tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35295404849614078622024-02-19T01:53:25.565+00:00Three Reviews for the Price of One Three friends. They all go to the cinema but rarely agree.ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-64572605232980201542015-06-17T15:54:00.000+01:002015-06-26T09:51:52.889+01:00Jurassic World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMdy3NmgkecQNz-_3f27sqyQtSsPKvPUx0zYdOuL07ejxpcg8rkA3cBlEVexJnNvWwOsC1MP6oEZaLVjniDR8X5NGi_ZV_y6JK4u2pXQCDbzNHOZ8M2cXIY52-ltyDAgtCvAvMjhln2a2/s1600/jurassic-world-poster-mosasaurus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMdy3NmgkecQNz-_3f27sqyQtSsPKvPUx0zYdOuL07ejxpcg8rkA3cBlEVexJnNvWwOsC1MP6oEZaLVjniDR8X5NGi_ZV_y6JK4u2pXQCDbzNHOZ8M2cXIY52-ltyDAgtCvAvMjhln2a2/s320/jurassic-world-poster-mosasaurus.jpg" width="202" /></a>SF: I love the first and the third installment of these film. Please never speak to me about the second one, I may cry. While I had high expectations for this I knew it was unlikely to be amazing. The effect are awesome and I expected no less. The movie is set back on Isla Nubar, the T-Rex is back on top and there are kids in danger, so far so good. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are fine and likable but here is the problem, its just OK. I never got particularly excited or scared just sort of mildly entertained. So on the whole this is your typical average blockbuster. While there are plenty of nice nods to the originals it wasn't enough for me. I would say seeing it in the cinema at least once is a good idea, it still fun after all.<br />
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50Eggs: I watched this in 3D IMAX, so Jurassic World was off to a good start for me (IMAX, btw, is the only time it's worth bothering with 3D). Obviously this film was never going to compare favourably to the original, and whilst it can't come close to recreate the sense of wonder that was so core to Jurassic Park, it does actually trump it in other ways. The kids in this one are far less annoying, and the big fish dino is awesome. Don't expect the world and you'll enjoy it. 8/10<br />
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DonkeyB: n/a<br />
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Overall: 7/1050 Eggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676149335351327962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-62011793471390195642015-05-18T17:51:00.000+01:002015-05-27T09:07:02.249+01:00Pitch Perfect 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHeCO4FWlhleMbpliYiUn1NH_saTL9kV0cWuXk3tsYNAOkbOK1sJCuormfb3vcfBJEuCwDgs89MRY09579Lffn8v5m0aDprxwhOQvq-LCMzYuqEZjjU6aISbExb8IksIKZGj35ZoEL5j/s1600/pp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVHeCO4FWlhleMbpliYiUn1NH_saTL9kV0cWuXk3tsYNAOkbOK1sJCuormfb3vcfBJEuCwDgs89MRY09579Lffn8v5m0aDprxwhOQvq-LCMzYuqEZjjU6aISbExb8IksIKZGj35ZoEL5j/s320/pp2.jpg" width="202" /></a>SF: How much did I love the last installment! This was no disappointment, the same zany comedy, brilliant songs and vocal performances. I laughed all the way through and I can't wait for the DVD. Das Sound Machine was a hilarious addition and *spoiler* I now adore the Green Bay Packers. Also Snoop Dog can actually sing. Is this going to be ground breaking now, it is really enjoyable - totally. Don't miss it.<br />
7.5/10<br />
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50Eggs: Watching Pitch Perfect 2 cemented a life lesson for me. It taught me that I do in fact like musicals, and that the reason I have never ever liked one until this series is that they all had rubbish songs. I'm looking at you Chicago, and Les Mis. So you can guess that I enjoyed this film, and personally I would say it's just as good as the first. The songs are still great and, if anything, it's funnier than the first. 8/10<br />
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DonkeyB: n/a<br />
