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