Danny McBride has impecable timing (... ..."Fuck, no!") and this film is a perfect showcase of his skills. Rasmus Hardiker also deserves major kudos as the loveable Courtney. The whole cast just seem to be having fun, and that's what this film is. Fun.

However, it's strength also gives it it's weakness. Because it's a parody, everything has to be funny. Unfortunately, not every joke lands as well as it should. There are only so many penis jokes you can tell. 

In the end, this film is a fun, swashbuckling adventure that isn't for the serious or fainthearted. If you like your jokes rude, loud and medival, this film's for you. If not, then lighten up!

Rating: 8 out of 10

Mini Reviews

Phew! You can tell I'm on holiday by the amount of films I've seen already. Here's a couple of reviews that I couldn't fill a whole page with...

Chalet Girl (2011) - Phill Traill

Alright, stop laughing. My sister dragged me to see this one on Monday, and I was thinking exactly the same as you. However, I was quite surprised.

Once you've got past the cliches (and there are loads!), it's actually quite funny. The very self-aware script is delivered by the impressive cast. However, this film's true strength is in Felicity Jones as the lead. Warm, witty and never annoying (yes, I'm looking at you, Kristen Stewart), she really pulls it off. I missed her in The Tempest and I've yet to see Cemetary Junction but I would like to see her in a more meaty role... I really think she could pull it off.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (yes, actually it was that good!)


Hop (2011) - Tim Hill

A sweet and sour treat for the Easter holidays. Russell Brand does what he does best, only this time in rabbit form, and I can't fault for it (ok, so I might be biased). Hank Azaria also gets me in everything he's in and this is no exception even if it is just his voice. (Watch Night at the Museum 2- he's just brilliant in it! FIRE POWER!).

However, it has every 'talking-animal-plus-human-friend= heaps of trouble' cliche you can think of... and it doesn't quite pull them off. A funny treat for the kids, put adults will find themselves a but bored....


Rating: 3 out of 10

Film Review #5 - Catfish (2010)

Catfish (2010) - Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

I was introduced to this film by my friend Stacy (@staceyhollywood) who absolutely raved about it. I thought I'd give it a shot and now I see why.

It's hard to explain this film without giving too much away. A photographer, Nev Schulman, the brother of the director, is a dance photographer. When a young girl sends him a painting of one of his photos, he starts an online relationship with the girls family, especially the girl's older sister, Megan.

What follows is a fascinating tale. Advertised as a documentary that is 'true', there has been some debate on the internet about this claim, I want to believe this happened- if it didn't it's a wonderfully crafted story of deceit and love; if it did, it's all the more powerful and testament to both what we can do with technology and the power technology has over us.

The edited footage is put together in such a way that it takes you on a rollercoaster ride. The emotion I felt one minute is completely disregarded in the next, a concious decsion by the filmmakers- the ending makes you question every feeling you've had all the way through.

A truly emotional and moving film, that shows how powerful film can be.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Film Review #4- Limitless (2011)

Limitless (2011) - Neil Burger

With a hook that should pull in a lot of people, this is the type of film that usually impresses me; I was thinking The Bourne Trilogy and my recent discovery Source Code. However, this one just wasn't quite up to scratch.

Bradley Cooper puts in an impressive performance as Eddie Morra, the failing writer who takes a pill that allows him to access his full brain capacity. After finishing his book, he wants to go on to bigger things... Cooper proves that he can carry a movie on his shoulders and does it very well. The direction is also well handle- you feel just as lost as Eddie does and there is some impressive camera work

 

However, while the set-up is good... it goes downhill from there. A confusing second act, with not much of a story, is followed by a weak ending. I didn't feel any of the suspense or drama I thought I would; it was just a bit dull. There's none of the element of mystery you see in the Bourne films and it doesn't have the heart of Source Code to compensate this.