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Overall: 7.75/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-70956793867170841282015-05-15T17:50:00.002+01:002015-05-17T17:29:31.674+01:00Mad Max: Fury Road<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnsRTz14B2N6bCPqm5IrGF2Es8eAj_7Kz2bE6OWy-VE1Mg-InF1drt_qM1t_CUF0zyETDRXBtDIxj_2mqGid65uX4y4yEMEIyLFwbFulAZqC0nazWltQB9TNsautgLC5l1H9l8F-gUy21/s1600/mad-max-fury-road-poster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnsRTz14B2N6bCPqm5IrGF2Es8eAj_7Kz2bE6OWy-VE1Mg-InF1drt_qM1t_CUF0zyETDRXBtDIxj_2mqGid65uX4y4yEMEIyLFwbFulAZqC0nazWltQB9TNsautgLC5l1H9l8F-gUy21/s320/mad-max-fury-road-poster2.jpg" width="216" /></a>SF: I loved this film. The action never stops, OK it is one very long and brilliant chase but I didn't mind because what it lacks in story it makes up for in adrenaline fueled, over the top fun. The pace was great, I liked the characters, they didn't over indulge in character development. The action was fantastic, the special effects brilliant and the cinematography surprisingly evocative. Probably the best Mad Max film to date and well worth the wait. Tom Hardy was a good in the title role but Charlize Theron was fantastic, pretty much stole the whole movie. Like most action films it isn't going to win any awards but as a piece of entertainment this was exactly what I wanted. 8/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: Oh dear, this review isn't going to make me popular - I didn't love Mad Max. Yes it is visually arresting and you have to appreciate that all the stunts were done 'for real'. Things all start brightly and we're treated to a 20 minute chase scene that really gets you excited for the rest of the film, but here's the problem....that is the rest of the film. The chase scene just continues without much variety for two hours, with very little developments to either the characters or the story. I wanted to give this a higher score, but I'm sorry, those things are really important to me. 6.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: n/a<br />
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Overall: 7.25/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-48062239396580821042015-04-25T11:37:00.000+01:002015-04-30T08:43:46.173+01:00The Avengers: Age of Ultron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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SF: I did everything I could to avoid too many trailers and spoilers so I could watch this without my expectations being too high. I also feel this needs two scores because from a totally bias view its a 10, it delivers everything I want, tonnes of Marvel universe nods and hints. I'm enjoying the move from the more Ultimates line up to a traditional Avengers roster, I also screamed with glee when Vision appeared, ok not the Vision we are used to but Wonder Man isn't around so lets go with it. Having said that - Ultron without a mention of Hank Pym despite the Ant-man movie being on the way? Surely Tony Stark could of had him on Skype of something. Anyway I digress. As a film I didn't feel the same sense of awe that the first installment delivered. Maybe the attempts at character development were a tad shallow but this had plenty of action, a few good quips, amazing effects and I can't wait to see it again, maybe even three times so it deserves 9/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: Winter Solider having restored my faith in Marvel films, I was expecting big things from this. It partly lived up to those expectations. As a standalone film it tries to cram in far too many story threads, but viewed as 'hub' film in a massive story arc you can understand why. The first hour is a little slow but it does pick up, and the finale, whilst close to being a rehash of that of the first film, is spectacular. 1 point off for too much Hawkeye, but a point back on for lots of Black Widow. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
DB: These Marvel films are definitely starting to suffer quite seriously from the <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/163723/diminishing-returns" target="_blank">law of diminishing returns</a>, creatively at least if not yet financially. It is just not as good as the first one, not as funny, not as exiting, the bad character is nothing like as interesting (no Tom Hiddleston). The set pieces don't feel as spectacular, while I'm prepared to be told they are in fact 200 times bigger and involve twice as many people etc etc I just don't care very much about computer animations of things hitting things with things. The film has two ideas in it, neither of which are new or particularly interesting but both involve Bruce Banner: his conflict over whether he should assist serial world endangering narcissist Tony Stark and his conflict whether he can form a relationship with Natasha. Both ideas are under explored in favour of the ridiculously boring Hawkeye, who <i>I</i> was disappointed to see survive death near the start of the movie. There are none of the memorable moments typified by Bruce Banner swinging Loki about like a toddler with a doll from the first film in this film, it is all just more of the same. I was under the impression we were going to be getting some Hulk films, we only need one, but I would have preferred to see that than this. 6/10<br />
