Trailer Tuesday: Gone Girl

Gone Girl is one of my most anticipated films of the year. Based on the best selling novel of the same title, David Fincher's new mystery thriller is a sure to be hit, and seeing as it is to be released this week how can I resist talking about this marvellous trailer.
As I revealed in a previous top five Friday, Fincher is my second favourite, therefore when I heard his name attached to this project I was head-over-heels with excitement. Those high levels of anticipation led me to read Gillian Flynn's exceptional novel, which not only indicated to me that this is a project right up Fincher's street, but also ensured that my overall hype of this upcoming flick remained sky high.
The plot focuses on the disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), and how an intense media frenzy begins to question her already suspicious husband Nick (Ben Aflleck). The two look perfect in their roles, with Aflleck embodying a awkward persona with undertones of aggression, as well as Pike's tremendous narration presenting her as a ghoulish presence. This is most notable in the scene in which Nick wipes the frost off Amy's lips, honestly she screams ghost. Also, both look as though they are doing a great true to the book performance, which isn't surprising seeing as the script is penned by Flynn herself.
The trailer on a whole is brilliant. It masters pacing, starting with slow cuts to more faster, fore-shadowing that the audience are in for such a roller-coaster journey. I know the that non readers of the book are in for a treat, and even readers have just as much to look forward to as Flynn has re-envisaged the ending to ensure that everyone will be held captivated right to the end.
Gone Girl hits cinema screens on the 3rd of October.

Coming To Cinema This Week.

October 3rd

Gone Girl: With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

IMDB: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%

Draft Day: At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he's willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.

IMDB: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%

Dracula Untold: Facing threats to his kingdom and his family, Vlad Tepes looks to make a deal with dangerous supernatural forces - without succumbing to the darkness himself.

IMDB: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

Dolphin Tale 2: The team of people who saved Winter's life reassemble in the wake of her surrogate mother's passing in order to find her a companion so she can remain at the Clearwater Marine Hospital.

IMDB: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%

Life After Beth: A young man's recently deceased girlfriend mysteriously returns from the dead, but he slowly realizes she is not the way he remembered her.

IMDB: 6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 41%

The Green Inferno: A group of student activists travel from New York City to the Amazon to save the rainforest. However, once they arrive in this vast green landscape, they soon discover that they are not alone - and that no good deed goes unpunished. 

IMDB: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes 63%

Violette: Violette Leduc, born out of wedlock at the beginning of the 20th century, encountered Simone de Beauvoir in the post-WWII years in St-Germain-des-Prés. The intense relationship between the two women would last their entire lives, a relationship based on the quest for freedom through writing for Violette and for Simone, on the conviction that she held the fate of an extraordinary writer in her hands.

IMDB: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes 80%

Coming To Cinema This Week.

26th September
The Equalizer: A man believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can't stand idly by - he has to help her.

IMDB: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes:67%

Ida: Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

IMDB: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

I Origins: A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.

IMDB: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%

Honeymoon: A newlywed couple finds their lake-country honeymoon descend into chaos after Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle 
of their first night.

IMDB: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 77%

Maps To The Stars:  A tour into the heart of a Hollywood family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts.

IMDB: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 50%

Search Party:  A pair of friends embark on a mission to reunite their pal with the woman he was going to marry.

IMDB: N/A 
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

Salvatore Giuliano: This is a documentary-style Italian drama chronicling the rise and fall of the title character, a real-life Mob chieftain who rose to prominence in post-WWII Sicily

IMDB: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

What We Did On Our Holiday: Explores the meaning of life and suggests how best to live and love.

IMDB: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

28th September

Billy Elliot: A talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family.

IMDB: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Top Five Highest Grossing Films Of 2014 So Far.

