Friday 31 October 2014

Top Five Things To Look Forward To From Marvel's Phase 3

Number 5: Who Are The Inhumans?!

In perhaps the most lesser known of Marvel's upcoming announcements the declaration of a 2018 Inhumans film raised a few eyebrows. And the questions from those not familiar with the source material "who the hell are the Inhumans".  I for one are not extensively familiar with any of the source material, and therefore I am limited in the insight I can provide. 

The product of alien experimentation on the early human race, the Inhumans are a group of mutated individuals that went on to form their own society  restricted from the rest of humanity. Thus you can see why it is considered an outside the box choice. However, with Guardians Of The Galaxy being a undoubted success it seems Marvel can deliver whatever they decide to produce. Therefore, we best not rule out any success  just yet. 

With suspicion surrounding the origins of the power of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, we may be introduced to the Inhumans earlier than 2018. And if Marvel stay true to form the film is certainly going to be a hit, that will factor in to Avengers 3. 

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Trailer Tuesday: The Gambler


I reckon Mark Whalberg is hoping that The Gambler can do for him, what Dallas Buyers Club did for Matthew Mcconaughney. There are similarities, both actors lost considerable weight for the roles, and both hoped to set in place a career revival. All Whalberg needs now is the win that Mccounaughney has and the transformation will be complete.
This trailer really did catch my attention last week, mainly for its persistent F bombing, but also, under the profanity, a great story seems to be unavailing itself.  Directed by Rupert Wyatt, whom walked away from the Planet Of The Apes franchise, seems to be creating a fast paced thriller. Almost feeling like a rated R Ocean's Eleven.
Whalberg's character, a literature professor who runs into trouble with gangsters, due to his gambling issues. And this trailer really does capture the addicts mind set, the thrill of the win contrasted with the terrible consequences of loosing.
Hopefully when we learn more plot details, we will be more sucked in to what seems to be on track as a outside the box shot at earning the Gold for Whalberg.
The Gambler is due for a may 2015 release in the UK.

Breaking News: Bennidict Cumberbatch is Dr Strange!?


It has been confirmed by movie website Deadline, that Marvel has found it sorcerer supreme, and it is none other than consistent frontrunner and Sherlock superstar Bennidict Cumberbatch.
The British star is reportedly entering final talks with Marvel studios, ahead of special announcement that will take place to tomorrow. It is anticipated that the studio will announce its slate of post Avengers 2 films, as well as confirm the casting of Cumberbatch as Strange.
For me this has elevated the film to unmissable. Cumberbatch for me can perfectly balance the insane aspects of the character, but also bring a darkness that the character needs to set it aside from the rest of the Marvel cinematic universe. I have always wanted to see Cumberbatch as an anti-hero, but this seems to be the next best thing as the essence of darkness that surrounds this character will suit Cumberbatch brilliantly.
Also, if you ever needed a voice to sound serious whilst casting spells, then none other than Smaug the dragon isn't a bad choice. The film is set for a 2016, and is going to be directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Steve Ditko.

Monday 27 October 2014

Coming To Cinemas This Week.

October 29th 
Horns: In the aftermath of his girlfriend's mysterious death, a young man awakens to strange horns sprouting from his temples.

IMDB: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
Extraterrestrial: A group of friends on a weekend trip to a cabin in the woods find themselves terrorized by alien visitors.

IMDB: 5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%

October 31st
Nightcrawler: A young man stumbles upon the underground world of L.A. freelance crime journalism.

IMDB: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes:83%

Ouija: A group of friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they awaken the dark powers of an ancient spirit board.

IMDB: 4.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%

Charlie Countrymen: While travelling abroad, a guy falls for a Romanian beauty whose unreachable heart has its origins in her violent, charismatic ex.

IMDB: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 28%

Mr Turner: An exploration of the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner's life.

IMDB: 6.8/10 
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

The Overnighters: Broken, desperate men chase their dreams and run from their demons in the North Dakota oil fields. A local Pastor risks everything to help them.

