American Hustle (2013, David O. Russell)

Hello there, film folk! This time of year can only mean one thing in the film world – yes, awards season is upon us once again. Exciting times, right? So, considering that American Hustle is up for several gongs this year (and already snapped up the top prize at the SAG Awards the other weekend), it seemed a pretty good idea to wander down to the cinema and give this film a go. Yes, I’m well aware that other films are also nominated for various awards (12 Years a Slave, for example), but as I discovered the film’s director David O. Russell last year with Silver Linings Playbook (read my review of the film here), I thought it might be fun to compare his previous work. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Based on a true story from the late 1970s, the film follows two top con artists, Irv Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), who are forced into working for the government by overly curly haired FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) in order to entrap a supposedly corrupt politician. But, as you would expect from Russell, this does not run quite as smoothly as Rosenfeld’s horrific comb over. Irv has a wife, Rosalyn (the ever amazing Jennifer Lawrence, who very deservedly won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for this role), who I felt almost singlehandedly got all the laughs from the audience. She’s very jealous of Sydney – who Irv is hopelessly in love with – and suspicious of his work, which at one point leads him into danger. The other problem is that, really, it’s not just the con artists working to fool everyone; each character appears to be plotting against someone else, whether they love them or hate them, and usually for their own benefit.

What essentially gripped me about this film was the style. The music, the era, and the gravelly-voiced narration from Christian Bale seriously reminded me of Martin Scorsese’s brilliant Taxi Driver; in fact, much of the film had a touch of Scorsese about it. Even his frequent partner in crime Robert De Niro makes an appearance. Perhaps Russell is already following in Scorsese’s footsteps in reuniting with a similar cast (De Niro, Cooper and Lawrence all starred in Silver Linings). Well, if they’re fantastic actors, why change? However, what didn’t win me over so much was the length of this film – yep, it’s long. But in saying that, you have to concentrate pretty hard on the plot to understand it, so I think if many scenes were cut then I would have wound up very confused. That was the only snag, though.

To summarise; I hugely enjoyed this film. It’s fresh, sharp, with a star-studded cast, and definitely what the film world needed to shake things up this awards season.

Rating: 4 stars – if you find yourself with an afternoon to spare, head out to see it!

Georgie

Gravity (2013, Alfonso Cuaron)

Evening, film lovers! This post sees me talking about new space thriller, Gravity. Some may have seen director Alfonso Cuaron's name and thought Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Others may know him as one of the 'Three Amigos' of cinema, along with other Mexican directors Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams) and Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth). Whatever you might associate him with, I would never have put Cuaron and anything space related together. However, watching this film has proved them to be a pretty good match. But, after seven years in the making, was it worth the wait? Read on if you're interested...

Gravity ultimately focuses on Dr Ryan Stone (the excellent Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and their fight to survive after disaster strikes in space. Up until that happens though, I must admit this film really does capture the complete tranquillity of being in space. I mean, before things get dangerous, it looks so peaceful - and the view of the earth is stunning. Although, Dr Stone's comment about how lack of gravity makes her feel like "a chihuahua being tumble-dried" makes the experience sound slightly less inviting. Also, I was a little sceptical about the film when I discovered that, despite hearing the voices of others, it really does only star Sandra Bullock and George Clooney - a lot like a two man show in the theatre. On the other hand, I've never seen a film quite like it, and I guess that having only two characters not only emphasizes the sheer hugeness of space, but also how dependant you are on one another when things turn disastrous.

 

Another clever element that really brought the film to life, apart from being in 3D, was that several sequences are shot from Bullock's point of view - most notably when she is in danger. This definitely helped to capture the dangerous situation that her character is in and certainly had me as an audience member feeling scared. What's more, Bullock's constant updates concerning her diminishing oxygen levels also had me desperate to find out whether her character was going to make it, and left me eager to discover how the film would end - and if you think that, then you know that you've seen a great film.

 

To finish, Gravity is not normally the sort of film that I'd go for - where space is concerned, Star Wars is usually about as far as I go - but I think it's so important in the world of cinema to get out of your comfort zone and go and see something completely different. You really will surprise yourself at what films you might enjoy. After seeing this, I'd certainly be open to trying more films of this genre!

 

Rating: 4 stars - visually stunning and keeps you on tenterhooks throughout - but perhaps not one for the claustrophobic, though.

