7/10
The film aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes, currently scores The Raven at 26% based on various 'critic' scores. I like Rotten Tomatoes and normally think that the scores are pretty accurate, but I think they've got this one wrong.
If you, like the critics, want an insight into the life, times and literarary works of Edgar Allen Poe, then you might be dissapointed. If you want a solid, creepy, sometimes gory, gothic, cop-chase-serial killer movie, then you'll find plenty to enjoy.
John Cusack plays Poe, during the last week of his life in 1840's Baltimore. This is a good role for Cusack and it's good to see him play a 'showy' role, rather than his usual 'cool/calm' character roles.
Poe is struggling to make a living as a writer and is filling his spare time by drinking. He's got no money and is desperate for his newspaper to publish some of his latest works - but the editor is not convinced it's what his readers want. They want 'blood and gore' like his earlier works...
Meanwhile, some murders start happening that take cues from some of Poe's stories (there's one particularly grisly death in true pit and pendulum style). Poe is, of course, implicated and is interviewed by the local Detective Emmett Fields, played excellently by Brit-actor Luke Evans. Fields and Poe work togther to unravel the clues left on each murder victim to ultimately, catch the killer and save the life of Poe's kidnapped girlfriend.
The film is a little unevenly directed by James McTeigue, but the story is well told, both in script and visual terms. The denoument is quite nicely set-up and filmed, with logic behind both the finding of the killer and the motives behind it.
All-in-all, it's a solid and entertaining affair.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Wanderlust - Weds 7th March 2012
6/10
Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston play Linda and George, a couple trying to get-by in NYC. They buy a flat that's too small and too expensive, and then George loses his job. This forces them to travel to George's brothers house to sort themeslves out. On the way, they come across a hippy commune founded in 1971 by Carvin (played by Alan Alda). A process of enlightenment ensues and it's all hunky-dory in the end.
It's not hard to like both Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston as leading actors - they're like your best friends on screen - but it's harder to like the film as a whole. The main problem is that's it's very formulaic - you will have seen this film many, many times before and you know exactly what will happen. Many of the gags are a little flat and I only really laughed when some out-takes were shown at the beginning of the credits. The cast appeared to have a great time making the film but Director, Paul Wain, doesn't translate this onto the screen as he should have done (unlike other 'Apatow' films such as Knocked Up or Stuck on You - both of which I much preferred).
I'm probably being a bit mean-spirited! This film is nice enough and most people will leave the cinema entertained even if their sides hadn't split.
Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston play Linda and George, a couple trying to get-by in NYC. They buy a flat that's too small and too expensive, and then George loses his job. This forces them to travel to George's brothers house to sort themeslves out. On the way, they come across a hippy commune founded in 1971 by Carvin (played by Alan Alda). A process of enlightenment ensues and it's all hunky-dory in the end.
It's not hard to like both Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston as leading actors - they're like your best friends on screen - but it's harder to like the film as a whole. The main problem is that's it's very formulaic - you will have seen this film many, many times before and you know exactly what will happen. Many of the gags are a little flat and I only really laughed when some out-takes were shown at the beginning of the credits. The cast appeared to have a great time making the film but Director, Paul Wain, doesn't translate this onto the screen as he should have done (unlike other 'Apatow' films such as Knocked Up or Stuck on You - both of which I much preferred).
I'm probably being a bit mean-spirited! This film is nice enough and most people will leave the cinema entertained even if their sides hadn't split.
Friday, 17 February 2012
Chronicle - Thursday 16th February 2012
7/10.
What happens if you give a troubled teenager near limitless power? Chronicle is a metaphor about growing up; learning about how to use new found powers of adulthood or, in this case, the ability to move things with your mind and discovering you can fly.
The whole film is shot by an in-film camera of some description; from the wonky-hand held video camera of one of our protagonists to fixed CCTV or police cameras.
3 boys find a hole in the ground with a mysterious 'alien' ship or artifact inside (this is never explained). The boys find they can start moving things with their minds; things start off slowly but they (quite resonably) start to have some fun; such as when they take to the stage as magicians in a school talent compeition.
Director, Josh Trank, ups the ante as one of the boys reaches breaking point as his violent father, dying mother, and his increasing power comes togther.
I'm sure there were budgetary constraints, but the special effects are really quite good. I'm a big fan of integrating effects into hand-held camera (such as Cloverfield) and this works really well (don't worry, all that motion won't make you feel sick like Cloverfield).
The action ramps up to the rather ineveitable conclusion, but I enjoyed this movie and will look forward to Trank's future work.
What happens if you give a troubled teenager near limitless power? Chronicle is a metaphor about growing up; learning about how to use new found powers of adulthood or, in this case, the ability to move things with your mind and discovering you can fly.
The whole film is shot by an in-film camera of some description; from the wonky-hand held video camera of one of our protagonists to fixed CCTV or police cameras.
3 boys find a hole in the ground with a mysterious 'alien' ship or artifact inside (this is never explained). The boys find they can start moving things with their minds; things start off slowly but they (quite resonably) start to have some fun; such as when they take to the stage as magicians in a school talent compeition.
Director, Josh Trank, ups the ante as one of the boys reaches breaking point as his violent father, dying mother, and his increasing power comes togther.
I'm sure there were budgetary constraints, but the special effects are really quite good. I'm a big fan of integrating effects into hand-held camera (such as Cloverfield) and this works really well (don't worry, all that motion won't make you feel sick like Cloverfield).