IMDB: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Thursday 23 October 2014

Trailer Review: Avengers: Age Of Ultron


Well here I was safe with the knowledge that Avenger 2 trailer would drop next week, and well, when I wake up this morning all that composure was blown away with excitement, that caught me literally in my pyjama bottoms. With the internet going crazy, Youtubers vlogging, Journalists writing, and well this humble blogger sat in his Pj's, it is only fitting that we discuss the trailer 2015's most highly anticipated film.
 Firstly, wow! This trailer delivers on so many levels that it was more exhilarating than many of the films I have seen this year, here's looking at you Micheal Bay. Yes, Joss Whedon's second fundamental instalment into the Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to be living up to the insurmountable amount of hype surrounding it.
We all know that if there is an Achilles' Heel to Marvel, besides Loki, villains would be it. Throughout their triumphant construction of their cinematic universe the bad guys, to some extent, haven't been bad enough. For instance, The Mandarin from Iron Man 3 was a dud, and even The Chitauri (you don't know how long it took me to spell that correctly) from the first Avengers film were nothing more than cannon fodder. Everywhere we look nothing has stood out as iconic, until now. It Seems James Spader lending his voice to Ultron maybe one of the great examples of terrific Marvel Castings. The eeriness of the mechanically cold voice, slowly taunting the audience, left me with goosebumps. I loved the Pinocchio reference, of having no strings. I believe that speaks volumes of the menacing robot, suggesting the threat of artificial intelligence, but perhaps speaking  greater volumes of the detrimental restraints of humanity. I just can't wait to see more of Ultron.
 This feeds in greatly to the tone of this trailer. Unlike, previous Marvel films this certainly seems more darker, even verging on apocalyptic. There is an image that sticks out, which capture this desolation, that being Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) quivering aboard the Quinjet. This represents the sheer conflict that will surround this character in this film, and giving us insight into why he is fighting it off against fellow Science Bro, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr). Who by the way is sporting a very muscular get up, in what can only be the Hulkbuster armour. I feel their struggle and Banner's personal demons will be a pivotal part of the plot, and maybe their conflict can be explained due to Loki's mind control staff, that was presented after credits in Captain America 2 firmly in the hands of Hydra, maybe coming into significance?
 Overall, this trailer is out of this world in terms of its brilliance. I can wait for this picture, and I know there is so much more left to talk about that we haven't even seen yet. But, to keep discussion flowing, and to uncover all the stuff that I didn't have time to review, I will be doing as part of Top Five Fridays, the most important five things to look out for in The Avenger Age Of Ultron Trailer, that will be coming your way tomorrow.
 Thank You for reading and I hope you have enjoyed this trailer as much as I have.

Monday 20 October 2014

Coming to Cinemas This Week.

October 22nd
Fury: April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and her five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Out-numbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.
IMDB: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

Love, Rosie: Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were 5, so they couldn't possibly be right for one another...or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies.

IMDB: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

October 24Th
This Is Where I Leave You: When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.

IMDB: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%

The Book Of Life: Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.

IMDB: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%

All Is By My Side: A drama based on Jimi Hendrix's life as he left New York City for London, where his career took off.

IMDB: 5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%

The Babadook: A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.

IMDB: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Serena:In Depression-era North Carolina, the future of George Pemberton's timber empire becomes complicated when it is learned that his wife, Serena, cannot bear children.

IMDB: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes 43%

Time Is Illmatic: Time Is Illmatic is a feature length documentary film that delves deep into the making of Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, and the social conditions that influenced its creation. 

IMDB: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

The Way He Looks  Leonardo is a blind teenager searching for independence. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend, Giovana, and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel.

IMDB: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

Night Train To Lisbon:Raimund Gregorius, a Swiss Professor, abandons his lectures and buttoned-down life to embark on a thrilling adventure that will take him on a journey to the very heart of himself.

IMDB: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 42%


Sunday 19 October 2014

The News On Sunday.

Well wow, what a week for comic book movie news. Yes, this was the week that saw fan-boys (like myself) around the world loose themselves with excitement, as well as realise that up to 2020 they will be broke paying to go and see these films. So lets begin this News with Marvel's announcement.

Captain America 3 To Feature Robert Downey Jr: Is Marvel Paving The Way For Civil War? 

