TRON Legacy

Tron Legacy is a perfect example of lazy plotting and style over substance.

The film is undeniably pretty. It's dark landscapes, neo-punk nightclubs, impressively designed vehicles and ships that looks like something out of a Star Wars spin off. The action scenes are mostly impressive too, well directed, and mostly make some good use of the 3D format. But I'm not really impressed by that. I'm not really impressed by how much money a production company has thrown at a film. That does not up my opinion of it, especially when there are so many 'pretty CGI' films out there nowadays.

If the film did not have any of the aesthetics, it would be a boring, nonsensical mess that I'm surprised even fans of the original have any time for. Despite everything else being pretty, CGI Jeff Bridges will have to go down in infamy as one of the worst pieces of CGI since The Rock in The Mummy Returns. I mean, what were they thinking? The mouth barely moved when he spoke, the expressions just looked awkward, and what they ended up with was something that barely looked human, let alone like a young Jeff Bridges. It was a constant distraction, and as a result, I could not take the character of CLU seriously.

But what excuses the rest? There was an awful lot of coincidental nonsense in the film, especially towards the end. I can't really go in to it without ruining it, but it was akin to a badly written wrestling storyline. A inexplicable face turn, sudden use of superpowers, and really stupid bad guy behaviour. Long, wordy sequences pass by between the characters when they try to explain and justify the silly storyline, involving the last of a race of beings that could solve every human problem if brought in to the real world. It was never really explained how this might happen, or why Flynn knew this. It's just all very poor, and should not be anywhere near two hours in length.

Something for the kids, but why an adults are wasting their time with this is beyond me.

3/10

The Tourist

The Tourist is the tale of criminal person Angelina Jolie, attempting to pass off Johnny Depp as a non-criminal person in order to throw off the cops. As a premise, it's fine.

The film undoubtedly stylish. As a host, Venice doesn't have to do much to sparkle, and is actually the film's major strength. It's ceaselessly beautiful, which is a welcome distraction from an occasionally mediocre plot. Johnny Depp's understated, often cooky performance is enjoyable for the most part. Angelina Jolie is fine too, despite the fact her journey in to being typecast is almost complete with yet another femme fatale under her minute belt. The action sequences are few and far between, leaving a lot of time for a heap of slow moving, hammy pieces of dialogue between the two leads. At times, it feels as though you're watching a rather well done perfume commercial rather than a spy thriller.

It's hard to know what else to say about this film without giving the game away, but the last ten minutes of the film make it a lot more enjoyable as a whole than the rest of the film had up until that point.

6/10

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1

This does not work as a stand alone film. I'll just say that outright. This film is chocked full of technical problems, pacing issues, plotting flaws, bad dialogue and inconsequential HOURS of footage. At times, I found myself laughing out loud, unable to control myself. At times, it's just that bad.

But people seem to be forgiving of it just because it's Harry Potter. Ooooh, this is deep, I haven't seen a quidditch game in this one so it must be a mature, intelligent social commentary... no. When I say the plot is bad, things just happen for the sake of it. I won't go in to too much explicit detail otherwise I'll ruin it (unlikely) for you. There is no thread of logic between the events. A lot of the time, they're wandering about camping, saying 'what are we supposed to be doing now?', 'I don't know, check the script', 'it's blank', 'oh shit'. And when they do actually formulate some kind of plan, it obviously works despite not having any real bearing on events that came before, or things just happen out of sheer luck. These occurrences start doubling up on each other by the time Harry visits his parents grave. It's just bad writing.

I will say that the first hour is actually fine, but it goes down hill at such a rapid decline it was jarring as a viewer. The soon to be infamous 'dance' scene was a complete misfire, it had the cinema audience laughing at just how awkward it was. A bad choice to even put it in, I'd say. Rupert Grint totally outmatches Daniel Radcliffe in their heated exchanges, Radcliffe looks incapable of showing an emotion period, but the dialogue between Hermione and Harry when they are alone is mind numbingly poor. The best bit of the film is actually when the holy trinity are not actually on screen for about fifteen minutes, and when Ron provides some much needed comic relief.