In fact, one of the most frustrating elements is that there was no clear message; I really wanted some sort of statement on the morality of this pill- Is it good or bad? Did it improve his life or not? The murder subplot could have and should have been explored more- surely you'd feel a lot more guilty if you thought you'd killed someone? The ending also felt like a cop out...

Overall, then, I just felt a bit let down. An impressive performance by Cooper is just not enough to compensate for the confusing and quite frankly, boring, plot...

Rating: 5 out of 10

Phillip Reeve review of Joss Whedon's Firefly

British author Phillip Reeve has put together this brilliant article on Joss Whedon's Firefly. If you don't know what that is WHY?! because it's awesome. Follow the link below; Mr Reeve can explain it much better than I could.

Also at the very end of the article, he suggests writing some tie-in books. Anyone else excited.

Firefly and Serenity

Film Review #3 - Exam (2009)

Exam (2009)- Stuart Hazeldine

I'd heard about this movie a long time ago, and it sounded like my kind of film. 8 candidates for a job are put into a windowless room and told to answer one question. The problem? The paper in front of them is blank... so what is the question?

What follows is a wonderfully suspensful eighty minutes as the candidates attempt to figure out what is going on. An intriguing subplot links inextricably into the narrative and adds another dimension to the film, coming together in a very satisfying conclusion. As you'd expect, the tension comes mainly from the candidates themselves, as the pressure gets to each of them, with some great underplayed performances. The film brings together every emotion you've ever had at a job interview and throws up every question you've ever been asked at one, taking the candiates, as well as the audience, to the extreme...

But don't be fooled into thinking this is just a British version of Saw... this is a well-crafted purely psychological thriller. The cinematography and direction is especially slick and well-crafted, equalling any Hollywood film in it's production values, despite it's low budget. Even being in the same room never gets dull.

However, while the story and direction are great, what does let the side down is some of the chunky dialogue, even more noticable against the brilliance of the rest of the film. I hate to say it, but maybe a Hollywood treatment of the script could make this film into something amazing...

Proving that the British film industry is just as capable as Hollywood, this is a suspenseful and puzzling psychological thriller that will have you guessing until the end... Did you get it right? I didn't...

Rating: 8 out of 10

Film Review #2 - Source Code (2011)

Source Code (2011) -Duncan Jones

The IMDB synopsis of this film states it is an 'action thriller'. Ignore that. While there are a few action sequences and the thriller element is heavily present, the main reason to see this film is it's heart-wrenching drama.

The film revolves an army captain who wakes in another body who has to stop a bomb exploding on a train. In order to do this, he must relive the same 8 minutes. 

While this sounds like the high concept thriller that Hollywood loves (especially with trains- The Taking of Pelham 123, Unstoppable), what the description above fails to take into account is the very human side of this film, and that is where it's strength lies.

Jake Gyllenhaal proves once again that he is a lot more than a pretty face, given a stunning performance as Colter Stevens, a man forced into a situation beyond his control. While the actually bomb plot is slightly predictable, it is Stevens' plight that drives this movie and his fight against the mysterious organisation pulling his strings. He's not an action hero, he's a really human being who wants the world to be a better, more hopeful place. His reaction to this strange, yet believable, concept is completely human, and so we truly feel for him.

This film is again a testament to the 'style-over-substance' debate. While it is slick and well made, it is it's story that drives this film, a rareity in a film of this genre, and it is all the better for it. The focus is on the tragic, yet at the same time, hopeful narrative and it's very real characters.

My kudos for this film then, goes to the writer Ben Ripley. He effortlessly combines the sci-fi thiller with real drama, tragedy, and yet ultimately, hope. It shouldn't be long before we hear more of him in Hollwood and hopefully he gets the credit he deserves.

A slick, smart sci-fi thriller with real human heart that keeps you guessing- and hoping- until the very end... 

Rating: 9 out of 10

"The Style Over Substance Debate"- A Response

My friend and fellow student, Adam Snowdon, posted this brilliant article on the old fashioned 'Style-over-substance' debate in film, a debate that is becoming increasingly more relevant.