Yes news outlets went wild this week as it was announced that Robert Downey Jr will now feature prominently in Captain American 3. Yes you just can't keep Tony Stark out of Marvel's cinematic universe, first he steals the creation of Ultron and now he is muscling his way into Steve Rodgers stand alone film. Due for a May 2016 release Captain America 3 will follow on from the rumoured carnage at the end of Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015), thus making Downey's "major" role even more intriguing.
It doesn't seem to be just fans cashing in on this deal, as RDJ will be set to rake in around $40 million from this part. 
However, fan excitement surrounding this story was amplified as this Monday Marvel Entertainment issued a tweet simply stating #CivilWar. With that in mind, the casting of Tony Stark in Captain America 3 hints toward this iconic storyline, which places Captain America against Iron Man over the superhero registration act, looking all the more likely. Therefore, it's safe to assume that Marvel fans will be entertained for many years to come, as the cinematic movie machine seems to be taking a new unexpected turn into Civil War! 

DC Announces A Slate Of 10 Films That Will See Audiences Through Till 2020.

When we all thought that Marvel had the floor to themselves, it seems that DC was just not playing ball. Because this Wednesday, during a Warner Brothers shareholders meeting, CEO Kevin Tsujihara announced DC's upcoming slate of films right through till 2020. 
The list is:
2016
- May, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice.
-August, Suicide Squad. 

2017
-June, Wonder Woman. 
-November, Justice League.

2018
-March, The Flash.
-July, Aquaman.

2019
-April, Shazam.
-June, Justice Leauge 2.

2020
-April, Cyborg
-June, Green Lantern




This was huge news when first announced, and sent fans across the globe insane with anticipation. There were many surprises on this list, with few expecting the Suicide Squad to be announced, as well as a stand alone Wonder Woman preceding a November 2017 Justice League film.  
In addition to this huge slate, Warner Brother also revealed casting news regarding 2018's The Flash. It turns out that the fastest man alive will be played by Ezra Miller (Perks Of Being A Wallflower). This shock announcement see's Miller (who we presume will be playing Barry Allen) join an all star cast of actors portraying DC characters. This includes Henry Cavil as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Mamoa as Aquaman and Dwayne Johnson as Black Atom.

Jena Malone Set To Be Cast As Carrie Kelly, For 2016's Batman Vs Superman.


According to the Independent, it seems the Hunger Games actress Jena Malone maybe appearing as the 'girl' wonder in 2016's Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice.
This comes after news that an extra risked a Five Million dollar fine for leaking information regarding the highly anticipated film. And according to the Wrap the insider revealed that Carrie Kelly would feature and be played by Ms Malone. The actress has been spotted on the Detroit set.
Suspicions that Ms Malone had been cast in the role were raised initially on October 4th, when the 29 year old actress posted a photo of her dyed red hair on Instagram. The rumour mill then started turning, with fans connecting the dots and presuming that this deal was surly about to happen.
The actress seems a perfect choice for the role, especially as she has previously worked with director Zack Synder on 2011's Sucker Punch.
This has created even more joy amongst fans of Frank Miller's Iconic The Dark Knight Return, as the film seemed to be greatly lending elements of its plot from the graphic novel. And with the casting of Carrie Kelly seeming to be on the horizon that prospect seems all the more likely.

Friday 17 October 2014

Top Five Friday: My Most Anticipated Films Still To Come Out In 2014

Number 5: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies.

This is a must see for any Tolkien Enthusiast, as Peter Jackson visits Middle-Earth for the (supposed) last time.
Set for a 12th of December release, the last instalment of The Hobbit trilogy will see Bilbo and company fight to protect the Dwarves homeland, and try with all their might to prevent Smaug from incinerating all of Middle-Earth. How can this not occupy a position on my most anticipated list, especially after the strength of 2013's The Desolation Of Smaug, and the sheer cliff hanger of an ending it provided.
I really believe that this film will be non stop excitement from the off, with many issues needing to be resolved. Including the minor problem of the fire breathing dragon.  