In a more serious and statistical Top Five Friday, The Reel Film Blog looks at the top five highest grossing film so far of 2014. With this summer movie season being dominated by sequels, it will be interesting to see who leads the charge at the box office. Firstly, a few notable mentions have to be given to the surging Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, as well as the unorthodox sensation that is Guardians Of The Galaxy, these films are right on the heels of the top 5, and we may see them creep into one of those spots by the end of 2015. Moving on all these statistics have all been taken from the worldwide box office gross, so lets see which films are raking in all the audiences cash.

Number 5: The Amazing Spider-man 2.

Total Gross: $708.3 Million.

Despite a lack of admiration, this relatively disappointing squeal still manages to cling on to the number five spot. 

 

The second lowest performer in the USA on the list, this miss hit for Sony, has caused the studio to delay the friendly neighbourhood Spiderman's next solo property to 2018. 

Sony, hopes, and in many way must pray, that audiences in the mean time are content with seeing Spidey's rouge gallery on display, as the studio sets to move forward with their upcoming Sinister Six franchise expected in 2016. 

Throw Back Thursday: Batman And Robin.

Joel Schumacher's Batman and Robin can be deemed a success in many ways, and I know now you guys are all screaming aloud what the hell is this guy on about! Well here me out... If it was not for this astonishingly laughable failure, then we may never have got Nolan's Dark Night trilogy. So hats of Batman And Robin at least you have been minutely redeemed.
This film is an cinematic atrocity no doubt. It failed to deliver on so many levels that it actually has more in common with Epic Movie, than it does with any element of Batman.  I am genuinely surprised that everyone involved with this 'production' was not castrated from doing any more film related things.
George Clooney as Batman, well when I say Batman, I mean George Clooney wearing a cape, is terrible. There is literally no distinguishable features between his Bruce Wayne, and Batman, none. There have been people who have gone to fancy dress parties with more commitment than Clooney presented in this role.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr Freeze... Oh God is there no mercy. It is well known Arnie can play a good villain,  look no further than Terminator, but here he only succeeds in ensuring that nearly twenty years into the future, people would look back and laugh at his utter pathetic portrayal. It seems that under Schumacher's direction, the iconic actor, was just allowed to do his impression of walking apathy, who's puns are about as hilarious as those found on the reverse of a penguin bar. There is no aspect of his performance that can be justified. There is a moment where he confronts Batman and states "what killed the dinosaurs? The ICE AGE!!", who allowed that sort of writing? Who actually permitted such dopey, dim witted and laughable dialogue, that only succeeds in reminding us that this film is sheer crap.
It's not even just that the actors who are involved are the only problem, Oh no, not surprisingly Batman and Robin's plot is no work of Shakespeare. The whole premise of the plot revolves around the dynamic duo attempting to prevent Mr Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing the entirety of human kind, and repopulating the earth with mutant plants. There are 3 year old's who have created more interesting concepts, with probably more artistic merit. Nothing makes sense, and there really seems to be a lapse of continuity, not just in the film, but on the actual production. After this film, Schumacher did not direct anything for 2 years. If you have any time check out the post film interviews, it's so great to see everyone beg for forgiveness after the monstrosity they created. Clooney even admitted himself that he "destroyed" the role of Batman, and in many ways he was lucky not to destroy his career with this performance.
However, there is one quality, asides from inspiring a reboot, that redeems this picture. Batman and Robin is so bad, that it is hilarious to witness. If you want a great laugh watch this film. The Bat nipples mixed with the steroid addicted Bane, all contribute toward making this film the greatest Batman spoof of all time. Watch the first five minutes and tell me that isn't the most pitiful attempt to be funny, that succeeds in making people laugh, just because of how bad it is.

My Rating: 3/10 (As a Spoof 6/10)
IMDB: 3.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
Did You Know: Voted as the #1 in Empire magazine's "50 Worst Movies Ever" (February 2010).

Trailer Tuesday: The Imitation Game.

