Oblivion

After Jack Reacher what little faith I ever had (possibly not since the days of The Firm and the first Mission Impossible) in Tom Cruise was restored; however good ol’ Tom has managed to completely smash that to smithereens with Oblivion.

Normally its not worth reviewing a bad film, however this was so appalling am actually in shock it was made let alone hyped and now the number one film in the UK.  The producers (plus the director – who happened to write this catastrophe -, cast, lighting crew, special fx guys, make up artists, costume designers etc) should all crawl into one of them very unrealistic futuristic caves featured in the film and think about what they have done for a good few years…

Virtually every scene is stolen from other mostly good sci-fi films (from Wall-E to Star Wars to The Island) and then twisted into something still recognisable but so bad and blatantly just does not even fit, because basically it’s a really poor love story.  In fact this film should really be labelled a mosaic.

At one point in the film it actually looks like Tom is sat at home playing xbox over dramatically thrashing around to entertain his kids whilst trapped in a bubble…although am not sure scientology allows Xboxes

Even Morgan Freeman couldn’t save this, despite the fact he enters with sunnies on and smoking a cigar; but he reveals yet another twist in the plot that just makes you slightly angry because there are way way too many of them and yet no story is really allowed to establish… he also seems to have caught the badactingitis that was clearly going around the set.  The extras are so bad it seems like they must have been paid in particularly weak cold tea.

The only saving graces, if you can call them that, is the fact that one actress is quite pretty (Olga Kurylenko) and Jack Harper (Toms character) talks this wobbly head doll thing Bob although that begins to grate towards the end of the film.   Oh actually that’s a lie, the saving grace of this, is in a strangely placed “artistic” interlude you see Jack Harper and his girlfriend in silhouette, very careful placement of their bodies makes him look taller than her, but yep you guessed it, in the very next shot 5 seconds later, instant short arse again, always worth a chuckle.

Go see this if you like pointless cheese (think gone off quavers), bad effects, even worse acting or just fancy a nap for 126minutes.

Stoker

Stoker is on first appearances another psychological thriller about murder, however after only a couple of minutes in the viewer realises it is much more than this. Meet the Stokers, the dysfunctional family consisting of:  an unhinged mother, a reclusive daughter, a dead dad, a crazed uncle, a scared great aunt and the in above her head housekeeper.

This was one of the last films co-produced by Tony Scott, who sadly died shortly after production ended, but this is not your typical Hollywood thriller.  First thing that impacts and changes the trend is that it is directed by the world renowned Chan-wook Park, director of the Vengeance Trilogy (Sympathy for Mr Vengeance 2002, Oldboy 2003, Lady Vengeance 2005).  Luckily the script allowed Park to breathe and express his unique directing style that Korean film fans would be used to, a style that emphasises the disturbed nature of his own screenplays and those he chooses to direct.

Park was able to display his directing talent in Stoker due to the quietness of the script.  Wentworth Miller, who is best known for his acting role as the delectable Michael Schofield in Prison Break, makes his writing debut with Stoker, which is virtually unbelievable considering how everything included in this film is relevant and thought through, nothing is said or seen without purpose, the continuity is faultless both in story and scenes.  Even what is being narrated on the television in the background of two scenes; “Prey does not suspect it is taken by surprise”, is perfectly fitting to the story.  This attention to detail and accuracy should be envied by even experienced screenplay writers.

This film tells the story of a fiercely anti-social young lady, India Stoker, who protects her personal space with bitter determination not even letting her mother close. It is about her coping with the loss of her father, who was her best friend, who happened to meet his demise on her birthday and her beginning to realise that their hobby, hunting, was not just a hobby but an education.  As she states: sometimes one “needs to do something bad to stop you from doing something worse”.  It is also undeniably a story of murder and suspense, but this could almost be argued as secondary to India’s own revelation of what the time spent with her father really meant.  It can virtually be compared to the back-story behind the TV series Dexter.

From the opening scene the use of sound, or distinct lack of, hits the audience with an unnerving wave, all you hear is the wind, it has a unique start where the opening credits are paused in conjunction with the frame freezing allowing the audience to appreciate the beautiful imagery and cinematography; although you later learn that this peaceful opening scene is not all that it seems. 

The first character presented is India Stoker, played by Mia Wasikowska, the upcoming actress who remarkably resembles a young Claire Danes and played an endearing role in 2012’s instant classic Lawless as Shia Labeouf’s love interest.

One of the first things you witness India doing is popping a blister with a needle, gross? Yes! But it sets the tone for the rest of the film, the audience knows straight off the bat what they are in for, the magnifying of the little details (including insects in true Park style) and sounds.