Thursday 16 October 2014

Throw Back Thursday: Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind

Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless Mind has become somewhat of a cult/independent classic. Starring Kate Winslet and a stubbly Jim Carey, as a couple who undergo a procedure to have each other wiped from their memories, but as the process of loss takes its toll the two begin that the learn what they had before.                                                                        If Eternal Sunshine was a painting it would be comparable to the work of Picasso. Both share what is a bright layout, harnessing colour and emotion to convey a message. And like Picasso the film harnesses disjointed in a way that is not alienating, but only contributes to the overall concept of the movie. In simple terms Michel Gondry has directed a charming film, that is as full of heart as it is wonderful visuals.                                        The film begins with slow talking narration, from a seemingly grouchy, slow talking Patrick (Jim Carey). A role challenging every belief of the normally eccentric comedian. From his performance alone the audience can expect they have stepped into a abstract picture, as Carey is tame and timid, looking like all his energy has ran out of him is a pitiful sigh. This is no negative at all, for me this is one of Carey's finest performances, as his character is the complete opposite of  Clementine (Kate Winslet). Winselt throws away her Titanic sophistication for her role, energised with quirkiness and died blue her she is truly an actress succeeding at being different.  It is therefore no surprise that when the two meet on a train journey she soon overpowers Carey's Patrick, but the two work well bouncing ideas and swiftly falling for each other. 
What ensues after in this cleverly knit together non liner plot, is truly a trip down the rabbit hole of the sub-conscience and relationships in general.  I will refrain from spoilers, as I do always so what I shall give is just an overall sense of the picture. 
Essentially the picture jump cuts to Carey crying, and then a few scenes later we are shown how he wants to erase Winslet from his mind. This procedure now available at a clinic run by Tom Wilkinson's character with Mark Ruffalo and Elijah Wood carrying out the procedure. The two are excellent at providing comic relief, and Ruffalo's hair is just the wildest its ever been.  
During the operation, which utilises what can only be a colander attached by wires to a typewriter, we delve into the recesses of Patrick's memories with Clemantine. These are the scenes that truly capture what Eternal Sunshine is all about. The abstract direction as well as tremendous subtle effects, such as removing the labels of books, all reveal Patrick's slowly fading memories, in such an artistic way that we are left captivated by visual story telling. Gondry smartly, utilises various techniques to make Patrick's mind seem alive and slowly fading away. A mediocre director, would just use a simple fade to white to show a transition to a new memory, however, Gondry allows the setting surrounding the actors to dissolve making the picture seem more dimensional a complex. 
I wish I could talk more about the film as a whole, but sadly I feel I can't continue without spoiling the picture for you guys. I really do urge you to watch this film. It is a master-class of unorthodox cinema and the ending is not only clever, but inspiring on a whole. Eternal Sunshine Of A Spotless mind is the most sophisticated date movie I know, and really does entice any couples who are in tricky situations to try harder to forget the bad, but never, ever, forget the good. 

My Rating: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes:  93%
IMDB: 8.4/10
Did You Know: The scene where Joel and Clementine watch the circus go through the streets was made up on the spot, as the film crew and cast happened to be working nearby and Michel Gondry decided it could work well in the film. The part where Clementine disappears suddenly is one of Gondry's favourite moments of the film, as Jim Carrey didn't know Kate Winslet was going to disappear and Gondry likes it because Carrey's face appears so saddened. When the sound blanks out in the final film, Carrey is actually saying "Kate?"