Whilst I agree with what Adam states in the article, I just wanted to add a few of my thoughts on the matter. I hope he doesn't mind!


We must remember that film is a visual and auditary* medium. It's appeal comes from the fact that it is capable of achieving things that other mediums cannot. I'm not saying that watching a film is better than, say reading a book, for example. But it allows somebody's idea to be expressed in a visual way and this makes it unique.

Therefore, I believe we must embrace the technological advances that the film industry is going through. It is with these tools, such as 3D, that we will be able to advance our medium, keeping it fresh and exciting.

Now, I am not saying that all films should be the 3D visual epics that seem to be filling our cinemas nowadays; if  gritty realism is what a filmmaker wants then I am all for that. I agree when Adam states there has been a 'dumbing down' of films just because the visuals allow filmmakers to get away with it. I am not denying that these films are entertaining, and maybe that is what you want when you go to a see a film. I just do not believe that the technological avaliable is being used to it's full potential.

Filmmakers should not just rely on the visuals of a film. Rather, they should use this new technology to express the great ideas they have not been able to achieve before. Inception is the perfect example of this. The film has a brilliant crafty and emotional engaging storyline and the style is a part of it. The visuals are part of the film's narrative, not just there to make it look good and gloss over the not-up-to-scratch plot. Filmmakers and studios should not be asking "How can we make this look good?" but rather "What can we do with this that will help us make a great film?"

As I've said above, not all films need to be made in this way. However, to keep our medium the best that it can be, I do believe this new aesthetic in cinema needs to embraced. Let's show off what film can do! But do not let come at an expense. Rather, let the visuals help in creating that extraordinary story that you have in your head.



*NOTE: I mention audio because my 'Cinema and Sound' lecturer would probably kill me if I didn't! However, it's not just there to please him; the advances in sound technology may not be as recognised as the ones we see, but it is still an important development in the history of film-making- imagine Star Wars without those iconic noises!

30 Day Movie Challenge- Day 2

30 Day Movie Challenge Day 2- The most underrated movie...

Across the Universe (2007)- Julie Taymor

Beatles songs? In a musical? About the Vietnam war?
Yes, I know the concept is comepletely mystifying, and there are so many bits that could go wrong...

But guess what? It doesn't. The story actually works, dealing with issues such as sexuality, war and love in 1970s America.

I don't think many people have heard of this movie, which is probably the reason it is underrated. Don't be put off by the fact it's a musical- it's the Beatles for goodness sake! And the songs are done brilliantly by the great cast. I wish we could see more of Jim Sturgess- check out 21 for another great performance by him.



IMDB

Redesigned Darth Vader Helmets

Epically cool...

Darth Vader Helmets with a twist...

Daily Mail on the 12A certificate

My friend Tim (@tjmont) found this interesting article on the 12A certificate... As you read from my review I love Sucker Punch but I completely agree with this...

How cynical directors and weak censors mean our children now go to films that would have been X-rated ten years ago

Green Lantern Extended Trailer

A Green Lantern (2011) trailer has appeared with footage from WonderCon 2011

Trailer on IMDB

Two things: -
1) Mark Strong is quickly becoming the new go-to guy when you need a British actor... the new 'Sean Bean'.
2) This is gonna be AWESOME!!!

Film Review #1- Sucker Punch (2011)

Sucker Punch (2011)- Zack Synder

Synopsis: A young women is sent to a mental institution by her step father. She envisions a plan to escape the facility by creating an alternate world in her head...

I had been quite excited about this film for a while. Synder's always been a great visual director (300, Watchmen) so I was interested in what he would do with an original idea...

Most of what you see in the trailer are part of the four or five different set pieces that our main character, Babydoll, retreats to whilst trying to find the things she needs to escape from the institution. This allows them to be as crazy as Synder wants them to be... and they are crazy! Many people may see them as self-indulgent fantasies, but hey, being the nerd that are am, they are fantastises that I really want to be a part of! A plane fighting a dragon whilst knights storm a castle? Yes please!