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Overall: 7.8/10 Simboidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17487223182150779890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-70153774073537053112015-04-22T11:29:00.000+01:002015-04-26T14:34:19.271+01:00The Salvation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXQ0EMV6MjOcbKYfq1UOyXV4e73obgQLD-VcTlTAnuA8uJFlggNWc4td0xlhIwVxysI2p5zIROq8Z5d2trfivmkJKWzDah-zybtG9mLgGV_Pa5eY9nKw44eNMay-Ihx-l70qj4MTgZC8j/s1600/the-salvation-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXQ0EMV6MjOcbKYfq1UOyXV4e73obgQLD-VcTlTAnuA8uJFlggNWc4td0xlhIwVxysI2p5zIROq8Z5d2trfivmkJKWzDah-zybtG9mLgGV_Pa5eY9nKw44eNMay-Ihx-l70qj4MTgZC8j/s1600/the-salvation-poster.jpg" height="237" width="320"></a>SF: I'm not normally a fan of westerns but there have been a few recent films that have changed my mind, this is certainly one of them. While it doesn't bring tonnes that is new to the genre I really liked this offering. The element of migrants with pasts beyond the wild west really adds to the character development. This film even gives the bad guy a reason to be bad - something a lot of westerns never even bother with. The acting was well measured but then I've never seen Mads Mikklesen fail in that department (before you say it Valhalla Rising doesn't count because he is good the film is rubbish!). The action perfectly timed and rather believable. If you like westerns then definitely give this a go. 8/10<br>
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50Eggs: n/a<br>
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DonkeyB: There is I'm afraid nothing special about this whatsoever. If it weren't so reverent of western and revenge cliche it could have been mistaken for pastiche. It's incredibly stylish to look at but it turns out all that stunning photography is just special effects and it was shot in South Africa. 6<br>
<br>
Overall: 7/10 <br>
<br>ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-75273379321324119242015-04-15T11:29:00.000+01:002015-04-26T14:36:03.052+01:00While We're Young<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnJjR5b05CQ1E2elgIHb8yp8UgWdqZdfW-WntbN03YuC1QFpQcwcOSqYiFmLnkZ_suIZut7JsBbAxKROq4PPsIQQ6wfLrqI7IjE8mA0itgACESQujSoq-ktxpu_hZl2oO80OQAqbksPoX/s1600/OnlineQuad_WhileWereYoung-600x453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnJjR5b05CQ1E2elgIHb8yp8UgWdqZdfW-WntbN03YuC1QFpQcwcOSqYiFmLnkZ_suIZut7JsBbAxKROq4PPsIQQ6wfLrqI7IjE8mA0itgACESQujSoq-ktxpu_hZl2oO80OQAqbksPoX/s1600/OnlineQuad_WhileWereYoung-600x453.jpg" height="241" width="320"></a>SF: I laughed once in the whole film and now because it was being funny. While I like Ben Stiller most of the time, I find him hard to watch when he's being serious. Also I don't think I've seen anything where I've liked Naomi Watts but I gave this a go and was mostly bored. Adam Driver is the only good thing in the whole film, he's character is awful and he plays to it and steals the film. I found the main characters dull and painful, the pace lacking and the story uninteresting. Just the wrong type of film for me but I can see why others would enjoy it. 5/10<br>
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50Eggs: n/a<br>
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DonkeyB: I laughed a lot more than I was expecting. This is definitely good Ben Stiller, Adam Driver is exceptional. 7<br>