Tuesday 14 October 2014

Trailer Tuesday: Tomorrowland



I think if this film delivers all the mystery that has shrouded its production then we surly are in for a classic.
If I'm honest when this trailer began I was very much disappointed. This was mainly to do with all the mass speculation surrounding the project, and from the initial concept I witnessed, in this trailer, this was nothing like what I had envisaged. Maybe it was naivety. I just wasn't expecting Disney's highly anticipated release to foreground quite frankly a unknown actor (I do apologise Britt Robinson) , in a dingy jail, with no sign of jet-packs or androids at all. But, after 43 seconds my impatience, and well idiocy, was revealed.
With a simple touch of a pin, just like the main character, my ambitions were transported to a sew dimension. This is a very clever trailer, and the editing is both sublime and exhilarating to behold. After that moment the everything peaks especially my interest, and it seems to guide us we have none other than Mr Smooth himself George Clooney. Does anyone get the feel that this is going to be the Wizard Of Oz of our generation? A seemingly strong willed girl is whisked away to another world, where she will encounter miraculous things. I have seen this before, but I am oh so hooked!
Following the trailer being released a synopses dropped that states, "Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory." Who can't help but feel excited at the sound of that. With the best part being, that in reflection, this trailer has still revealed absolutely nothing at all! The mask of mystery still hangs, and I am certainly intrigued. 
Knowing the project is in the safe hands of Brad Bird (The Incredibles), as well as starring Clooney and Hugh Laurie, I really do believe that this has the potential to be something special, but Disney has to ensure they can deliver on the tremendously high bar they have set themselves.
Tomorrowland is set for a may 22nd release date. 

Monday 13 October 2014

Coming To Cinemas This Week

October 15th

The Best Of Me: A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.

IMDB: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

October 17th

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: When a kingpin threatens New York City, a news reporter find a quad of mutants which makes an alliance to unravel Shredder's plan as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

IMDB: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 19%

The Judge: Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.

IMDB: 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%

Palo Alto: Shy, sensitive April is the class virgin, torn between an illicit flirtation with her soccer coach Mr. B and an unrequited crush on sweet stoner Teddy. Emily, meanwhile, offers sexual favors to every boy to cross her path - including both Teddy and his best friend Fred, a live wire without filters or boundaries. As one high school party bleeds into the next - and April and Teddy struggle to admit their mutual affection - Fred's escalating recklessness starts to spiral into chaos.

IMDB: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%

Thursday 9 October 2014

Release Of The Week: Gone Girl (no spoilers)

David Fincher's highly anticipated picture begins with Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) slowly stroking the back of his wife's (Rosamond Pike) head, wishing he could crack open her skull, and seek for the answer to perhaps the most asked question in marriage, "What are you thinking?". And post these opening lines, what unfolds is a unrelenting triumph that attacks the basic constructs of relationships, whilst simultaneously challenging the nature of the media.
Gone Girl is a spectacular amalgamation of Gillian Flynn's excellent story (the author pens the screenplay, which explains how it is such an accurate portrayal), and Fincher's expert direction. For someone who had read the novel going into the picture my level of expectation was high, but not only did film meet my high standards, I was blown away by how well the director and screenwriter handled the transition from book to novel.
It is clear for all to see that Fincher is on top form with this film. Gone Girl seems to blend the directors iconic artistic grit with a playful scorn effortless, a trait that seemed to be missing from 2011's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. What actually surprised me was how funny Gone Girl is. This picture packs some top notch laughs for a film that centres around a incriminating mystery.  This humour was mainly created by the performances of Carrie Coon who plays Nick's twin sister and Tyler Perry who portrays the typical charismatic lawyer. Both act as great comedic relief and it is perhaps the perfect timing of their comments that is most effective,  as every joke seems woven into moments at which it will not distract from the weight of a situation. This sheer entertainment value reminds me of Fincher's work on Fight Club, and how the director blissfully juggled both satire and heft to excellent results.
Similar to his direction in 2010's Social Network Fincher shows us that he is both adept in handling a narrative that spans many time frames as a result of the flashback structure of the picture. Identically to Flynn's novel the book utilises Amy Dunne's diary entries to provide insight into her's and Nick's past. The seamless transitions, and the perfect timing ensures that each time loop effectively follows on from the previous but also add weight to the next scene. Obviously we have to credit Flynn again as it is her wonderful screenplay, but Fincher is certainly working his story telling magic to allow the narrative to be both traceable and effective.
However, the greatest asset the picture possess is the casting of Ben Affleck and especially Rosamond Pike. Firstly, lets address the future caped crusader himself. In a role that can easily verge upon alienating and dull, Affleck masterfully wields likeability so naturally that you can help but really feel for this man. But, what reveals Affleck's truly masterful acting capability is that in certain moments, as the narrative progresses, he dials down that likeability and inserts rage so subtly that the audience can't help but suspect him. It is truly an intelligent performance and underlines that Aflleck is, not only a notable director, but also an actor capable of leading a picture.
Despite this it is Rosamond Pike who truly overshadows her acting counterparts. Honestly, this is the best acting performance of the year so far and all I can say is to fully appreciate it don't read about it experience it in cinemas, because Pike alone is worth the entry fee. This is an academy award worthy performance with a nomination a certainty in my eyes.
It is certainly easy to label Gone Girl as an academy award contender, and that is for the simple fact it is one. This picture in my eyes is the strongest film of 2014, and will be in the hunt for the best picture as well as best adapted screen play and best actress for Pike. This is a unmissable film, that needs to be watched at all costs, I can't do this film justice without spoiling it for you guys, so therefore I shall leave it in your more that capable hands to enjoy Gone Girl.

