August 22nd Sin City: A Dame To Kill For:Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants. IMDB: N/A Rotten Tomatoes: N/A Lucy:A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. IMDB: 6.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 63% Into The Storm:Storm trackers, thrill-seekers, and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton. IMDB: 6.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 21% Deliver Us From Evil: New York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city. IMDB: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 31% God Help The Girl:Set in Glasgow, Scotland, the film is about a girl called Eve who is in the hospital dealing with some emotional problems and starts writing songs as a way of getting better IMDB: 7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 75% Two Days, One Night:The film follows Sandra, a young woman assisted by her husband, who has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. IMDB: 7.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Robin William's Death. Tragically on August 11th, the beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams took his own life. The 63 year-old actor, had openly been treated for depression around the time of his suicide, and his loss came as a terrific shock to his family, friends and the world. Williams, famous for his comedic roles in films such as Mrs Doubtfire and his Oscar winning performance in Good Will and Hunting, will be missed terribly by many. Following the saddening news, William's family stated "it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.". And in light of that statement, friends, fellow colleges and members of the population, have came forth to share their views on the man, who without failure, could put a smile on anyone's face. The president of the United States Of America, Barack Obama, stated that Williams "made us laugh. Made us cry. He gave immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most". Ben Aflleck, who stared with Williams in Good Will And Hunting issued a tribute on behalf of himself, and fellow co-star Matt Damon, saying he was "Heartbroken. Thanks chief for your friendship and for what you gave the world. Robin had a ton of love in him. He personally did so much for so many people. He made Matt (Damon) and my dreams come true. What do you owe a guy who does that? Everything. May you find peace my friend." I myself, upon hearing the news, was truly shocked. Robin Williams had been somewhat of a comedy icon to me, and I presume many others. As a result, The Reel Film Blog on Thursday will publish a top five Robin Williams' performances, to ensure that his wishes of his family are honoured, and that the life of Williams is celebrated, not his tragic death.
Star Wars Episode VII, will resume production after a two week halt in filming. According to THR, filming on the highly anticipated sequel had to be shut down, due to Harrison Ford suffering from a broken leg. Ford, 72, suffered the injury whilst on-set, in an accident that involved the Millennium Falcon. However, any doubts about Ford's broken leg delaying JJ Abraham's directed film, set for a December 18th 2015 release, have been squandered. This is result of Ford, who was out and about for the premier Expendables 3, reported that he is eager to get back to work on Disney's first chapter of the sequel trilogy.
Marvel studios are reportedly moving on with an Inhuman movie. With the success of James Gunn's unorthodox spectacular Guardians Of The Galaxy fresh in the minds of many, it is rumoured that Disney and Marvel are looking to cash in on another out the box success, by launching The Inhumans franchise. According to Collider, Joe Robert Cole has penned an Inhumans Script, which Marvel has decided to move forward with. This screenplay is supposedly being put out to potential directors. If you are unfamiliar with the Inhumans you need not worry, they are not considered the most notable comic book characters. They are a race of super humans, created by comic book icons Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who were genetically engineered on Earth. However, audiences are rumoured to become more familiar with the super humans, in the up coming Avengers: Age Of Ultron. With speculation hinting that Marvel is going to tamper with comic book history, to make Quciksilver (Aaron Taylor Johnson) and Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), part of the team of genetically altered super humans .