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Overall: 6/10 ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-48823874584948619972015-02-18T09:44:00.001+00:002015-04-26T11:48:34.834+01:00Selma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J_V1hfN_OmpBrdJ6AyYidEAvQPgaMLHYd5D0wA4XUM4BuGTByEymS0IblEXH31cTd-AR6jd1whdRCNsCh2cVNrkxr2ytrB33uu58K4v4s-oPoH7iluzhSOiDEC1aJZlznTs3Y0u8-U0u/s1600/Selma_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J_V1hfN_OmpBrdJ6AyYidEAvQPgaMLHYd5D0wA4XUM4BuGTByEymS0IblEXH31cTd-AR6jd1whdRCNsCh2cVNrkxr2ytrB33uu58K4v4s-oPoH7iluzhSOiDEC1aJZlznTs3Y0u8-U0u/s1600/Selma_poster.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a>SF: There are many things I enjoyed about this film particularry the direction. The acting was perfect, I totally forgot the fact <a class="fl ellip _Wqb" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="David Oyelowo (Martin Luther King, Jr.)">David Oyelowo</a> was in Spooks and bought into his portray of Dr King completely. The tone of the film is subtle and incredibly poignant. This managed to depict the events
in an engaging but never over sensationalised way. One I'd highly recommend. 8/10<br />
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50Eggs: n/a<br />
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DonkeyB: It is a compelling and well acted story about an absolute giant of 20th Century history. Despite knowing much of what the film was about and the context of the film I was moved by it. And in view of the barrage of reviews of comic book films to come over the next few weeks and months I would be remiss if I didn't point out that you can read Representative John Lewis co-created <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/March-Book-One-Nate-Powell/dp/1603093001" target="_blank">comic books about the civil rights movement</a>. 8/10<br />
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Overall: 8/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-48810424796441968852015-01-21T17:35:00.000+00:002015-04-26T12:10:30.149+01:00Whiplash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeEsaukKHVr4MNQhbRdWxmooWZP3ZciPiImzivG77ZaWgqvU-FnXznK1wM2WreTC3o9io1-GYMowmcbVZKg9MN0Of1bRiYULwNVlv_k3UeZdzgYndaoYxOGxGj3uFUe0pKgYoYBwQmvTm/s1600/whiplash-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeEsaukKHVr4MNQhbRdWxmooWZP3ZciPiImzivG77ZaWgqvU-FnXznK1wM2WreTC3o9io1-GYMowmcbVZKg9MN0Of1bRiYULwNVlv_k3UeZdzgYndaoYxOGxGj3uFUe0pKgYoYBwQmvTm/s1600/whiplash-poster.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a>SF: I'm going to have to find out if Miles Teller was a drummer before this film or not, because his playing is incredible. I had no plans to see this as the trailer didn't interest me but something about this film is truly compelling. The performances were fantastic, the pace is good, the characters could have more development but really you're so taken in by the music, don't think I'd want more, or even notice. The whole film is held together by just two characters and works so well you are totally drawn in, cringing and wincing along with Andrew.
I can't really describe what I liked so much but I will say go see this, you won't be disappointed. 8/10<br />
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50Eggs: Awesome. The last music based film I saw was 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit', so you can imagine this isn't the sort of film that would ordinarily temp me to the cinema. So glad I did though as its 2 hours of intense, nail biting drama. JK Simmons deserves all the plaudits for his role as the conductor, but lets not forget Miles Teller who manages to get us to like his character, then hate him, before finishing somewhere between the two. 9/10<br />
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DonkeyB: I've liked this film more and more this week as I've got further away from having seen it. I think it is the best film about music I have ever seen, the final scene which is really just a ten minute drum solo perfectly captures what jazz is, the danger and thrilling tension had me on the edge of my seat. I've liked a lot of films we've seen this year but I don't often feel like I have to tell everyone I bump into how great they are (Boyhood excepted I will continue to tell everyone I ever meet how much I loved Boyhood). I found the parts in between the musical performances fell a bit flat but the further I get from having seen it, the more I think that is because of how extraordinary the tension in the music and J K Simmons performance is. 9/10<br />