 

Georgie

Five Fabulous Films...starring Paris

Hello there, movie lovers. Instead of bringing you a new review in the usual format, I thought it was time to shake things up a bit. So, I decided to give a theme to this latest post (I know, adventurous right? Ha.) Anyway, I happen to be a bit of a Parisienne wannabe - I'd love to live there and it's also one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and obviously the most stylish - so, today I bring you my ramblings on five fabulous films all set in Paris. They're all quite different, but all deserve a mention. Alors...

 

1) Amelie (2001, Jean-Pierre Jeunet)

Amelie Poulain, a waitress at a Parisian café, discovers through a chain of extraordinary events, that her true vocation in life is to help others find love and happiness. But she soon realizes that this is not as easy as it seems...

A wonderfully quirky film, the most successful French movie of all time and arguably the film that single-handedly catapulted actress Audrey Tautou into stardom. Features various well known places in Paris (such as the Sacre-Coeur, the steps at Montmartre). A good film to shriek "I've been there!" at the screen (anyone else do that?) But yes, it's sweet and innocent and a little bit weird, but that's great, as it would be a bit boring otherwise! Be sure to check it out.

 

And now for something completely different...

 

2) Ratatouille (2007, Brad Bird)

In one of Paris' finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming a world renowned French chef. But with the help of a young garbage boy with similar ambitions, Linguini, Remy gets closer to achieving his dream through a chain of hilarious events.

Please. Watch. This. Don't let it bother you that this is a kids movie, you really have to see it. Some of my friends can't see the appeal in this film and feel rather beyond Disney, but I absolutely love it. It's sweet, funny, set in Paris - what more can I say? Generally a good all-rounder - go watch!

3) Breathless (Un bout de souffle) (1960, Jean-Luc Godard)
Michel Poiccard, a young criminal who models himself on the film persona of Humphrey Bogart, is on the run in Paris. With nowhere to hide, he calls on his American girlfriend Patricia, a student and aspiring journalist, to help him out. But is Patricia as willing to protect him as she seems?

Now this really is an amazing film. Hailed as the epitome of cinematic cool, it's one of the most influential films of the French New Wave - known as one of the most stylish and important movements in cinema - and thus, helped transform the world of filmmaking. I'm not sure what it is, but there's just something so chic and fresh about this film, despite it being over 50 years old. Definitely one for film geeks, or perhaps if you're keen to learn more about the Nouvelle Vague, then this is certainly a good starting point.

4) Midnight in Paris (2011, Woody Allen)
Gil is a successful Hollywood screenwriter struggling with his first novel whilst on holiday in Paris with his fiancée, Inez. As he starts to fall in love with the city, he also discovers that after midnight, Paris becomes truly magical and could just be the ultimate source of inspiration for his novel.

An interesting romantic comedy which focuses on Paris in the twenties. It also gets my vote for having one of the loveliest openings ever, if you're a big fan of Paris (or a tourist, I suppose). Plus, it stars one of my favourite French actors, Gad Elmaleh, in a role that may be small but still got a giggle out of me. Alongside that, the film features a great cast (Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, and Michael Sheen, to name but a few), and Woody Allen's script is a delight.

5) Populaire (2012, Regis Roinsard)
In 1958, Rose Pamphyle, who lives with her widowed father, is destined to marry a son of the local mechanic. However, Rose has other ideas and applies for a job as a secretary to Louis Echard, who runs an insurance agency. Louis discovers that Rose has a talent for typewriting - she can type at an extraordinary speed - and he begins training her to become the fastest typist in the world.

Okay, so technically this isn't actually set entirely in Paris - only part of the film is - but hey, it's a great French film that still needs mentioning. If you're into fashion, the costumes are a real treat and truly capture the trends of the fifties. It's funny too, and the casting choice of the two leads, Deborah Francois and Romain Duris, was certainly a good one. Definitely one worth watching!

