This one is not out in theatres until next friday, but I managed to peek at this today.
Fantastic, mesmerising performance from Meryl Streep. Philip Seymour Hoffman was a little restrained, but I could not think who would play the part of the priest any better.
Superb film, kept me guessing what the result was going to be. Streep had doubts about the priest's character, and in the end, they left the ending open, letting the audience decide whether we should doubt the priest or not! Extraordinary film making!
Do watch this if you have chance; It's a long shot for Streep to win an Oscar for best actress, as I truly believe it's Kate Winslet's turn this year...but there is always hope; she never fails to impress!
Will be reviewing what has been called "the best martial arts film of all time" next. Watch this space!
Friday, 30 January 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Frost/Nixon
I wasn't doing much this evening, so I decided to give this a watch.
I am not too clued up on American History, so I did a little research before watching this film.
We are now aware of the Watergate scandal; this film was an electrifying battle of wits that revealed much about Nixon's and Frost's personalities, and ultimately uncovers the truth.
It not only recreated the unforgettable televised clash, but the weeks of tense behind-the-scenes negotiation to try and secure the interview which created history.
This was most fascinating; and had me gripped to my seat for 2 hours.
Later on, I watched the videos of the real interview on youtube, and the resemblance of the characters; Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as Frost is striking. Definately recommended!
I am not too clued up on American History, so I did a little research before watching this film.
We are now aware of the Watergate scandal; this film was an electrifying battle of wits that revealed much about Nixon's and Frost's personalities, and ultimately uncovers the truth.
It not only recreated the unforgettable televised clash, but the weeks of tense behind-the-scenes negotiation to try and secure the interview which created history.
This was most fascinating; and had me gripped to my seat for 2 hours.
Later on, I watched the videos of the real interview on youtube, and the resemblance of the characters; Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as Frost is striking. Definately recommended!
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Valkyrie
Just come back from the cinema after watching this film. I had high expectations of it, but I was a little let down.
Firstly, we knew what was going to happen; it was predicatable; secondly, the actors involved were all speaking in their own accents; Tom Cruise in his American accent, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson were talking in their British accents. they all played Germans! Thus, a lack of authenticity.
However, that aside, it was quite nerve-wracking and had me on the edge of my seat a times...
The plot was interesting; if a few of the things went properely (this was a real life event) then the Team's plan would have succeeded and the War would have ended sooner!
Will review another film later on in the week, perhaps Frost/Nixon as it appears quite intriguing!
Good Night!
Firstly, we knew what was going to happen; it was predicatable; secondly, the actors involved were all speaking in their own accents; Tom Cruise in his American accent, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson were talking in their British accents. they all played Germans! Thus, a lack of authenticity.
However, that aside, it was quite nerve-wracking and had me on the edge of my seat a times...
The plot was interesting; if a few of the things went properely (this was a real life event) then the Team's plan would have succeeded and the War would have ended sooner!
Will review another film later on in the week, perhaps Frost/Nixon as it appears quite intriguing!
Good Night!
Saturday, 24 January 2009
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Superb...What can I say - Phenomenal.
I am typing away at 4am, Sunday 25th January. This is an awesome film and truly deserves its Oscar Nominations. Brad Pitt has a tremendous chance of picking up a Gong.
The film had everything emotion, quirkiness, comedy, romance, drama...
Cate Blanchett's role was pivotal to the film's success and she supported brilliantly, absolutely flawless.
Was cleverly shot with flashbacks and there was excellent narration by Brad Pitt. Like most of the films I've watched so far this year, yes, you've guessed, this made me burst into tears yet again.
This film is going to remain under my skin for a long time...
Need to get some sleep now, will probably next update you after I've been to the cinema on Tuesday; I am thinking of watching Tom Cruise's new film, Valkyrie.
I am typing away at 4am, Sunday 25th January. This is an awesome film and truly deserves its Oscar Nominations. Brad Pitt has a tremendous chance of picking up a Gong.
The film had everything emotion, quirkiness, comedy, romance, drama...
Cate Blanchett's role was pivotal to the film's success and she supported brilliantly, absolutely flawless.
Was cleverly shot with flashbacks and there was excellent narration by Brad Pitt. Like most of the films I've watched so far this year, yes, you've guessed, this made me burst into tears yet again.
This film is going to remain under my skin for a long time...
Need to get some sleep now, will probably next update you after I've been to the cinema on Tuesday; I am thinking of watching Tom Cruise's new film, Valkyrie.
Friday, 23 January 2009
Nights in Rodanthe
Quite late on this one; it's one I wanted to see at the cinema, but I was out of the country when it came out, so decided to watch this on DVD.
I am a bit of a Richard Gere fan, so I had to watch this.
Diane Lane also stars. Richard and Diane shared a good on-screen chemistry in this film. The film was slightly predictable, but there was a twist towards the end. In fact it was quite emotional; thats something I wasn't expecting.
I was in the mood for a romantic love story type of film this evening, and this film ticked all the boxes for me today.
