Film 14 - That Awkward Moment

That Awkward Moment - 21/01/2014

This reminded me a lot of Swingers (1996), and was Clare's choice for a cinema visit.  I will be honest with you that I was a little wary going into this thinking that the funniest moments had already been seen on the trailer and the film would rely on those moments.

When one of Zac Effron's friends get divorce papers given to him by his childhood sweatheart-come-wife, he goes to his friends for comfort.  Both Zack and Miles Teller teach him the ways of the player each vowing to a pact of staying single for 1 month

Guy gets girl, guy messes up to stay true to his friends, guy realises that girl is the one he wants etc, seen it done already and done many times before, but the thing with this, because of the "lad humour" there are some very funny moments.   Is the film aiming for a lad (American Pie) humour, or Chick Flick (too many to mention) humour.


I think this is "Couple humour", put something for the lads and the girls and into a film.

Zack Effron's hair is immaculate throughout for all you Twilight Fans, but the girls in this film are really bony and really skanky looking for all the guys

Decent enough date night film with a couple of real laughs (the dress up party for a surprise birthday is superb).

Unfortunately, one of the lasts scenes really took me out of the experience.  I said to myself, "all this scene needs is the 'one man clapping'", and as soon as it happened I burst out laughing (at the wrong moment)

Film 13 - 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave - 24/01/2013

What a powerful film! 

12 Years A Slave is a gripping, moving and powerful film, and one I won't watch again.

Steve McQueen's artistic influences are seen throughout the film with long moments of stillness and calm, long pauses of just facial expressions, watching all hope disappear from Solomon's face, and moments of pain left on screen longer than expected to make them feel more uncomfortable.

Two scenes in the film brought me to tears, one of them being one of the most powerful scenes I have seen on screen.

Based on the true depictions of one man's fight for survival and freedom, Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York is abducted and sold into slavery.  We see how Solomon is treated and how he tries to retain his dignity, and how he longs that one day he will see his family again.

A great film to watch, but it not for everyone.

Film 12 - Devil's Due

Devil's Due - 21/01/2014

Cannibal Holocaust, Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity are to blame for directors and film makers feeling that the found footage films are easy to make. 

Like any horror movie, as described in Scream, there are rules you need to follow to create a successful Found Footage Film:

1) There must be a reason for continuously filming.  If the camera is on then there must be a reason for it.   

2) Don't bore the audience with 40 mins of mundane footage
3) Ensure that the found footage can/is actually found!
4) make the characters filming relatable and enjoyable

With Devil's Due, the first 40 minutes of the film are based on a young couples wedding and honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.  Whilst on their last night they decide to party in a club recommended by their taxi driver.  Whilst at the party, too many drinks are had and a satanic ritual is performed on the newlywed and they wake up in their hotel room the day after with no recollection of the night.  At this point, the first thing I would do would be to check the video footage of said night to see what antics I got up to....but no, the first time this footage is checked is 20 weeks into a suspicious pregnancy of the lead female.  Since when do people come back from a holiday after recording so much video footage, to just shove it in a drawer and never look at it?

The next section of the film does not have many scenes for actually filming using their camcorder, so becomes a POV movie ,using some CCTV footage but lots of hidden security camera footage. Which begs the question, how was the footage found? If the hidden security camera's (placed by the satanic group) are removed then how is the footage found?

All the characters from the film are dull, boring and do not relate to what is actually happening.  The footage the film is never reviewed by them to effect

The film would have worked a lot better as an actual film.  This was a try at replicating The Omen, Rosemary's Baby or It's Alive and bring it to the "new" style of horror.

A dull film with no horror or jumps,  and it breaks my four rules of Found Footage Films!

Film 11 - The Wolf of Wall Street

The Wolf of Wall Street - 17/01/2014

In the same way that Goodfellas glorified and glamourised the gangster lifestyle, but also showed the almighty crash back to reality, Wolf of Wall Street is a film based on the destruction of Jordan Belfort's stock broker career.

This is Scorsese back to form.  I am a massive fan of Goodfellas and Casino, and think The Wolf of Wall Street fits perfectly into this collection.  

I had just recently had surgery in my mouth to which four stitches were applied.  When I left the cinema I only had 3, one had literally split a stitch through laughing.  Jordan and Co's drug orgies are hilarious and Jonah Hill steals the show on these, apart from DiCaprio's Country Club Scene.

I was amazed at how much these guys went through and how much they endured, but I was very entertained for every single minute of the 3 hour film.

DiCaprio is brilliant as Jordan Belfort and I believed everything on screen no matter how incredible it actually was as I believe the real Jordan was that drug induced during his height that most of this could have happened.