My Rating: 9.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes:  87%
IMDB: 8.6/10
Did You Know: Ben Affleck and Nick Dunne were born on the same day August 15th






Tuesday 7 October 2014

Trailer Tuesday: Inherent Vice.


I have to admit this wacky trailer had me captivated for two reasons. One, Joaquin Phoenix looks just bonkers; so quirky that you can't help but be invested in his character (I mean look at that hair), and two, doesn't this just act as the perfect pallet cleanser for a summer of block-busters.
In this, seemingly ridiculous but charming caper (again look at Phoenix's sideburns), the audience follows a 1970s detective Larry 'Doc' Sportello (Pheonix) who investigates the disappearance of a formal girlfriend. Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, Pheonix and a cast that spans from Josh Brolin to Reece Witherspoon, seem to be in good hands. As not only does this look like a solid laugh filled film, but also quite a beautifully shot piece of work.
I often find myself drawn too out-the box characters, and Inherent Vice is no exception, as the character of doc seems to be well, unique. Obviously he is the focal point of this trailer, and so he should be, but I feel without Phoenix's eccentric level of acting, I think the film would fall flat. I know that is just nitpicking, but sometimes a one man show isn't sufficient to ensure a thoroughly entertaining picture, however, this is only the first trailer and maybe as we learn more of the film, we will realise the importance of the other acting heavyweights involved.
This is definitely on my must see list. How could anyone resist this level of difference? especially in an age of cinema that seems to churn out similar generic pieces in order to make a profit. In many ways, this film has already won me over for the simple fact it exists, as it is bold and brash, which provides a clear breathe of fresh air.
Inherent Vice is due in cinemas, 30th of January 2015, in the UK, (not just in time for Christmas!)

Monday 6 October 2014

Coming To Cinemas This Week

October 10th


The Maze Runner: Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

IMDB 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
Annabelle: A couple begin to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.

IMDB: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 32%

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good Day: Alexander's day begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by more calamities. Though he finds little sympathy from his family and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him, his mom, dad, brother, and sister all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

IMDB: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

The Calling: Detective Hazel Micallef hasn't had much to worry about in the sleepy town of Fort Dundas until a string of gruesome murders in the surrounding countryside brings her face to face with a serial killer driven by a higher calling.

IMDB: 5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%

71: A young and disoriented British soldier is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a riot on the deadly streets of Belfast in 1971.

IMDB: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Sunday 5 October 2014

The New On Sunday.


Leonardo Dicaprio no longer on course to play Steve Jobs.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leonardo Dicaprio has pulled out of Aaron Sorkin's Jobs biopic, claiming that the actor aims to take a long break from acting after his upcoming slate which extends to 2015.
After many months of speculation, it seems that The Wolf Of Wall Street star, will not grace our screens as the late Apple co-founder. Many hoped that the project would reunite Dicaprio with The Beach director Danny Boyle, whom has been preparing the project.
The untitled project has been in the pipeline for some time, and at first it looked as though producers had sealed David Fincher -who has worked with Sorkin on 2010's The Social Network- with Christian Bale in the lead role. However, supposed disagreements over pay, meant that a deal with Fincher could not be finalised.
With no Christian Bale, and no Leonardo Dicaprio, who will take on the role as the infamous Steve Jobs.