The Imitation Game is one of my most anticipated films of 2014, and seeing as this week saw the film gain top prize at the Toronto Film Festival, it seems my expectations may have been correct.
The biopic, follows English mathematician Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch ) who, during the height of World War Two, is employed by the British government to help crack the infamous Enigma Code. Also starring Kiera Knightley, Mark Strong and Matthew Goode, this sure to be Oscar contender is scheduled for a 14th November release.
This Trailer resonated on so many emotional levels that I really do believe we have something special on our hands. Cumberbatch seems not only capable, but sublime in this role. Although we are use to seeing him play the unorthodox genius, due to the hit BBC show Sherlock, we have never seen the A-list star bring the emotional vulnerability that is on show in this trailer.
The narrative to anyone aware with Turing's life, is set to be a journey that ranges from sheer pride to emotional turmoil.  Hopefully, this film acknowledges the sheer sadness surrounding Turing's life, and due to the later glimpses and subtle hints provided I do feel that this film is in safe hands.
Also, on a side note Kiera Knightly's character seems to provide a good supporting role for Turing. The dynamic between Knightly and Cumberbatch will be interesting too see play out on screen, and it is nice to see her pick a more active role, rather than the more lethargic performances she has delivered of late.
To conclude, The Imitation Game is certainly on my must see list, and I am eager to see whether the accreditation and tracking it has gained throughout its circuit tours really does mirror the performance of the movie itself.

Coming To Cinemas This Week.

September 19th


The Giver: In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.

IMDB: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 33%

Think Like A Man Too:All the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas, but plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.

IMDB: 5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 25%

A Walk Amongst Tombstones: Private investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife.

IMDB: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A

Wish I Was Here: Aidan Bloom is a 35-year-old man who finds himself at major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his career, and his family.

IMDB: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 42%

Magic In The Moonlight: A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue.

IMDB: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 49%

20,000 Days On Earth: Writer and musician Nick Cave marks his 20,000th day on the planet Earth.

IMDB: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% 

Grand Piano:Moments before his comeback performance, a concert pianist who suffers from stage fright discovers a note written on his music sheet.

IMDB: 5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%

The Riot Club (Posh):Two first-year students at Oxford University join the infamous Riot Club, where reputations can be made or destroyed over the course of a single evening. 

IMDB: 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 60%

My Top Five Favourite Directors

Continuing my Top Five Friday section lets get down into the gritty stuff and discuss my top five favourite directors. A director really brings together all the wonderful work of everyone involved in the picture, and allowing their own interpretations to seep into the film, providing a unique experience that we as watchers are privileged to experience.
Now lets move swiftly into my Top five directors, starting with the master of framing himself...

Number 5: Wes Anderson.

Wes Anderson, in my opinion, is the marmite of cinema. He may divide critics, but for me he is just a wonderful blend of originality and enchanted story telling. Never fussed about mainstream appeal, his films always provide a fresh departure from the recycled explosion filled stereotypical b-level film that audiences have expected. 

With a filmography extending from the beloved Bottle Rocket to the 2014 hit The Grand Budapest hotel, it's hard to find extensive faults with anyone of his pictures. Yes it may be full of over the top vocabulary, the same fancy fonts and Bill Murry after Bill Murry, but that is the magic of Anderson. His role as auteur is noticeable in every film he produces, and that either completely alienates people, or in my case completely captives me. 

If I had to pick a favourite, it would be between Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Those two are just sublime pieces are, let alone film-making. 

Throw Back Thursday: The Wizard Of Oz.

Due to it's soon to be re-release into cinemas in Imax 3D, some 75 years after it first graced  the silver screen, how can I not talk about the wonderful Wizard Of Oz.  This childhood treat has entertained many generations, and provided countless laughs with its irresistible charm. Based of the novel by L. Frank Baum, this iconic film follows Dorothy Gale, a delightful young girl whom is swept of her feet to a magical land where she must seek out the mysterious wizard of Oz, whom will be able to help get Dorothy home. However, with the Wicked Witch Of The West in pursuit, the young girl must  take up the help of a scarecrow, a tin man and the most cowardly of lions in order to ensure she succeeds in her quest.