Following this lovely scene the rest of the Stoker family are brought together at the father’s, Richard Stoker’s (Dermot Mulroney), funeral.  Here it is subtly implied that India believes she has seen her father at his own funeral, which adds to the tension that is already beginning to build with the score.  However it turns out to be the barking mad Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) whom India has never previously heard about but proceeds to move into their family home and change their lives forever. 

This influence over the remaining Stoker’s is done in a progression of slow but disarmingly charming commands; he is undeniably as much of a suave character as he is insane.  It is easy to see how the mother, Evie Stoker, (played by the impeccable Nicole Kidman), falls for his apparent sophistication.  Although at first India is weary of Uncle Charlie, even coming out with one of the best lines: “we don’t need to be friends we are family”; later a duet at the grand piano starts the incestuous inappropriateness that appears to change her attitude toward him, however the audience is left wondering whether this is India revelling in a daydream…

                           

The pace is slow and deliberated but the turning point in the movie is when Aunty Gwen arrives (played by Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver). It is a turning point as it gets edgier as she arrives with a warning.  But it still remains at the same pace, Park includes scenes of the characters walking, which is inconsequential for the progression of the plot but does distinctly add to the pre-existing tension and suspense.

What is interesting about India’s character is the unpredictability of her actions, which is in contrast to Uncle Charlie’s whose, some may argue, are predictable; but its India’s reaction to these that will shock.  The lifestyle of the Stokers is also shockingly old fashioned, with maids, old décor, old music and clothes but the setting is modern day, which is only really made obvious by the fact they have mobile phones.  The key to the story is the key from the birthday box (seen in the opening scenes), which you never quite know for sure who left and is the key to the family secrets; the story then unravels quite rapidly in contrast to the overall pace of the film.

The most compelling aspect of this film was the use of sound (both diegetic and non-diegetic), from hearing every crack of a boiled egg being rolled on a table drowning out the gossip at the wake, to the sound of a bloodied pencil being sharpened after it has been used as weapon.  The most effective use of sound to convey the frightful nature of a scene to the audience is when the murderer loosens his belt and you hear it slip through every loophole of his trousers; what makes this use of sound even more powerful is how it coincides and merges with one of India’s morbid discoveries.  In fact there are a number of occasions where sounds from previous scenes are overlaid on the next which makes it not only unnerving but helps it flow seamlessly.

Considering the big names behind this film it seems to have slipped slightly beneath the radar, which is a shame as it is one of the best suspense driven psychological thrillers since Hitchcock, including a shower scene that rivals that of Psycho for being memorably disturbing.

Go see this if you like suspense that doesn’t make you jump, beautiful scenes, and nutters. 9 out 10.

Warm Bodies

It is really hard to describe this movie without making it sound really lame.  The concept itself is an interesting one, a twist on the more classic zombie film, yes there was an apocalypse and there are some survivors etc but this is more than just that.  It does not fit inside the genre of zombie horror; it is a romcom at its best. It is sweet and funny, it makes you think, it could almost be an analogy for the situation humanity finds itself in at the moment.  There is not much more to be said without giving the whole thing away.

Having said that it makes you think, don’t think too much when it has finished as at the end of the day it is a film, and there are lots of continuity errors and plot falls so that if you think about it as a story as a whole and try to make sense of it, you will just begin to pick it to pieces and it unravels quite quickly.  It is a film, that is all, enjoy it for that.  

It is a cross between films like Pay it Forward, Shaun of the Dead, and some cheesy romance (all of which the tittles escape me right now).  It is unique and fresh, although it will definitely not be for everyone.

Go see this if you like non committal body language, girls with guns, and warm fuzzy feelings.

A Good Day to Die Hard

Die hard delivered all the usual explosive fun that you would expect, some may say a little too much, it was non stop from beginning to end bar an approximately 30 second interlude for a cheesefest dialogue between father and son, which dragged on a little bit in my honest opinon.

However this relentless barrage of gratuitous violence and ambitious stunts is what makes it great; although due to all the explosions it may be easy to miss the catchphrase, but it’s slipped in there for sure, listen carefully during the epically idealistic helicopter scene! 

In fact most of the action takes place in vehicles, particular Mercedes, (…wonder who sponsored this film… nope beats me….)  as an older lady said when walking out; “there was just a little bit too much of the car stuff and things going bang”, sums it up perfectly really, although I think she may have been saying it negatively…

Plus it is now justifiable to fancy John Mcclane, albeit John Jr! Jai Courtney, an upcoming Australian actor, was the ideal choice as John Mcclane’s son not just because he was as hot as the action but because you can almost believe he’s got what it takes to carry on the saga and pull it off but with a new sexy edge, as blatantly this has to be Bruceys last one, or at least as the lead protagonist, sad but realistic, at least he’s gone with a bang.