Inbetweeners 2, to anyone familiar with the property, is pretty self explanatory. In the sequel to the record breaking first film, Will, Simon and Neil decide to to take a break from university to visit Jay, who is supposedly living the high life in Australia. What ensues is a mixture of comedy, misogyny and occasional racism. The initial Inbetweeners film was undoubtedly a triumph, therefore expectations of the second film are sky high. And with the second movie obtaining the UK's record opening box office for 2014, is the hype justified? It's impossible to note that, The Inbetweeners 2 is simply a refurbished product of the original film. With Malia substituted for Australia, the film follows the same formulaic pattern that served the initial movie so well. Nothing appears to have changed. These are still the same foul mouthed youths, with women problems and over active sex drives. However, Do we care? Honestly, not at all! As a fan of the first film, and TV series, it was impossible for me to maintain a straight face through this no-stop joke fest. The dialogue, as always of Ian Morris and Damon Beesley, is sharp, quick and as crude as ever. The jokes can be hit and miss on occasion, but The Inbetweeners 2 contains many quotable lines that teenagers across the country will be reciting. The slapstick and physical comedy, although bordering on disgusting, is mainly top notch. For instance, there is a scene involving Will, a water slide and Neil's irritable bowls that just screams Inbetweeners comedy gold. At the centre though, this is still the same film that graced cinemas 3 years ago. Nothing is new, despite more flashier montage sequences, and there is no real character progression. The story is more coincidental than the first film, but honestly who comes to watch The Inbetweeners 2 for a quality story. My one problem with this instalment, unlike the first, the film contains no justifiable female characters. Each and every woman on display, literally is on display as nothing more than disposable and hindering. In the first film at least the characters had to realise their wrongs to win the girl here however, the main protagonists literally do anything but respect the women involved. I know that is part of the Inbetweeners world, but I just feel that the film makers, on this occasion, left the dial at 10 for too long. However overall, The Inbetweeners 2 is one of the better comedies of 2014. The film certainly maintains the bar set by the original, and there is enough laughs to allow numerous revisits. Therefore, The Inbetweeners 2 is well worth a watch to anyone fond of the previous work. Sadly though, anyone who dislikes the previous movie, this film will seem utterly repulsive. My Rating: 6.5/10 IMDB: 7.4/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Liar Liar is the loveable comedy starring Jim Carey, as Fletcher Reede, the lawyer who can't stop lying. However, due to his son's birthday wish magically coming true, Fletcher for one whole day has to tell nothing but the truth. What ensues is comedic Gold.
I recently watched this film with my girlfriend and her younger brother, and never could I recall a time that I had heard so many laughs. Liar Liar had us in hysterics from the get go.
Balancing superb dialogue and outrageous physical comedy, Jim Carey, in this flamboyant role, reminds us why he was once considered Hollywood royalty. In my eyes, this is one of Carey's finest comedic performances, as he expertly juggles the absurd, witty and brilliant to provide us with a non stop rollercoaster of a performance.
Although, this is the stereotypical Jim Carey vehicle, there is an element of heart to this film. The dynamic between Fletcher and his son Max (Justin Cooper), is heart warming, allowing the audience to invest themselves in Fletchers struggle to balance his work life with his role as a farther. This element of charm, in addition to the raucous laughs, ensures Liar Liar is more than just a dumb slapstick fest.
I would recommend Liar Liar to anyone in search of light hearted laughs. Jim Carey is terrific, and to anyone already fond of his acting style, this is a delight that can’t be missed. As well as the guaranteed Carey laughs, Liar Liar provides audiences with a heartfelt narrative, that on it’s own is worth a watch.
Hope you enjoy my recommendation, and be sure to visit the same time next week for an all new blast from the past.
My rating: 6.8/10
IMDB: 6.8/10
Rotten tomatoes: 81%
Did You Know?: Jim Carey Was Paid $20 Million Dollars For This Film.
Set for a January 2015 release in the United Kingdom, and a 7th November 2014 release date in the United States, The Theory Of Everything provides insight into the relationship between the iconic physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones).
Straight away this trailer captivated me from both an intrigued stance, as well as an emotional view point and if The Theory Of Everything performs to the strength that this trailer implies, I think we have a serious Oscar contender.
Directed by James Marsh, famous for the Man On Wire documentary, this film seems to resonate on so many positive levels, that when Hawking gave the speech about hope, I had goosebumps.
Eddie Redmayne seems to be on top form, and I would not be surprised if this earns him, at the very least, an Oscar nomination.
Hopefully, The Theory Of Everything will live up to the terrifically high bar it has set itself. I hope it does, as this story deserves justice. But this film seems set to captivate the hearts of millions, and I can't wait to watch, what seems to be a future classic.
The Expendables 3:Barney augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates. IMDB: 6.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 33% August 15th The Rover: 10 years after a global economic collapse, a hardened loner pursues the men who stole his only possession, his car. Along the way, he captures one of the thieves' brother, and the duo form an uneasy bond during the dangerous journey.