Absolutely Brilliant

Film 10 - Delivery Man

Delivery Man - 12/01/2014

On seeing the trailer for Delivery Man, I was expecting a run of the mill comedy with Vince Vaughn up to his usual antics, what we got was something completely different.....dullness and emptiness

Vaughn doesn't seem strong enough to carry the film without the rest of the fratpack.  If you watch the trailer you basically have a short (and enjoyable) version of the film.  In fact, probably the better way to do it is watch the trailer for "Starbuck".  A film by the same director, using exactly the same script, same setting, same everything, just in French...and it was only released 2 years prior (2011).  I have heard of remakes being done due to American audiences preferring English speaking films over the originals, but this is ridiculous.

This is a drama "comedy" about Vince Vaughn taking responsibility for the 533 children he fathered due to a mix up at a fertility clinic who have all filed for legal aid to find their biological father.

Film 9 - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 11/01/2014

We are now in a cinematic period were directors and film distributors are looking for that "next big thing" to take off, and it seems like "The Hunger Games" is one of those franchises.  I was amazed to see the cinema full to capacity, so thought with the score this film has received so far on IMDB (8.2) and the crowds it gathered, I may be in for a treat

Have none of these tweens seen a great little Japanese film called "Battle Royale"?  Japanese efficiency gets the politics, dystopian future and the bleakness of over population across to the viewer in 19 minutes before the games commence.  With the Hunger Games, one hour and fifteen minutes into the film and almost nothing happened.  Everything that happens during and after this point is uninteresting and very predictable.

Jennifer Lawrence puts her heart and soul into the portrayal of Cat-Nap (an apt nickname from the film), but with poor script and dull/predictable plot line and terrible special effects it is lost

I get the feeling that if I had read the books then the characters would have more meaning to me, but I don't care about any of them with this film adaptation.  One character sacrifices herself by rushing into poisonous fog to save the other tributes. This could have been emotional and heart wrenching for the viewer  if we actually had any character development and actually gave two hoots.

All in all, if you are a fan of the books, or a die hard tween you will watch this film with flame tinted glasses.  Otherwise you may come out of this thinking, why didn't I leave earlier? Or why didn't I just watch Battle Royale again?

Film 8 - Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones - 10/01/2014

Looking forward to my night of actual paranormal activity in February (See my 40 before 40), I thought I would go and watch this next installment of the PA series on my own (Clare was in sunny Blackpool).

Despite the bad acting in the first PA film, I watched it late one night, on my own, and I will be honest, it freaked me out.  The 2nd, 3rd and 4th installments never seemed to regain the impact of the first film, but I still enjoyed them and the route the "story" was taking.

I was unsure of this next installment, but had a really good laugh whilst watching.  The first 40 minutes of the film is setting up the characters with a few jumps, but they are text book scenes so my bum remained firmly in my seat.  The two main characters have a great dynamic between them, and some of the stunts they pull and scenes they share are very funny (which was good as I hadn't been laughing at Anchorman 2 an hour before).  There were a couple of moments of tension and some real jumps and when "Simon Says" comes into play, I was getting little chills.

If you don't like the Paranormal Activity films I would tell you to avoid this one, but if you fancy a bit of fun (if not to laugh at all the young teens in the audience screaming and nervously chatting) why not grab this one on netflix or dvd.  I liked the little touch in the last scene of the film

Film 7 - Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues - 10/01/2014

The sequel nobody wanted.

Anchorman was a film that built up it's cult following years after it's first release.  An absolutely hilarious film that gets better with each watch.  This is why I didn't want, or need, a sequel.

Anchorman 2 reunites the San Diego News Team, Ron Burgundy, Champ Kind, Brian Fantana and of course Brick Tamland to tackle the Global News 24 hour channel.

I laughed out loud twice, and both of them at Brick Tamland.  It just seemed like a collection of sketches for Saturday Night Live, but the most of them just don't work.  

It ran too long and failed to deliver on so many gags and running themes that it just got tedious towards the end.  The whole lighthouse scene could have been cut from the film and would not have been missed.  It would also have reduced the running time to a manageable 1h 30 mins.

I was half expecting a return to the "Battle Royale" scene of the previous film, but when it turned up, the cameo's didn't have the same effect, and what the hell were Harrison Ford, Jim Carey and Will Smith thinking? (Sorry - Spoiler!)

Film 6 - Gravity (3D)

Gravity (3D) - 09/01/2014

I fully agree with Mark Kermode in relation to 3D cinema, it is a gimmick to try to get people back into the cinema whilst hiking up the price for a below par film that has no reason to break the 3rd dimension.