The action ramps up to the rather ineveitable conclusion, but I enjoyed this movie and will look forward to Trank's future work.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
The Descendants - Tuesday 7 February 2012
9/10
Where has Alexander Payne been since he made the excellent Sideways? I hope we don't have have to wait another 7 years until his next movie! The Descendants is superb - if you liked any of Payne's previous films such as Election, Sideways or About Schmidt, you will love this film - in fact, I think it's Payne's best work. On the surface, the film seems to look a bit bleak; George Clooney trying to re-engage with his 2 daughters following an accident that puts his wife into a coma. The film itself does have some wrenching scenes BUT overall the feel is typical Payne; quirky, off-kilter, and sometimes very funny (good scenes with Robert Forster). Acting is uniformly superb; Clooney gives a nuanced, minimalist masterclass performance - he has the super ability to lead a film whilst keeping part of the whole ensemble- I believe he's what's called a 'generous actor'. Supporting cast is excellent with special mention to his elder daughter player by relative newcomer Shailene Woodley. Payne turns down the sun in Hawaii and it's neigbouring islands - turning the backdrop from sunshine paradise, into a slightly grey, windier place BUT there's a ray on sunshine at the end giving hope to all the characters involved. I left the cinema very satisfied - very recommended.
Where has Alexander Payne been since he made the excellent Sideways? I hope we don't have have to wait another 7 years until his next movie! The Descendants is superb - if you liked any of Payne's previous films such as Election, Sideways or About Schmidt, you will love this film - in fact, I think it's Payne's best work. On the surface, the film seems to look a bit bleak; George Clooney trying to re-engage with his 2 daughters following an accident that puts his wife into a coma. The film itself does have some wrenching scenes BUT overall the feel is typical Payne; quirky, off-kilter, and sometimes very funny (good scenes with Robert Forster). Acting is uniformly superb; Clooney gives a nuanced, minimalist masterclass performance - he has the super ability to lead a film whilst keeping part of the whole ensemble- I believe he's what's called a 'generous actor'. Supporting cast is excellent with special mention to his elder daughter player by relative newcomer Shailene Woodley. Payne turns down the sun in Hawaii and it's neigbouring islands - turning the backdrop from sunshine paradise, into a slightly grey, windier place BUT there's a ray on sunshine at the end giving hope to all the characters involved. I left the cinema very satisfied - very recommended.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Haywire - Weds 18th Jan 2012
8/10 (if you're a Steven Soderbergh fan and like his visual style)
7/10 (if you're not a particular fan but just want an action thriller)
There's more style than substance in Haywire, BUT if you like Soderburgh's style then you'll love it. There are some great lingering camera shots of Gina Carano running, reversing cars etc.
There's also a hint of Tarantino in some of the 'up the tension' scenes, particularly between Carano and Michael Fassbender on the way back to a hotel room, which also work very well.
Gina Carano's, ex-Marine, character 'Mallory Kane' is the main focus of the film, but supporting actors are uniformly excellent and well cast (although Bill Paxton is not given an awful lot to do as Kane's father except look worried). It's also always good to see Michael Douglas!
I am a Soderburgh fan, so I'm happy to overlook the fact that it's all a bit predictable and lacking in originality. I guess if I weren't such a big fan of his, I might feel a little let down at the slow pace of some of the film.
Gina Carano is great in the lead role - dangerously hot.
Go and see it - it works well on the big screen!
7/10 (if you're not a particular fan but just want an action thriller)
There's more style than substance in Haywire, BUT if you like Soderburgh's style then you'll love it. There are some great lingering camera shots of Gina Carano running, reversing cars etc.
There's also a hint of Tarantino in some of the 'up the tension' scenes, particularly between Carano and Michael Fassbender on the way back to a hotel room, which also work very well.
Gina Carano's, ex-Marine, character 'Mallory Kane' is the main focus of the film, but supporting actors are uniformly excellent and well cast (although Bill Paxton is not given an awful lot to do as Kane's father except look worried). It's also always good to see Michael Douglas!
I am a Soderburgh fan, so I'm happy to overlook the fact that it's all a bit predictable and lacking in originality. I guess if I weren't such a big fan of his, I might feel a little let down at the slow pace of some of the film.
Gina Carano is great in the lead role - dangerously hot.
Go and see it - it works well on the big screen!
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - Tuesday 10th January 2012
8/10.
I didn't much like Mission Impossible 1, and cared even less for Mission Impossible 2, BUT I really liked JJ Abrams Mission Impossible 3 and I also really liked this film.
Brad Bird brings a lighter touch to proceedings and Simon Pegg works in his larger role of 'nerd turned agent'.
There are some nice heart-stopping moments and it features all the usual elements; cars (nice and sporty electric BMW), gadgets, eye candy, nukes, and globe-trotting loccations.
You won't remember it 5 minutes after leaving the cinema but you'd probably watch it again on DVD a week later...
The franchise is truly alive and with Jeremy Renner seemingly onboard as an agent, you can expect another film at some point in the next 2-3 years.
BTW, Tom Cruise looks amazing at 50 years of age. Must be all that moisturiser and scientology.
I didn't much like Mission Impossible 1, and cared even less for Mission Impossible 2, BUT I really liked JJ Abrams Mission Impossible 3 and I also really liked this film.
Brad Bird brings a lighter touch to proceedings and Simon Pegg works in his larger role of 'nerd turned agent'.
There are some nice heart-stopping moments and it features all the usual elements; cars (nice and sporty electric BMW), gadgets, eye candy, nukes, and globe-trotting loccations.
You won't remember it 5 minutes after leaving the cinema but you'd probably watch it again on DVD a week later...
The franchise is truly alive and with Jeremy Renner seemingly onboard as an agent, you can expect another film at some point in the next 2-3 years.
BTW, Tom Cruise looks amazing at 50 years of age. Must be all that moisturiser and scientology.
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