Georgie

 

The Way Way Back (2013, Jim Rash & Nat Faxon)

S’up film fans? I don’t actually think I’m cool enough to get away with saying “s’up” – far from it in fact – but The Way Way Back turned out to be such an awesome film I just thought I’d try and join in with the whole cool theme. Anyway, I immediately wanted to see this sunny little movie as soon as I saw the words in the trailer ‘from the studio that brought you Little Miss Sunshine and Juno’. Why? Because, having seen these two films, I knew I could expect it to be brilliantly scripted, quirky, and most likely a favourite among the film fests and probably critics. And, as it just so happens, I was right (and that doesn’t happen very often). So, if you’re after a fresh film that lets you cling to that summery feeling for just a little longer, read on...

Firstly, I know I witter on about openings quite a lot, but this one really helps you to determine a lot about the characters, most notably the adolescent lead, 14 year old Duncan (Liam James). For a while, we just get a black screen, then the stern and rather harsh tones of Duncan’s mother’s boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell – excellent in this role). At first, Duncan ignores him but, once he responds, you can clearly sense his obvious boredom and intense dislike for Trent (and I don’t think the audience would blame him – he’s a pretty nasty character). Plus, with Duncan’s back to everyone else in the car – everyone else being his mother Pam (Toni Collette) and Trent’s bitchy daughter Steph - this evidently establishes him as an outsider. And a kind of awkward one at that. So anyway, they head off on their summer vacation at Trent’s beach house, or “Spring Break for adults” as it is suggested in the film. But it’s not until Duncan takes a job under the watchful eye of oddball manager Owen (Sam Rockwell) at the local water park that he finally begins to feel at home and, combined with a growing closeness to new neighbour Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb), he slowly develops in confidence.

Some good parts of the film? Look out for Lewis, one of the workers at Water Whizz, as he has some great funny lines. The scene involving cardboard and some interesting dance moves also got a lot of laughs from the audience (me included). But, despite the humour, this film touched upon some darker issues that the family has to deal with which, given the studio’s track record, was expected. Finally, there are a few moments of teenage awkwardness for Duncan but, rather than being just full on cringe-worthy, it was actually a little heart-breaking to see (unless I’m just being overly sympathetic or something - I’m not sure). Oh, and one more thing; throughout the duration of the movie, I genuinely found myself wondering how it would end (I won’t say how it does actually end though, as not everyone likes spoilers!) But to sum up, a great indie film with some truly loveable characters, that provides a fresh concept about coming of age.

Rating: 4.5 stars – not a major Hollywood blockbuster, but still hugely entertaining and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Go see it!

Georgie

 

Monstres Academy (2013, Dan Scanlon)

Hello everyone! Brace yourselves Mike and Sully fans, as this post reviews Pixar’s latest release that’s got everyone buzzing. Yep, you guessed it; I’m talking about Monsters University. There’s just one snag – I watched the French version, Monstres Academy. Now, if you’re sat there thinking ‘but surely she understood what was going on? It’ll have had subtitles, right?’ Wrong! “Non, pas de soutitres”, the lady at the ticket counter said - it was entirely in French. Well, considering I’ve just done an A Level in that very subject, I decided to give it a go nonetheless – and I’m glad I did, and not just because French cinema seats are really comfy. Read on if you’re still interested...

Now the thing I love about Pixar, is the short film that we’re always treated to beforehand. I don’t know if the English screenings featured the same short film - if not, be sure to head to YouTube and watch Le Parapluie bleu, as it’s actually adorable. Anyway, back to the film I’m supposed to be wittering on about; we meet a very young and super cute Mike Wazowski (but le Francais call him ‘Bob Razowski’) who, after a school trip to Monsters Inc, becomes determined to get to Monsters University (or Monstres Academy). Once there, we see some familiar faces, such as Randall – who is Mike/Bob’s roommate – but most notably Sully, or ‘Jacques Sullivent’. But rather than become besties as seen in Monsters Inc, the two quickly become rivals. However, a series of events cause them to form a team, along with some other monsters, and take part in the University Scare Games. And that’s as much of the plot that I’m going to give away.

Despite the slight language barrier, I genuinely enjoyed this film. Of course, if my French was better I would’ve understood everything and thus laughed at all the jokes, but hey, I got what was going on most of the time, so don’t be put off by a film just because it’s in a language that you’re not an expert in. Oh, and watch out for Roz at the end of the film – she’s just as bad tempered, and funny, as ever. I’ve no doubt that I would’ve laughed more at the English version – but for all you French speakers out there, definitely give this one a go!