Pheonix Is No Longer Marvel Sorcerer Supreme.

In another story that centres around a lead actor no longer participating in a upcoming project, the Walk The Line star, Joaquin Pheonix has turned down to the opportunity to play the lead role in Marvel's 2016 Doctor Strange project.
The Oscar nominated star was meant to be in deep negotiations around the time of 2014's Comic Con, with a deal set to be completed in the foreseeable future. However, due to unknown reason those talks have broken down leaving Marvel with out a leading man for a major part of their phase three section of films.
This has raised major questions as too who will take on the role of sorcerer supreme. With rumours circulating associating actors such as , Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch,  Dark Knight Rises actor Thomas Hardy and Training Day star Ethan Hawke to the role.
However, in my opinion, I would love to see motion capture icon Andy Surkis dawn the rains of Dr Strange. My idea may not be as far fetched as it first seems, as Surkis has been given a cameo in Avengers: Age of Ultron, and his upcoming slate seems to have a convenient gap in between Star Wars Episode Seven and 2016's Jungle Book which Surkis is directing.

Thursday 2 October 2014

Throw Back Thursday: Fight Club


In anticipation of David Fincher's Gone Girl, it seems fitting to discuss his cinematic masterpiece, and break it's first rule.
Fight club, follows an insomniac office worker (Edward Norton), who's pathetically ordinary life takes a dark turn when he meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). The insomnia riddled worker and devil-may-care soap salesman form an underground fight club, and what ensues is pure mayhem.
What many people don't realise, when talking about a now highly-acclaimed film such as Fight Club, is that around the time it's initial release Fight club was genuinely considered a failure. Critics such as Robert Ebert labelled Fight Club as a, "celebration of violence", only rating it 2/5 stars. Also, box office was no success either, with it only grossing just over 20 million less than it's budget domestically in the USA.  So why is it that Fight Club is deemed a cinematic triumph?
Quite simply, on this occasion, critiques at the time were completely wrong!
Fincher's dark gritty flick is truly a triumph to behold. The story, based off Chuck Palahniuk's novel, is a intelligent character assassination of a overly consumer obsessed society, that maybe is more relevant now than it was back in 1999. It has to be acknowledged, to any fickle viewer, Fight Club is certainly not just about fighting. The plot is brilliant, and perfect for Fincher's direction, as it certainly follows the same depraved darkness that suited him so well in Seven.
In addition to this, the cast is tremendous in their roles. Firstly, in a more supportive role, we have Helena Bonham Carter as Marla, the first point of the films love-triangle. In perhaps her strongest role, Carter delivers a sound performance, as a truly broken character stuck in a rut of depression and depravity. She really is, oddly, the films heart, as her emotional struggle is the only that is not the result of her own doing. It isn't a surprise her character is overlooked, given the performances that surround her, but she still is terrific.
Next we have the two heavy weights of this picture, Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. After watching the film again, I really could not envisage any other two actors taking on these roles, too such an effect as Norton and Pitt. What works so well for their chemistry, and the film as a whole, is how opposite they are as actors. Norton is great at depicting the socially awkward, whereas Pitt embodies arrogant and commanding in every role he takes on. This allows their dynamic and overall struggle to be more violent and believable, allowing the audience to buy into what is really a far fetched plot.
Last but certainly not least is David Fincher's direction. The formidable director never shies away from the dark, and Fight certainly suites him for it.  His use of montage as well as darkened colour pallet, ensure that we are entrenched in this gritty portrayal of our dull burden of a society. Also, through his direction the plot become greatly mysterious, and Fincher allows the viewer to experience every twist and turn of the plot seamlessly with clear insight.
Therefore, seeing as I was around 2 at the time of it's initial release, I cannot comprehend why this film was received with such negativity. However, all I can and will say is that Fight Club is a terrific amalgamation of grit and realism that superbly portrays how society gives birth to the depraved.



My Rating: 8.5/10
IMDB: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes:  80%
Did You Know?:  When a Fight Club member sprays the priest with a hose, the camera briefly shakes. This happens because the cameraman couldn't keep himself from laughing.