If you want to watch a good soppy love story then this one is for you.
Quite a strong acting performance from the teenage girl in the film; I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.
Will be reporting tomorrow on my view of the production that has 13 Academy Award nominations; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
I am a bit of a Richard Gere fan, so I had to watch this.
Diane Lane also stars. Richard and Diane shared a good on-screen chemistry in this film. The film was slightly predictable, but there was a twist towards the end. In fact it was quite emotional; thats something I wasn't expecting.
I was in the mood for a romantic love story type of film this evening, and this film ticked all the boxes for me today.
If you want to watch a good soppy love story then this one is for you.
Quite a strong acting performance from the teenage girl in the film; I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.
Will be reporting tomorrow on my view of the production that has 13 Academy Award nominations; The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
The Wrestler
Finally I got to see this movie; boy was I disappointed...
Mickey Rourke did justice to the role, and it portrayed real life imagery. However, I have seen all of this before, and it seemed like just another "Rocky" movie, only this time, the theme was wrestling. Marisa Tomei's "stripper" character lacked depth; if they wanted a stripper to be in this movie they should have gone for someone slightly younger!
I thought from other reviews that this would be outstanding, but it was adequate. I never believe what the critics say. Look what they said about Seven Pounds (and that is one of the best movies I've seen this year)!
I hope "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" will be better, that will be next up towards the end of the week...
Good Night!
Mickey Rourke did justice to the role, and it portrayed real life imagery. However, I have seen all of this before, and it seemed like just another "Rocky" movie, only this time, the theme was wrestling. Marisa Tomei's "stripper" character lacked depth; if they wanted a stripper to be in this movie they should have gone for someone slightly younger!
I thought from other reviews that this would be outstanding, but it was adequate. I never believe what the critics say. Look what they said about Seven Pounds (and that is one of the best movies I've seen this year)!
I hope "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" will be better, that will be next up towards the end of the week...
Good Night!
Monday, 19 January 2009
Yes Man
Sorry for the lateness, I was quite keen on watching The Wrestler on the weekend, but I didn't get round to it; hopefully in a few days time...
Now, onto this one. I felt like watching a funny film today, being a Monday and all.
It was quite good; Jim Carrey went back to what he does best. It was quite "Bruce-Almighty-ish". However, I felt it lacked that comic "punch". Also, Zoeey Deschanel, his love interest was not the right person for the role; she was a bit too young.
What I liked best about it, was that it was a positive film and it was a breath of fresh air to all the January doom and gloom!
Jim Carrey is getting on a bit; I don't think he can go on and do these roles forever. He needs to start thinking about the kind of roles he would like to do in the future; pushing 50 now!
Now, onto this one. I felt like watching a funny film today, being a Monday and all.
It was quite good; Jim Carrey went back to what he does best. It was quite "Bruce-Almighty-ish". However, I felt it lacked that comic "punch". Also, Zoeey Deschanel, his love interest was not the right person for the role; she was a bit too young.
What I liked best about it, was that it was a positive film and it was a breath of fresh air to all the January doom and gloom!
Jim Carrey is getting on a bit; I don't think he can go on and do these roles forever. He needs to start thinking about the kind of roles he would like to do in the future; pushing 50 now!
Friday, 16 January 2009
Revolutionary Road
I just finished watching this and it's 230am; thought I would take the time to write about it whilst still fresh in the mind!
What is with all the sad stories as of late? January is a very depressing month; I just wished these kind of films were spread across the year!
It was great to see Kate and Leonardo DiCaprio back together (since Titanic). However, a totally different relationship to the one they shared back then.
Leonardo was in excellent form, in fact it was his performance I found to be more powerful. The acting was not overdone by the actors and you really got a feel that this was set in the 1950s-it all felt very genuine and "from the heart".
If you are after a bit of stark reality and a lesson, this is the movie for you.
Shame about the sad ending :-(
I might squeeze another review for you later on today - not sure which yet though!
What is with all the sad stories as of late? January is a very depressing month; I just wished these kind of films were spread across the year!
It was great to see Kate and Leonardo DiCaprio back together (since Titanic). However, a totally different relationship to the one they shared back then.
Leonardo was in excellent form, in fact it was his performance I found to be more powerful. The acting was not overdone by the actors and you really got a feel that this was set in the 1950s-it all felt very genuine and "from the heart".
If you are after a bit of stark reality and a lesson, this is the movie for you.
Shame about the sad ending :-(
I might squeeze another review for you later on today - not sure which yet though!
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
I was only going to review films I have seen "this year" but I feel this one is worthy of a mention.
Infact, I saw this with my family on Xmas Eve. It was great to finish work early to go and watch this delightful film.
It stars Shahrukh "King" Khan in what appears at first, as a very conservative role. However as the story develops he does break out into what he is good at.
The plot is similar to another film I have seen, the name I cannot think of right now. However, it's new for Bollywood, so that's a good thing!
It has drama, comedy, emotion and the songs are quite catchy too! All in all a big thumbs up from me!