As you'd expect the visuals and graphics are stunning. Synder really does know how to use CGI to great effect, and coupled with brilliant cinematography, you become immensed in this world, even if it is our characters head. 

However, this is film is a text book case of 'style-over-substance'. Whilst the visuals are distracting, it's hard not to notice the lack of a proper plot or character development. Each of the five girls in the film are cookie-cutter stereotypes- Rocket is the young one, Amber is the sweet one, Sweet Pea is the cynical one- and none of the girls seem to get past these. In fact, by the end, I don't feel very much for these characters at all...

This film had the potential to be Inception for gamer nerds. However, I understood Inception perfectly... I didn't with this film, and not in a good way. The ending is not so much a twist, but a slow burn of realisation that just seems to complcate the plot.

I still, however, really enjoyed this film. Yes, the plot is silly, and yes, the characters mean nothing to me, but I honestly don't care. The visuals of the amazing set-pieces more than make up for it, ranging from a World War II trench complete with zombie Nazis to a futuristic train ride with robotic guards. How can you not like that? It may be a self-indulgent fantasy, but I'm happy to be indulged!

Rating: 8 out of 10

30 Day Movie Challenge- Day 1

So Day 1- The Best Movie you have seen in the last year.

Stacey (@staceyhollywood) knows this one already…

Buried (2010)- Rodrigo Cortés

After I saw this film, it did not leave my head for the rest of the day; I couldn’t get over it.

You may think it’s hard to watch a 90 minute film of a man in a box, but with a clever script, a great performance by Ryan Reynolds, and brilliant use of camera and sound, the tension just builds and builds until what is nigh on a perfect ending.

It is currently my favoutire film of all time, but this may change by the time I get to day 30… I’m fickle like that…

Expect a full review at a later date.

Links

IMDB 

Trailer

30 Day Movie Challenge

What better way to start this blog than this: -

30 Day Movie Challenge!

I’ll post one of these everyday for the next 30 days, interspersed with the normal blog. That way, you can get to know my tastes and tell me that I’m wrong…

Here’s the list:

Day 01- The best movie you saw during the last year
Day 02 – The most underrated movie
Day 03 – A movie that makes you really happy
Day 04 – A movie that makes you sad
Day 05 – Favorite love story in a movie
Day 06 – Favorite made for TV movie
Day 07 – The most surprising plot twist or ending
Day 08 – A movie that you’ve seen countless times
Day 09 – A movie with the best soundtrack
Day 10 – Favorite classic movie
Day 11 – A movie that changed your opinion about something
Day 12 – A movie that you hate
Day 13 – A movie that is a guilty pleasure
Day 14 – A movie that no one would expect you to love
Day 15 – A character who you can relate to the most
Day 16 – A movie that you used to love but now hate
Day 17 – A movie that disappointed you the most
Day 18 – A movie that you wish more people would’ve seen
Day 19 – Favorite movie based on a book/comic/etc.
Day 20 – Favorite movie from your favorite actor/actress
Day 21 – Favorite action movie
Day 22 – Favorite documentary
Day 23 – Favorite animation
Day 24 – That one awesome movie idea that still hasn’t been done yet
Day 25 – The most hilarious movie you’ve ever seen
Day 26 – A movie that you love but everyone else hates
Day 27 – A movie that you wish you had seen in theaters
Day 28 – Favorite movie from your favorite director
Day 29 – A movie from your childhood
Day 30 – Your favorite movie of all time


I’ll post the first one just after this, and then my review the most recent film I’ve seen- Zack Synder’s Sucker Punch…

Welcome to the Big Leagues

Afternoon all!

My name is Katy and I’m a Film Studies student at the University of Gloucestershire. This here will be the place where a vent share my thoughts on recent, and not-so-recent, films and television programmes. I’ll also share any news and tidbits that interest me..

Feel free to comment. I enjoy a good discussion…