The finale is fine, if a little too convenient, like everything else. It would be nice to see Harry use wits, cunning and bravery to solve his problems rather than moping around and getting really lucky. In all, the second hour should have been reduced to a montage of camping, that would have been fine. Look at Lord of the Rings, we didn't literally see Sam and Frodo stop and camp every single night, did we? Only when it was important to the plot. I predict that watching this will make Part II seem bearable. I just want this to end now. I do think Part II will be a hell of a lot stronger, just because things are bound to actually occur, unlike in this dull mess. In fact, it will be interesting to see if this film was needed AT ALL.

And who cares about Dobby, for God's sake? Wasn't he in it four films ago?

4/10

Despicable Me

Endearing, charming, intelligent, fun. Even if it is 3D.

Steve Carell voices Gru, a man who wants to be the best evil genius going and embarks on a plan to steal the moon in order to prove to himself (and his mother) that he really is just that damn good. Along the way, his plan involves adopting three young girls in order for his plan to succeed, and the evil genius finds himself wanting to have fun more than world domination.

In terms plot, the film never really sags and the motivations of the characters are spot on. Children will be just as entranced with the 3D effects as the adults will be with the often witty humour and fantastic sense of the absurd. The film's highlights for me, and many others I would have thought, come in the guise of the tiny yellow followers who dominate the film with their random, playful antics. The three girls whom Gru adopts are the real stars of the show though, each lovingly characterised to be so endearing (especially the youngest - 'It's so fluffy I'M GONNA DIE!!!') that they will melt the iciest of hearts.

While many cynics might class the film as sappy and aggravatingly simple, this is a really enjoyable, loveable film that will make you laugh, and if you're that way inclined, blubber like a schoolgirl. And the 3D is actually okay.

8/10

Jackass 3D

There's something very comforting in knowing this piece of our collectives pasts (the piece we don't really like to admit) still breathes life, ten years after its initial conception.

Johnny Knoxville and co. are back once again, featuring a fresh batch of the amazing, the disgusting, and the utterly insane. Expect big hands, lots of sick and a fair bit of poo coming at you in, yes, 3D. I have to say, even though I am a firm unbeliever when it comes to the '3D revolution', it did make 5% of the film funnier. Worthwhile? You be the judge.

You either dig it, or you don't people. Is there really anything else to say? 6/10

Due Date

Due Date is this year's unofficial remake of Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and an unfortunate case of an all too familiar trend for the 21st century's comedy output - all the funny bits are in the trailer.

And, I could pretty much finish the review there, but let's milk it a little bit. Robert Downey Jr. & Zach Galifianakis play to their strengths, more or less the same characters they have been doing for the past few years. While both leads are likeable for different reasons, the film often seems to be playing for time, stretching out enjoyable set pieces and rendering them 'okay'. With a snappier delivery, this could have been great. The emotion is text book, and feels kind of stuck on just to give these guys a reason to be together. Generally this is a forgettable comedy that you can lump in with Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, Hot Tub Time Machine, Date Night etc etc etc.

For die hard American stoner comedy fans only, unless you have seen the trailer, in which case you will probably enjoy it. Actually, forget that, just watch the trailer. You'll save money.

5/10

SAW 3D (2010)

Horror Movies and 3D have a long and varied history, going back to the third instalment of the Friday the 13th franchise, and more recently 2008's "My Bloody Valentine 3D". Being all about atmosphere and scares, does this overused tool have a place in this genre? let's take a look and see with SAW VI director Kevin Greutert's final instalment in the most successful horror franchise of all time.

The story begins by recapping the events of the film just previous, telling us the fate of Jigsaw's Apprentice, and revealing that he survived the predicament he was left in at the end of VI. The secondary plot-line running throughout the film is the current player, supposed Jigsaw trap "Survivor" Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery) who has released a self help book about his escape, providing inspiration to the masses. The film slowly works it's way through a weak "Cat & Mouse" chase of Jigsaw's apprentice and Internal affairs officer Matt GIbson (Chad Donella) and the Self help author learning his lesson about lies, deceit and how the people around you, knowing you're doing wrong, and yet do nothing are just as much to blame. The film wraps up in the most APT ending to the SAW franchise, a total mind-fuck with an extremely familiar face making an EPIC return to the franchise (if not a little on the chubby side, but then again, look who's talking).