Go see this if you like sarcastic comments, cheesy action, and menacing carrot crunching.

The Impossible

An amazing retelling of a true story, captivating from beginning to end but should be banned from all cinemas, way to emotional, watch by yourself at home on a rainy Sunday afternoon with plenty of tissues and a blanky.

Django Unchained

Tarantino is back on form with his latest offering, Django Unchained; as gory as he can be without being overly gratuitous, this non-western, post-modern western rocks. Violence juxtaposed with laughter always has the audience bordering on feeling bad for laughing; but it just has to be remembered that it’s only a film.  Despite the fact that this movie does emphasise the harshness of the South towards slaves and is quite upsetting in places, the next minute it will have you laughing at the funniest Ku Klux Klan scene ever (yes there is such a thing), which could be seen as reflecting the wider stupidity of the people back then.

Tarantino staple, Samuel L Jackson, gave the performance of his career in my opinion, slipping into the role of “grumpy old man” splendidly.  You have to wait a while for him to pop up but he is definitely worth the wait, in fact this film is quite long, 165mins, but it does not feel it and keeps you engrossed from start to finish.  As per usual with Tarantino, a true auteur, there is ultimate focus on the mise en scene, producing multiple scenes that you would just love to have as a poster, especially the silhouettes of the lead protagonists riding off into the sunset.

There is definitely more than one ‘sink down in your seat and hide your face’ moment, including the most uncomfortable scene involving male genitalia since Daniel Craig’s in Casino Royale, but fortunately it is not too “jumpy” so no worries about your popcorn/sweets flying all over the place.

If you enjoy muttering old men, non “pc” laughs, and good ol’ fashioned shoot outs then this film is for you.  However if you are easily offended by the N word then watch out as by some counts it features 110 times...

Les Mis

If you are not a massive fan of musicals, there may be a little apprehension in going see Les Miserables; though once you get over the fact that Wolverine is singing (had to suppress a lot of giggles in the opening scenes) you hardly notice that the entire dialogue is sung, you become engrossed in another world and the two and a half hours will fly by.

Considering the cast does not entirely consist of professional singers, but of Hollywood actors, they manage to convey such strong emotions throughout the film; so be prepared to well up on a number of occasions and also laugh as this rollercoaster of a story does provide some light comedic relief. The partnership of Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter was a stroke of genius, casting at its best.

If you’ve never seen a stage production of Les Miserables, it might be hard to know just what to expect, but the trepidation disappears after 5 minutes and you’ll be lost in the beauty of this picture and in the beauty of Samantha Barks. 

Jack Reacher

You tend to know what you are getting when a well known book is made into a film; however, I didn’t with this one as I hadn’t read the book.  So whether it is true to it or not, who cares it was amazing.  Forget Skyfall its all about Jack Reacher.

The soundtrack was phenomenal, full orchestral music throughout the entire 130mins (which literally flew by), it even opened for the first 5 or so minutes with no dialogue but combine that with the suspense filled score you are tense from the get go.

Yet this tension is juxtaposed in an almost Hitchcock-esque style with some of the best one liners which could easily be missed, in fact I think me and my mate were the only ones laughing in the cinema, crying with laughter at some points.

The fight scenes were the funniest, yes he is Reacher the almost super human lead protagonist, but they were just the best, think Bridget Jones combined with Taken and you are halfway there to understanding just how awesome they are whilst having high comedic value.

What makes Tom Cruise endearing (yes you read right Tom Cruise being described by the superlative endearing, never thought that would happen…) in this film, is his unpolished edge as a character and for the first time ever it could almost be forgiven to say that he was sexy, (seriously what is going on).  When some heard of his casting for this role they were disappointed, yet there is no one else that could have done it justice.  Hats off to you Mr Cruise.

Forget the slick typical Hollywood action that he dished out in the Mission Impossible’s, and enjoy the almost cheesy underdog aspect to him, where you will find yourself routing for him, despite knowing that of course he is going to pull it off as it is a film.  

Even the car chases were immense but also realistic in the endless, almost slapstick, mistakes.   It is NOT slapstick, it could even almost be described as gritty, but unusually for your typical Hollywood action it does have that something extra to it that makes you immediately want to watch it again; If not for anything other than to see Rosamund Pike’s boobs literally get bigger and bigger and her eyelashes get longer and longer throughout the duration of the film.

So go see this if you like laughing, cars, fights and boobs.