IMDB: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 63% Blood Ties:Two brothers, on either side of the law, face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s.
IMDB: 6.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 47% Hector And The Search For Happiness: A psychiatrist searches the globe to find the secret of happiness. IMDB: N/A Rotten Tomatoes: N/A The Congress: An aging, out-of-work actress accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn't consider. IMDB: 6.7/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 83% August 20th
What If: Wallace, who is burned out from a string of failed relationships, forms an instant bond with Chantry, who lives with her long time boyfriend. Together, they puzzle out what it means if your best friend is also the love of your life.
Guardians Of The Galaxy is Marvel Studios’ most out the box film to date, that follows the adventure of a rag-tag bunch of thieves, that have to unite to prevent a mysterious orb from falling into the wrong hands. Dubbed the amalgamation of Indiana Jones and Star Wars by enthusiastic fans, is it at all possible that Guardians can live up to the hype? In all honest opinion, just.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many admirable aspects to the film and on the whole this is a good movie. For instance, this is by far Marvel’s funniest film to date, with a consistent feel-good tone maintained throughout the entire running time. Be it through the dialogue, slapstick or physical comedy, Guardians Of The Galaxy never loses a brilliant meta atmosphere that is very much unique to this genre.
Also the performances are all well-done. Chris Pratt who dawns the mantle of the one and only Star Lord, does a terrific job at providing a persistently loveable performance. His role can be seen as the combination of both Han Solo and Indiana Jones, and Pratt, although not on the level of the aforementioned, does a nice job at handling his first major lead role with all the swagger necessary to provide a convincing frontman performance.
Lee Pace’s performance, as Ronan the accuser, is also a tremendous addition to film. Despite living up to stereotypical bad-guy conventions, the use of the characters deep space culture is a fascinating departure from any traditional comic book bad guy. As well as this, there is a terrific set of support cast who add a great deal of charm to the picture. John C Reilly and Glenn Close as members of the Nova Corps, despite only having a few scenes, do well to add comic relief as well as drive and explain the plot.
On the other hand, there are some issues with the film to anyone with prior knowledge or understanding of the characters. The main issue for me, is with the character of Gamora. This has nothing to do with the excellent performance by Zoe Saldana, but more so the portrayal of the character through the writing. This is just nit picking by the way, as many of these faults if you have no previous knowledge or expectation of the character would never occur. Prior to the film’s release, Gamora has been depicted as the deadliest woman in the galaxy, someone who should not be messed with and is solely independent, elements that seem absent in this portrayal. My expectation of Gamora was a role that would challenge, even surpass, Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, but Saldana’s character seems more so a femme fatale and love interest rather than a persona that could support herself. Despite this she is very much a terrific on screen presence, as well as a great foil for Pratt’s Star Lord.
Dave Bautista as Drax The Destroyer equally seems to struggle in his first acting performance. In my opinion, there are moments when he seems out of his depth, but as a debut role and being surrounded by stellar performances, Bautista is nothing more than okay. Saying that however, whilst he may not be able to handle the serious moments, Bautista does a great job with the comical dialogue presented to him.
However, Guardians Of The Galaxy excels with the characters of Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper). Firstly, Groot is the sentinel tree-like creature who adds a wonderful mix of emotion and comedy to the picture. The well rounded animation adds so much humanity to a character, who is limited to a three word vocabulary, with every facial expression providing
laughter or connoting tragic emotion. In many ways he mirrors the warmth and comedic elements of Diesel’s previous work as the Iron Giant, providing much needed heart to the group of criminals.
Rocket Racoon, despite the success of Groot, is truly the show stealer. In a role that could make or break the picture, Bradley Cooper and the superb motion capture animation, certainly brings an original dynamic to The Guardians Of The Galaxy. It’s odd to say a Raccoon's wit and sharp dialogue make a film as humorous as expected, but I feel Guardians Of The Galaxy may be the first time that phrase has needed to be uttered. Along side the success of his tree companion, I would not be surprised to see the franchise focus more so on the animated characters in future instalments.