Conclusion: First thing's first, this film SO did not need to be in 3D, although having cost $17 million to make, (the most expensive film in the franchise, but still not a scratch on most of the Hollywood blockbusters this year) I can see why Lionsgate made that move. I resented paying extra for the ticket, as the film felt a tad showy for my liking, also there were some TERRIBLE performances, overacting and hammy delivery a-plenty (though Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington does a very respectible, though short, job of it), also toward the end someone winds up in a trap I truly doubt deserved to be there. The films plot and connections to previous film's were to be commended though, with a truly "big finish" for the franchise I've followed for the past 7 years. this one actually managed to make me CRINGE with it's traps (fish hook... you'll know when you see it) something the previous instalments had rare success with, the whole thing was just a lot of fun to watch, when taken with a big pinch of salt. 7/10

To end my Saw-a-thon, It took a long time to get here, while V and VI felt the most contrived, the series was by no means BAD, while they could (and probably SHOULD) have stopped the series earlier, it has been this generations shining star in the genre, Michael Myers, Leatherface, Freddy Krueger and Jason all tried to resurface, but their time was done, and the 2000's belonged to Jigsaw. Epic finale to a franchise that's amazing to watch this time of year, it made us think, made us Cringe, and opened up a new door for low budget ULTRA shock/gore films (A-la Hostel and The Collector). So, in the words of Jigsaw all the way back from SAW (2004) "You are still alive. Most people are so ungrateful to be alive. But not you. Not anymore. " GAME OVER.

Edge (2010)

The BFI festival is running from the 13th until the 28th of October, and this gave me the chance to broaden my horizons and check out some Independant film yumminess, the first being "My Joy" and the second being Edge, written and directed by Carol Morley, and starring Maxine Peak, Marjorie Yates (both of Shameless fame) Joseph Dempsie and Nichola Burley.

The story revolves around 6 strangers staying at a little hotel in a non-descript area of the British coast, where each the guests seem to be in some way broken inside, the six main guests pair up into 3 groups which give us our 3 main stories (loosely flowing in and out of one another) as well as the Receptionist and Waitress phasing in and out as comic relief. the film cuts between each of the pairs, where usually one of the 2 has an issue the other is trying to help them overcome, while revealing their own flaws in the process, slowly working through each of their problems until the finale, which envelopes all three tales and culminates them into one ending.

Having attended the BFI film festival showing, the film was followed by a Q&A, in which Writer/Director Morely explained how delicate a balance it was between the humour and the dark source material, and that it was something she wanted to convey as all those darker moments in her life were usually surrounded by humour too. This, I feel, was something she didn't fully pull off in the execution, while stunning to look at, as long takes and the beautiful landscapes give you plenty to ogle, this Indie Drama feels a little watery at points, without giving too much away a lot of what happens, the climax feels a bit forced, something more likely to come out of a soap opera episode climax. But it was striking a balance between morbidity and laughter that something never quite clicked, while the humour DID work it just as if it were placed at the wrong time on some occasions.

Overall, great to see low budget Brit Indies being made at such a high calibre, the whole cast manage to convince us of their inner turmoil and angst, if only the story hadn't felt so much like a "made for TV deal" 6/10.

My Joy (2010)

Film titles often make promises, "There Will BE Blood" or "Disaster Movie" both delivered, (one contained blood and the other was a disaster) Director Sergei Loznitsa deceives us with My Joy, with almost anything but what could be considered "joyful".

This dark, dark tome comes to us from Russia (though filmed in Ukraine and financed by Germans) followed a period of time in the life of a Russian truck driver meeting various different people along the way, some merely offering a story (taking us into historic flashbacks) or in one case, paid sex. It unravels (very slowly) to show us a man having his spirit, hope and possibly even life destroyed by his countries rotten folk, the scum and corrupt picking apart his soul.