I am looking forward to seeing SRK again very soon in "Khan" which has been directed by Karan Johar due out some time this year!
Infact, I saw this with my family on Xmas Eve. It was great to finish work early to go and watch this delightful film.
It stars Shahrukh "King" Khan in what appears at first, as a very conservative role. However as the story develops he does break out into what he is good at.
The plot is similar to another film I have seen, the name I cannot think of right now. However, it's new for Bollywood, so that's a good thing!
It has drama, comedy, emotion and the songs are quite catchy too! All in all a big thumbs up from me!
I am looking forward to seeing SRK again very soon in "Khan" which has been directed by Karan Johar due out some time this year!
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Sorry bit late on this one...
2009 is looking very promising at the moment on the film front!
You either will love this or hate it.
Fortunately for me, I LOVED it.
There are some harsh realities in this film, but I cannot really see how this was a "feel-good" film. This is how it has been advertised, and I am not sure I agree with the statement. The first 45 minutes are quite shocking and if you have not been to India before, then this will provide you with a bit of a Culture Shock.
Nevertheless, a good, gripping story, with appropriate flashbacks, which are careful not to cause confusion. I cannot really fault it, and quite honestly, haven't seen a film like it before! Was pleasantly surprised!
That's it for today, more on the weekend hopefully!
Roll on 2009!
2009 is looking very promising at the moment on the film front!
You either will love this or hate it.
Fortunately for me, I LOVED it.
There are some harsh realities in this film, but I cannot really see how this was a "feel-good" film. This is how it has been advertised, and I am not sure I agree with the statement. The first 45 minutes are quite shocking and if you have not been to India before, then this will provide you with a bit of a Culture Shock.
Nevertheless, a good, gripping story, with appropriate flashbacks, which are careful not to cause confusion. I cannot really fault it, and quite honestly, haven't seen a film like it before! Was pleasantly surprised!
That's it for today, more on the weekend hopefully!
Roll on 2009!
The Reader
This was a really fascinating watch.
Kate Winslet's performance was very "bold". I've never seen her like that before. She was both sensuous and haunting. I do feel though this one should have been rated 18 as there were some sensitive moments and explicit scenes.
The film length was just right. There was not much of Ralph Fiennes in it, which disappointed me a little. This was definately Kate's film. Saying that, I cannot understand how she won best supporting actress for it in the Golden Globes - she was the main actress!
See this if you liked The Pianist (2002) and The Counterfeiters (2007).
Really looking forward to seeing Kate again in Revolutionary Road; she got best actress for that at the Globes. Once I have seen it, I will tell you how it is! I have a DVD copy of it if you want to see it before it's released in the UK. Just send me an email.
Kate Winslet's performance was very "bold". I've never seen her like that before. She was both sensuous and haunting. I do feel though this one should have been rated 18 as there were some sensitive moments and explicit scenes.
The film length was just right. There was not much of Ralph Fiennes in it, which disappointed me a little. This was definately Kate's film. Saying that, I cannot understand how she won best supporting actress for it in the Golden Globes - she was the main actress!
See this if you liked The Pianist (2002) and The Counterfeiters (2007).
Really looking forward to seeing Kate again in Revolutionary Road; she got best actress for that at the Globes. Once I have seen it, I will tell you how it is! I have a DVD copy of it if you want to see it before it's released in the UK. Just send me an email.
Seven Pounds
First post EVER, so here I go...
WOW
First Film that I've seen of 2009, and it definately did not disappoint.
Mr Will Smith is in top form, and you just cannot help feeling sorry for him and what he has been through in this film.
Some very very VERY emotional and thought-provoking moments which made be blub.
At first, it is a little confusing, but very soon, the drama sets in motion and you can start to see where the story is going....
The chemistry between him and Rosario Dawson is eye catching. I must say that Rosario looks stunning in this film, albeit she is playing a dying woman.
You must watch this if you are the emotional type, or if you liked The Pursuit Of Happyness - this is made by the same directors and producers.
Out in Cinemas from tomorrow - enjoy! (or you could always contact me if you want a copy!)
**UPDATE 17/01/09
I saw this again today and tried to fight back the tears. I just can't seem to stop thinking about it...
WOW
First Film that I've seen of 2009, and it definately did not disappoint.
Mr Will Smith is in top form, and you just cannot help feeling sorry for him and what he has been through in this film.
Some very very VERY emotional and thought-provoking moments which made be blub.
At first, it is a little confusing, but very soon, the drama sets in motion and you can start to see where the story is going....
The chemistry between him and Rosario Dawson is eye catching. I must say that Rosario looks stunning in this film, albeit she is playing a dying woman.
You must watch this if you are the emotional type, or if you liked The Pursuit Of Happyness - this is made by the same directors and producers.
Out in Cinemas from tomorrow - enjoy! (or you could always contact me if you want a copy!)
**UPDATE 17/01/09
I saw this again today and tried to fight back the tears. I just can't seem to stop thinking about it...
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