How can anyone do nothing but adore this classic. No matter what number of people you encounter, it is difficult and in many instances downright impossible to find anyone who does not have the slightest affiliation to this classic. Yes the sets maybe dated and the songs so well know that you are fed up of the repetition, but you can do nothing other than adore this charming film.  From the moment the dull sepia fades away into lush colour, the audience is left with the most wonderful range of emotion, that stretches from sheer nostalgia, toward the first time you witnessed this transition, right to blissful childhood wonderment. The sets all of which were meticulously crafted, may look old to this CGI addicted generation, but to anyone else that hasn't been spoon-fed on Michael Bay a real sense of charm is created.

In many ways it is funny that I sit here praising this picture, because my first notion associated with it was sheer terror at the cackling green demon, that is the Wicked Witch Of The West. Yes I was one of those children, whom between the age of three and four could not stand Margaret Hamilton's legendary performance. However, as I entered the more manly ages of nine and ten I had matured to grow fond of this film. Even today the picture inspires a great sense of warmth, although I still keep a pillow to cower behind just in case any wicked and terrifying memories should crop back up.

Also, how could I not talk about the three supporting roles of the tin-man, the lion and the scarecrow. In many ways these three roles are some of the most iconic in film. The pantomime elements of all the roles are great at reflecting the joy and light-hearted tone of the picture. I especially love the scarecrow's rendition of 'If only I had a brain', this song is just joy and contagious in rhythm and rhyme.

The City of Oz through the eyes of a child is one of the most unique sights that can be seen. The use of light and the obvious infatuation  with green is one of the most magical moments in cinema, and one which I believe to have inspired so many works of film and fantasy. I adore the magic of that setting and chiefly the colour changing Horse, which in a matter of shots transitions through the rainbow.

Conversion to Imax 3d can be a tricky thing for any picture to undergo. However, if done correctly the conversion will only aid a sublimely addictive picture to become more immersive. I really do hope it succeeds and to anyone who has not seen this wonderful classic, number one what is wrong with you, and number two get you backsides to the cinema on September 12th.

My Rating 8/10
IMDB 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Did You Know?: Many of the Wicked Witch of the West's scenes were either trimmed or deleted entirely, as Margaret Hamilton's performance was thought too frightening for audiences. (Evidently not trimmed back enough for my view) 

Trailer Tuesday: Exodus: Gods And Kings

As we are sadly moving away from the summer movie season why not cast our eyes forward to Ridley Scott's  Exodus: Gods And Kings. This trailer certainly captures my attention for many a reason, and I do believe that despite it's faults this will still be a stand out film of 2014.
This film accounts the efforts of Moses (Christian Bale) in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, which is being ruled by the dictatorial Rahmses (Joel Edgerton).  In many ways this trailer is perfect, the direction, the narrative, even the central performances from Bale and Edgerton seem top notch.
The film looks spectacular,  with Scott's direction looking enthralling. Never shying away from the extravagant set piece, it seems that Exodus: Gods And Kings will not depart from the trait that has made the iconic director a stand out in Hollywood. I am especially eager to witness his portrayal of the ten plagues and from what glimmers we have seen here, I really do think this will not be worth missing.
However, one of the major positives of the film also is a major area for negativity. Joel Edgerton, and especially Christian Bale feel tremendous in their respected roles, despite this it is impossible not to comment on the blatant white-washing of characters. It is such a shame that a 21st century production still feels the need to overlook the heritage and ethnicity of iconic characters. This is a major issue and certainly does take away a sense of good will toward the movie itself not for the individual actors themselves, but for the ignorance of studios in not addressing this pressing issue.
Overall however, Exodus: Gods And Kings is something to be excited for, it's just a shame that such excitement has to be dampened due to issues that can be resolved at no cost, other than a loss of star-power.