It's a technical feat in the sense that there are MANY long takes in this film, Director Loznitsa stated that there are only 140 in the entire 127 minute running time, while these long takes (of which I am a huge fan) are well done and work only toward emerging you into the films world even further, the confusing plot and extremely slow pace begin to grate on you after a while, though films made for us by our European brethren are usually more artistic and expressionist, this whole feature is emotionally sucking and slow, elements that could be good in some films, but this one, for all it's pretty imagery started to feel like a chore toward the end.

Great style, solid performances, but maybe something one has to see through the eyes of a Russian to understand it's many complexities, 7/10.

RED (Retired, Extremely Dangerous)

What's that I hear you cry? The Loser's, The Expendables and The A-Team weren't enough to satisfy your ensemble cast actioner cravings? well fear no more as Robert Schwentke brings you his DC comic adaptation starring what could be called a "Dream Cast" consisting of Bruce WIllis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Brian Cox, John Malkovich and Karl Urban.

The film primarily follows retired black ops agent Frank Moses (Willis) and how he slowly unravels the who what and where about the people trying to kill him, along the way picking up fellow retiriees also targeted, leading to an ok but not too original conclusion. I'd go into more detail but, that's kind of it in a nutshell, love interest and occupational gag's are thrown in as if manditory, think Bourne Supremacy meets Mr. and Mr. Smith.

So, is this "little late for the summer" blockbuster flick fit to take on the big boys? well to be honest Sly Stallone stole the thunder this year as the stupidly overhyped (but generally ok) movie The Expendables already tackled the ultra bad-ass "but getting on a bit" super agents taking down a corrupt power, the main difference i can see is that this one tries a bit harder to make you laugh, the problem with THAT is, it's left mainly to Mr Malkovich who, though doing a good job, ultimately isnt enough to land a belly laugh.

So the film gets caught somewhere between action/comedy and conspiracy "clear my name" blah blah blah, Mirren and Cox both enchant and engage while the rest just seemingly running the motions, not to mention the criminal underuse of Morgan Freeman (a man so awesome, only God could play him in a movie) overall it'll tide you over and give you a chuckle, but very soon forgotten. 6/10

Ricky Gervais - Keeping the Faith

Ricky Gervais is one of the most successful and talented British comedians the country has ever produced. He has won tens of awards for acting, directing and writing the genre defining worldwide phenomenon The Office and the brilliant Extras. For me personally, he's a hero of mine. He's the hero. He's the man that made me pick up a finger and type and try and make people laugh, perhaps had more impact on my life and world view than anyone else. He has his critics, but these are the facts. However, he has yet to truly broaden his talents in to filmmaking. While his films have by no means been ill received, or financial flops, he has yet to reach his full potential and produce that comedy masterpiece on film that will truly define him.

His first lead role came in David Koepp's Ghost Town (2008). Gervais said at the time that it was the best script he had been offered, and presumably he had been offered a considerable amount since his break through Golden Globe win in 2003. Despite being a very 'golden age Hollywood' comedy, directed and produced with a whimsical, light hearted tone to suit the subject matter, it was a suitable vehicle for Gervais's first lead. While the story was somewhat pedestrian, Gervais was able to demonstrate his trademark social realism and work with a great cast. He was the star, and without his performance the film could have been unwatchable under a lesser lead. Enjoyable and charming, the film was well received and gave Gervais the start he deserved. 7/10

Many believed the best was yet to come. The Invention of Lying (2009) was Gervais's first co-written and directed film, and many believed this would show the cynical, biting Gervais at his best, working on his own terms, ready to take on the world with a venomous piece of social satire. But something strange happened - A miss fire. The film was not the piece of genius fans like me had hoped for. In many ways, the film was remarkably similar to Ghost Town - a light hearted, fantastical yet contemporary Hollywood comedy. It was all too nice. The score bounced. Jennifer Garner smiled. There was no cutting edge and no real bite, despite a heap of controversy around the fundamentally atheist concept. Even as a religious satire, the film showed little risk. Perhaps a more important and disheartening problem was the fact the film wasn't actually very funny. Polished, quite enjoyable, but not very funny. Gervais had not yet translated his genius to the big screen. 5/10