I also fully agree with Mark Kermode that Gravity IS a film you must see in 3D!  I hate 3D movies but as soon as Gravity started, that hatred disappeared.  Pretty much all of this film is CG, but it is breath taking.  

The first 20 minutes of this film I was completely and utterly drawn in to the environment, and the remaining 70 minutes had me gripping Clare's hand, hardly breathing, willing Sandra Bullock to grab on to something!.  Floating around the shuttle with George at the start of the film, just looking at the Earth, the shuttle and the bleakness of their surroundings was stunning.

The plot is pretty straight forward, George Clooney (playing George Clooney in space) and Sandra Bullock are left adrift in space after a debris from a Russian Satellite crashes into their shuttle.  That is pretty much it.

Gravity is definitely my film of 2013, just absolutely fantastic, brilliantly acted, visually stunning and gripping throughout.  I was exhausted at the end of the film and I noticed that when the credits rolled, no one got up out of their seats.

Film 5 - Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom - 05/01/2014

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion.  People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite"

Not knowing much about Nelson Mandela and even less of his wife Winnie, and with my knowledge of politics (especially in other countries) being zero, I was not holding much hope for this film.

Clare's cousin, Paula, joined us for this viewing and I was sat next to the commentary section...two ladies who must have studied Nelson's life prior to coming into the cinema as they discussed what was about to happen at pretty much every point of the film.

A biopic of his life from rural village to inauguration to president (sorry, spoiler!) this is a powerful and emotional film.  I knew a little of South Africa's history with race but was shocked to how bad it actually was, and a lot of it in my life time!

Winnie seemed pretty radical to me and was an aggressive woman, although she had a pretty tough time too.

An educational film, well acted and the backdrop of South Africa was stunning (in parts).  I think because of the style of film it will be an oscar winner.  I am glad I have seen it but it is not one I would watch again

Film 4 - American Hustle

American Hustle - 04/01/2014

I was a little unsure going into this film with Clare, not her usual cup of tea.  

Christian Bale plays Irving Rosenfeld, a con man, who along with his devious partner Amy Adams are forced to work for the FBI to hustle a group of corrupt (or not so) government officials who are trying to renovate Atlantic City's casino's

The film for me was engaging and entertaining, it did seem a little long and with a lot of dialogue there were some scenes that were hard to take in the full effect of what actually was being said.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a little cameo from one of my favourite actors doing what he does best - I don't want to spoil any more.

Not over the top action but the story is interesting and keeps you wanting to learn more.  Apparently, parts of the film are based on true stories, but how much is left open.  Also, some parts are improvised and I think this is evident with the extensive dialogue scenes.

Is it one I recommend?  I think the DVD/Netflix release is worthwhile waiting for, but not a cinema experience.

Film 3 - Last Vegas

Last Vegas - 03/01/2014

Combine two of my favourite actors with my favourite city on the planet and surely this can't go wrong.

Michael Douglas is getting married to someone half his age, so has a bachelor blow out with his life long buddies, Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline, and where to have this party? Las Vegas!

A Romantic, buddy comedy that focuses most of the laughs at the age of the protagonists, such as too many tablets to take, detachment from modern society and hip, prostate or other age related medical conditions. Throw in an age old complication of rivalry over a previous lover and the plot is complete.

The thing is; although formulaic and predictable, this actually works, and works well.

An easy to watch, very funny (in parts) comedy with great actors.

For me, Morgan Freeman steals the show as usual and Robert De Niro playing Robert De Niro, a grumpy, sour, scowling old man...brilliant!  

If you are under 25 stick with The Hangover (but stay away from the terrible sequels), for the over 25's this is a heartfelt and humorous film you will enjoy

One thing for sure, this really made me want to go back to Vegas!

Film 2 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - 01/01/2014

"To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed"

What a way to start our film fest year ahead.  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty revolves around Ben Stiller's titular character who constantly "zones out" of his mundane life, his E-Harmony profile lacks any interest and the company he has worked for the last 16 years is coming to an end.

When a negative goes missing Walter embarks on a mission to find the photographer responsible for the shoot and takes the steps towards the adventure and excitement in his head

I found this film an absolute treat, a great feel good film and truly inspirational.  Before I met Clare I was happy to sit at home and pretty much do nothing.  The last 4 years have been a globe trotting adventure and I know the future holds more, so I feel as though I could relate to Walter.

If you want a feel good film, engaging story, breath taking scenery and great characters then I cannot recommend this enough, go see and enjoy