The plot of the film is okay, more so predictable than anything unique. However, what director James Gunn had done terrifically, is expand the Marvel universe to new and uncharted territory. The Guardians Of The Galaxy is a great building block to this expanded universe, as well as a terrific warm up act for the future big bad of Marvel, Thanos. Despite not having a direct effect on Avengers 2: Age Of Ultron due for a 2015 release, I would highly recommend watching this film if you are not entirely familiar with the direction in which Marvel is heading.
To conclude, Guardians Of The Galaxy was/is an over hyped film, does that make it a bad film? Certainly not, but I can envisage due to severely positive fan boy word of mouth that many will leave the picture thinking what all the fuss was about. This is a cult hit, but is far from the sophistication, presented by the Marvel cinematic universe, in this years Captain American 2. Nevertheless, The Guardians Of The Galaxy with its retro soundtrack, feel-good vibe and terrific meta comedy is a film not to be missed, and I am certainly interested in what this franchise has to offer in the future.
As this is my first week exploring the blogging world, I feel it right to explain the cause of what would persuade a fellow film fanatic to create such a blog. I believe the answer to be within all of us.
Danny Boyle recently exclaimed "Films have became a part of our DNA", and I could not agree more. There is no medium in the world that touches as many people in as many different ways than film. From capers that make us jump, cheer, and laugh in delight. To spooky horrors that shoot chills down our spine. Film is entrenched in our society.
But what fuels this tour de force? Well quite neatly we are reverted to look no further than ourselves! We, through our discussion and persistent addiction to the temple that is cinema, have allowed the industry to grow and be as influential as it is today. This is something that I hold close and hope through the aid of The Reel Film Blog, will prosper for me and hopefully you readers (I'm being optimistic at this point).
So what other way to kick off what is a box office weekend for this blog, than a post every day celebrating my top ten films. Starting with no. ten working down to my creme da la creme. As always these are just my opinions and I will be eager to hear your top tens as well.
I would just like to say a big thank you for viewing this blog and I hope that you enjoy.
Moonrise kingdom is the enchanting 8th film by director Wes Anderson. Set in the stormy days of the summer of 1965, this marvellous tale follows a pair of young lovers whom choose to escape the constraints of their New England town. Thus throwing the local inhabitants into a quirky quest to find them. Wes Anderson is a director who's style consistently divides people. Many perceive him to be overly obsessive, with a fetish for luxurious fonts, meticulously left field dialogue and oh so symmetrical tracking shots which creates a sense of surrealism that alienates the audience.
However, Moonrise Kingdom encompasses everything wonderful about the Wes Anderson world. This film is lively and madly original as expected of a Wes Anderson escapade, but still remains captivating as Anderson has created individuals we care for. The performances are unconventionally terrific, with a decorated cast ranging from the Anderson commodities Bill Murray (providing a face that has been described as like porridge falling down a wall) and Jason Schwartzman, to the new arrivals of Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton and Bruce Willis. All providing a flare that the picture thrives on.
The most impressive of these veteran cast members has to be Edward Norton whom here flexes unrevealed acting muscles as a loveable Khaki Scout leader. As an actor notable for his darker more complex roles in such films as Fight club and American History X, it would not be expected that Norton would be the ideal choice for a role which spouts phrases such as "Jiminy Cricket, he flew the coop!". But Norton tremendously hits a square peg into a round hole so seamlessly that we forget that this was once the man who founded... Well the first rule says we can't talk about it... But you get my point.
Despite the strong ensemble the main strength of the movie lies with Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the runaway lovers. The dialogue conjured up by Anderson and Coppola could easily be seen as encouraging an off-beat delivery, but the interaction between Gilman and Hayward grounds the film, providing realism yet still maintaining its humbling qualities. This aids the film greatly making what could easily be surreal believable and as the audience we become invested in the romance between the two. Their chemistry is tremendous allowing the simplest of glances to connote depth to their relationship. We laugh and may even cry because of this factor and it is the catalyst that drives the movie at a charming pace.
The picture really does excel itself in the third act. The conclusion is gripping as the pathetic fallacy of the impending storm comes to a climax. Every aspect seems crafted in Anderson's perfectly intricate fashion, and due to our investment in the characters, the film (many would argue unlike Anderson's previous work) remains on the rails and never overindulgent.
Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, in my opinion, is the best example of his work. The film for me is a magnificent journey that, in a year which gave us the highly loathsome Piranha 3DD, stood out from the generic crowd reinvigorating my confidence that film can be both a piece of art and storytelling. The performances are compelling and I oddly find myself laughing consistently throughout the picture. I would recommend the film as a outside the box classic that, if you are fond of Anderson, will not be a disappointment.
Did you know?: The film opened in only four theaters, two in New York and two in Los Angeles, but earned $167,250 per screen, the all-time record for highest per-theater box office average of a non-animated film.
Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven is the remake of the 1960s caper, in which lovable con-artist Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has to assemble a team of eleven accomplices to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously. Along the way the team have to go against the odds to ensure a successful job, but things get complicated when Danny’s ex-wife Tess (Julia Roberts) causes an unforeseeable complication for our protagonist and his counterparts.
Now there is no hiding that this film is in the category of reboots, but credit has to be given when the remake not only surpasses the original but completely redefines the title. Soderbergh’s direction allows the audience to start with a fresh slate, almost forgetting that Frank Sinatra once donned the Danny Ocean role. The caper rushes along in an almost aerodynamic fashion, with a sleek mix of comedy, sheer intelligence and enough wonderful performances that viewers can’t help but being dragged along for the ride.
The cast is certainly a major strength for the movie with literally the majority of the Hollywood Yellow Pages participating in one way or another. Consisting of household names such as Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Mac and Roberts, Ocean's Eleven is certainly the definition of ‘Star Studded’. But unlike other extensive casts (for example The Expendables) there are no passengers on this picture. No one seems wasted and each individual character brings a new delight to the film.
However if you have to focus on clear examples, it is impossible to ignore the brilliance of Clooney and Pitt. These two really enhance the picture immensely without relying upon their star power. The performances are perfect with Clooney playing (as always) the smooth talking charmer, and Pitt encapsulating all things cool to take on the role of Danny’s right hand man Rusty Ryan. The duos dynamic is fresh and their chemistry excels on screen in such a way that the audience believes in their friendship. The scripts sharp wit really accentuates the dynamic between the two and on many occasions, you find yourself smirking at the glances they share. A wonderful example is when Danny persistently asks “you think we need one more?” whilst Rusty looks of blankly down the bar, which eventually leads to Danny to conclude with “alright we’ll get one more” .
Despite the irresistible interaction between Clooney and Pitt, it is impossible not to comment on how Ocean’s Eleven is an Intelligent film. The plot itself is intricately woven to enhance our admiration at the unfolding narrative and leaves us standing in awe as if we were watching a master sculptor craft his finest work in front of us. Ocean’s Eleven is wonderfully unique in a sense that it adopts a lack of seriousness but still retains an atmosphere of intellect that never once patronises the audience. For instance, there is a brilliant scene involving George Clooney’s and Matt Damon’s characters where Danny (Clooney) mid heist forgets the batteries for the detonator much to Linus’ (Damon) dismay. In any other smart crime film, this humour would seem forced, but what the movie masters is the perfect balance between an impressive plot and light-hearted fun.
The finale of the heist is a stroke of genius that is certainly not a let down. The direction is seamless in providing gradual insight into the inner working of the plot which is wrapped up in the most perfect of bows. Yet the pace is still maintained, with the audience left flabbergasted and avidly craving a rewind to cement the feel good feeling created by the revelation.
In my opinion Ocean’s Eleven warrants a place on any top ten list, as despite more serious brooding crime thrillers, this movie stands alone as a sophisticated feel good caper that also spouts intellectual brilliance. It’s hard to fault such a perfectly balanced film that just like an expert con artist maintains it’s poise, charm and excitement. Never short of witt and providing a flowing narrative that redefines the word sleek, I would recommend anyone who has not watched Oceans Eleven to rush down to your nearest store and buy a copy now.
Did you know?: Soderburgh originally wanted to shoot the film in black and white, Warner Brothers said the would only agree if Soderburgh drastically reduced costs. So he changed his mind.