Another year, another stab. I had high hopes for Cemetery Junction (2010), Ricky's first collaborative effort with long time partner Steve Merchant. It was a love letter to 70s England, it was a coming of age story about the young being young. The execution was great, both the direction and the performances were stylish, but perhaps a little too stylish, and too cool to really be funny. I would have preferred a much grittier take, finding a bit more edge between the mundane and the 70s hip. The funnies are not the film's focus - It's all about the coming of age tale. Though told flawlessly here, its been told flawlessly hundreds of times before because, let's face it, there's nothing to it. 'Cemetery Junction' was a rom-com by the numbers. It didn't give Gervais and Merchant enough space or leeway to really nail the gags or the emotional substance they are capable of. Too nice, too safe, too ordinary, and frankly too generic, and I hope it was just something they needed to get out of their system. 6/10

If his big screen career to date tells me anything, it's that next time he needs to go back to his roots, get nasty and have a go at society again. The genius IS there, just need that one great original idea to really show it off. The obvious comparison would be with Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright, who have translated their craft to the big screen with breathtaking results, for me surpassing their television accomplishments (though I'm sure there are many die hard Spaced fans who might say otherwise). I have faith that Ricky Gervais will do the same. One day he will get it right, and come up with his Spinal Tap. He's never let me down before.

The Other Guys

This year I endured both "Dinner for Schmucks" and "Cop Out" both being comedy buddy movies that just didn't appeal, the former just not being as funny as it could have been and the latter being an absolute shit storm that I can't wait to be buried and forgotten in the depths of time.

The Other Guys uses tried and tested "odd couple" formula and makes it.... funny? yes, I think that would be the word, while not over satirising the movie industry (though it has it's pokes here and there for the best example see the explosion scene) it manages to create an enjoyable atmosphere where you go from laugh to laugh, the comedy doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of "someone please find me funny?" man Will Farrell, as Mark Wahlburg holds up his end of the giggles with surprising ease.

All in all, is it the best cop/comedy you'll ever see? maybe not (there aren't LOADS out there, only Beverly Hills Cop and Police Academy stand out) but will it keep you laughing for 90 minutes? it certainly will.

Watch with friends as i did, and i think you'll enjoy it, and it's enduring and heartfelt message "I hope you like jail food, and penis" (6/10)

The Social Network

Have you ever wondered how Facebook, the thing you visit every day of your life, came in to being? Do you have an interest in intellectual copyright? Well, has director David Fincher got a treat for you! The Social Network is the story of how it all came in to being, and the proceeding court battles. What fun.

The film's strengths lie with some tight, fast paced direction. The pace never slackens, which makes trudging through the programming and legal talk a lot more bearable than it should be. The dialogue too is quite neat, and the characterisation, performances and the drama around the court case is reasonably engaging. If this had been a film about anything else, it might have been a triumph.

Unfortunately, does anyone really care about this stuff? Despite the film making plusses, following the dense story is dizzying and pretty exhausting. I'm surprised that audiences are connecting with this enough for it to top the box office in the US. While the journey is not always chore, I'm not sure if it's worthwhile. Also, there's something kind of pretentious about all these genius making billions of dollars and sleeping with super models only to winge and moan about it. Just buy a country, you'll feel better.

6/10

Devil

Devil, the M. Night Shyamalan produced thriller set around five strangers in an elevator, and a curious cop with a dark past, is at best a great B-list movie. It was cheap. It's haunting and gets the scares, it is at worst a series of jump scares, but I believe it leans more toward the former. Though some would debate over the originality of the plot, it's something that stood out to me. We were left inside the elevator long enough to start feeling claustrophobic, but then we would come out to find out more about the people inside the elevator... the pacing was well thought out and it definitely had a few "WHAT THE FUCK" moments, something best seen at the cinema, or rented on a dark night with friends, but by no means a light watch. Expect scares and twists a plenty, as it keeps you guessing until the end, and even then surprises you while taunting your closed minded expectations.