Rating: 4 stars – plenty of giggles to be had, and lets you relive the fun of Monsters Inc all over again. Go see it!

Georgie

Now You See Me (2013, Louis Leterrier)

Hello everyone – I feel so organised getting posting again so soon. Let’s hope I can make it last! Anyway, if you fancy hearing my views on Leterrier’s thriller Now You See Me, then keep reading...

“The closer you look, the less you see”. I found that this little fact is not only the best way to approach magic, but probably the best way to approach this film itself. Why? It’s a little complicated and a little confusing, but certainly more entertaining if you just enjoy it and try not to question everything too much. After all, a good magician never reveals his tricks.

So, we meet four of the world’s greatest illusionists, who come together to form The Four Horsemen, and perform magic shows where they steal from corrupt yet rich businessmen and share the money with the audience, without keeping a cent for themselves. However, the FBI believes them to be purely criminals and, with the help of an ex-magician (Morgan Freeman), they attempt to capture and expose the illusionists. The whole Robin Hood concept – described as “bullshit Robin Hood razzle dazzle” by the FBI – was an interesting idea to combine with magic that really worked. Plus, it shows that the illusionists have a conscience – so are they complete criminals? But then again, I did say that you must try not to question everything in this movie – sometimes, it’s better to just think that it’s a cool film and not wonder how they pull off all the tricks. Finally, have a look at when we’re first introduced to Henley (Isla Fisher). That piranha tank trick? She performed it all herself – no stunt double involved – so kudos to her for that.  Oh, and watch out for a surprise twist at the end of the film that I wasn’t expecting!

I couldn’t even complain about the pace of this film – it was fast and action packed, if a little long. Yes, it’s definitely complex, but if you can overlook that, then it’s a pretty good film. I’m not normally one for crime thrillers, but after seeing this I’m certainly open to watching more films of this genre.

Rating: 3.5 stars – yes, I think you should go and see this film. It’s probably not for everyone, but I’d definitely give it a try!

Georgie

The World's End (2013, Edgar Wright)

Hello film fanatics! Firstly, I’d like to apologize for not posting for such a long time. But, with a long summer ahead of me and a whole new array of film releases to see, what better time than to get back to the blog? So, being the Pegg & Frost fan that I am (I loved Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz), I went along yesterday to watch the last of this loose trilogy, The World’s End. As I’d enjoyed the two previous films, I had high hopes for this movie. That, and the fact that it was produced by Working Title – I remember several years ago, someone told me that Working Title films should always be good - and I stick by that as I haven’t found one that I’ve disliked yet. Anyway, here’s a quick guide to the plot if you want a rough idea of what’s going on...

40 year old Gary King (Pegg), a washed up alcoholic but still a teenager at heart, sets about persuading each of his childhood friends to join him in completing The Golden Mile: the ultimate pub crawl, involving twelve pubs in their hometown, Newton Haven. They must start at The First Post, and carry on till the final pub, The World’s End. However, the name of this last destination can be taken literally, as along their way, Gary and his friends notice that Newton Haven seems a little different than they remember, but not in a good way. And, as you would probably expect, chaos later ensues.

I certainly loved the total British-ness of this film. Firstly, the gang is composed of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Eddie Marsan and Paddy Considine, who are all just some examples of the exceptional talent that we have in the British film industry. And Rosamund Pike’s frequent “oh, crumbs!” also added to this British feel in a humorous way, whilst almost bringing the gang back to reality despite the bloody weird situation that they get themselves into.  

Good things to look out for? The Cornetto and Fence gags (used in the trilogy’s previous films, and are almost like a trademark I guess). Oh, and later on into the film, Eddie Marsan’s character Peter has gotten pretty drunk and very giggly, and for some reason this made me and my friends laugh no end. But if there was one thing I really didn’t like – and I know I’ve said it with previous films – but again, it was the pace. It’s not until the big discovery-and—messy-bust-up-in-the-gents that things start to get really interesting. But that is all.

Basically, The World’s End is the same kind of film again, but this time there’s robots, which I found much weirder, oh and there’s blue liquid spurting everywhere instead of red. I didn’t find it quite as funny in comparison to Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, but it’s still definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 3 stars – I’d recommend it, but the world won’t end (sorry, that’s a bad joke) if you miss it.

Georgie