The Railway Man (2013, Jonathan Teplitzky)

Evening, everybody. Tonight’s post focuses on Prisoner of War drama, The Railway Man. It based on the memoirs of the late former British Army officer, Eric Lomax, and the torture he received from the Japanese after the fall of Singapore. Such a sensitive subject required a lot of careful thought on exactly what to say about this film, and I must admit I was struggling with exactly what to write. Anyway, this is what I managed to come up with...

An important message to note from this film, is that war leaves a mark. It is this significant quote that almost summarises what Lomax (Colin Firth) has to endure for the rest of his life. He gets incredibly distressed, frequently needs to be alone, and cannot forget the horrific suffering he endured whilst being forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway – all for simply building a radio. Firth is, in my opinion, one of the greatest acting talents that Britain has to offer, and his performance in this film certainly lived up to my expectations. I have never seen him play a role poorly or been miscast, and I’m wondering if this could ever happen. Aside from his playing Lomax at his worst state with such sensitivity, the first meeting between Lomax and his wife Patti (Nicole Kidman), is adorably awkward yet sweet, and certainly made me smile.

The film flits between Lomax’s time as a Prisoner of War and the present day, and his younger self is played by Jeremy Irvine (War Horse). I felt that this was a good choice; he almost mirrors Firth in his portrayal of Lomax, which was altogether more realistic. What was also pretty realistic, were the torture scenes. Beware of these; if you don’t have a strong stomach, you may find them a little too much. Personally, scenes of this nature don’t faze me anymore; having seen a range of slightly stomach-churning films in the last few years (Amores Perros, City of God, Taxi Driver, This is England, to name but a few), graphic violence in films doesn’t bother me. Don’t get me wrong, these are utterly compelling works, but perhaps not for the faint-hearted. And the same goes for this film, so take a cushion if you’re not keen on that sort of thing.

Overall, I found this film to be engaging, deep, plus the outcome of the film (which I won’t give away, of course) really restores your faith in humanity. For a film with a subject that wouldn’t normally interest me a huge amount, I certainly enjoyed it – this film should be destined for good things at upcoming awards ceremonies.

Rating: 4 stars – even if war films are not usually your sort of thing, give this film a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

Georgie

 

 

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