Not brilliant, but not far off. If only they'd kept the story a little more grounded and less supernatural. Best line "he's just religious, don't listen to him"

7/10

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World

I'm a huge Edgar Wright fan, I suppose. I think Spaced is great. I believe Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz to be two of the best comedy films ever made. I would say that qualifies me. Based on a graphic novels of the same name, Scott Pilgrim is an geek-fest tale of a hero's journey to love. And he has to beat up some people along the way. Cue pretty colours and break neck action!

Going in to the film, I had my doubts. The dizzying ad campaign here in the UK had more or less put me off it, but it didn't take long for Wright's charismatic, quick cut direction to work its charm on me. He is well known for his often blatant references of cult films, and this time its computer games. From Mario to Street Fighter, there are plenty to keep you interested and laughing as you recognise music and catchphrases. Any film in which a character plays the bass line from Final Fantasy 2 gets my thumbs up. The direction is so fun and the sense of humour is so loveable (despite Michael Cera's one trick pony acting), it will more than likely entertain. Though it was difficult for me to look past the direction, the script is tight and well written. The ensemble cast members work well and never intrude or outstay their welcome, and though the soppy love story would usually be a turn off, there's enough good to divert your attention from it. 

There's no denying this film has a niche. It's you're not looking for a fairytale geek-fest for geeks to geek-out to, then it will probably be a big turn off. If you're not in the loop, then it will leave you behind. However, I can say that being one of the target audience, this has to be one of the most entertaining films of the year, and a misunderstood commercial failure. 

8/10

Buried

Buried, the 2010 character study/thriller film stars Rom Com regular Ryan Reynolds, taking a bold step out of comic relief (see Blade: Trinity, and X-men Origins: Wolverine) and into the sole onscreen character of a private company truck driver stationed in Iraq, who wakes up 6 feet under, in a sealed coffin with nothing more than a hip flask, an extremely well filled Zippo and a Blackberry smartphone.

Reynolds shines as the desperate "average joe" in a beyond average situation, while trying to figure out why he's here and ultimately, if he'll ever get out, he runs the gambit of human emotion and while not leaving the confined space, takes us a journey we can only hope we never have to take.

While the social and political commentary (Iraqi attitude to everything American, not just the soldiers and how expendable a company could see its employees) it isnt rammed down your throat leaving it the only thing you walk away thinking about, toward the end i found it hard to breath, needing to get out just as much as he did, truly immersive and technically impressive (yes it CAN be achieved without 3D!) this film will leave you gasping for air and praying for the poor bastard.

Moving, claustrophobic, and well done in most aspects, 9/10

The Town

Stifled, dreary, cliche - these are just some of the words I would use to sum up Ben Affleck's latest critical and commercial success. Affleck plays a man who robs banks. When a job goes awry, his cohorts take a female hostage (Rebecca Hall) to secure their safety, and release her soon after. Paranoid that the hostage may rat them out to the FBI, Affleck's dangerous running buddy (Jeremy Renner) decides she needs to be kept tabs on, and Affleck takes the job. He falls in love with her. And there is the twist!

Poor old Ben Affleck's acting has always been subject to a hefty amount of scorn. Unfortunately, he does himself no favours here. Often sounding like a punch drunk stroke victim, Affleck's performance is so wooden, slow and plain you will drift off half way through. Poor old Ben, the same can be said of his direction too...

The film is littered with basic, fundamental film making flaws. The pacing is tired and stale, drifting from one awkward conversation to another. At no point was I convinced Hall's character would EVER be interested in Affleck's slow talking, world weary criminal, but then we aren't really told a great deal about her. Rebecca Hall struggles to make a role devoid of any character come to life. However, Jeremy Renner's character is intimidating and well played (if ultimately under-utilised) and the actual hiest scenes are enjoyable. I can't think of much else positive to say.

Despite the film's generally warm critical reception, I cannot understand why anyone but uber lovers of the genre would be interested in this cliched, badly scripted, boring 'COP DRAMA' that views like it was made for television.

3/10