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Overall: 8.8/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-68946136440507768002015-01-21T09:37:00.000+00:002015-06-26T09:52:34.642+01:00Ex Machina<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bL5yH9s_8QwwUxZCtv0CcajEa1oZjMKccZq1xKOkZZZBjZhuFyD9KVQ_j0bFahJXH-MnvA_W2_tP99Vaawd40lA28iHYiJH_SxM8mp8yB0EXBSCdqLDmltd9bdPEvr1pZ9LKQHMteMih/s1600/ex-machina-poster-v01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bL5yH9s_8QwwUxZCtv0CcajEa1oZjMKccZq1xKOkZZZBjZhuFyD9KVQ_j0bFahJXH-MnvA_W2_tP99Vaawd40lA28iHYiJH_SxM8mp8yB0EXBSCdqLDmltd9bdPEvr1pZ9LKQHMteMih/s1600/ex-machina-poster-v01.png" width="234" /></a>SF: The cinematography is great, the effects are lovely and they
nicely resist the temptation to overuse. But on the whole the film is predictable
and at times rather pointless. It asks interesting questions but nothing you haven’t
heard before or explored in superior literature, television and cinema. The
answers given to the audience are shallow and dull. The overall treatment is a pale shadow of
better science fiction by more talented writers and I spent half the film wishing
I was watching something else. Something better. 4/10<br />
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50Eggs: Whilst Ex Machina has a very topical and 'current' story line, the film this most reminded me of was <i>Dracula</i>. The protagonist is simultaneously a guest and a prisoner, and the sense of discomfort is palpable, with Oscar Isaac nailing it as the proverbial vampire. So it's not a particularly nice film to watch, but it is engrossing nonetheless. Like a feature length Outer Limits, or Black Mirror...and funnily enough Domhnall <br />
Gleeson actually played the part of a robot himself in an episode of the latter which is well worth catching too. 8/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: n/a<br />
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Overall: 6/1050 Eggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676149335351327962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-33063940571103056262015-01-14T15:53:00.000+00:002015-02-05T13:57:33.582+00:00Foxcatcher<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9dYKTgjPszWEA_9KDLlmMpxXPjKVQeX4db_mn66iNveSjdD_IWSRKqkn5SL8o63B0NjOI_jAUGJuguaYgZA90O8SXlQDDviLqu2DrArm9dYmaowR2q62p8zpHeKivgUsyhACT7QWuldb/s1600/foxcatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9dYKTgjPszWEA_9KDLlmMpxXPjKVQeX4db_mn66iNveSjdD_IWSRKqkn5SL8o63B0NjOI_jAUGJuguaYgZA90O8SXlQDDviLqu2DrArm9dYmaowR2q62p8zpHeKivgUsyhACT7QWuldb/s1600/foxcatcher.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a>SF: Channing Tatum can act. Firstly <span style="color: black;">this is</span> another film that isn't fun to watch and I'll most likely <span id="goog_1901092092"></span><span id="goog_1901092093"></span>never watch it again mainly because I found it dull. After 45 mins I did almost leave as I just didn't see this going anywhere and I wasn't all that interested but it was Channing Tatum that kept me <br />
watching, he made the film, he was subtly able to deliver a depth of emotions in wasn't expecting . Steve Carell gave a good performance too but I wasn't all that invested in his character. Most of the film is an unindulged drama focused on three people and the real events that unfolded. While films like this can be brilliant, I don't think this is one of them. 4/10<br />
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50Eggs: n/a<br />
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DonkeyB: Any review should start by saying that the performances in the film are exceptional. Steve Carell is utterly transformed as John Du Pont, and I thought if anything I was even more amazed by Channing Tatum's performance, he got the physicality of a wrestler exceptionally well I though. Once again 3 reviews favourite Mark Ruffalo was just outstanding also putting in a very convincing physical performance with somewhat less raw material (in terms of sheer size) than Tatum. The film is very still and very quiet and seems to be set in a perpetual autumn/winter which adds to the sense of impending doom which you don't need plot spoilers to sense from the outset.<br />
<br />
I thought all those things were to the film's and the director's and cast's credit, but in the end I just wasn't gripped. There is a theme about american patriotism in the film and also money, and it seems to be saying something about the power of money to corrupt and and the ability to use patriotism to corrupt as well, but I didn't think the story was interesting enough to pay off the deliberate pacing and subtle underplaying throughout. 6/10<br />
<br />
PS<br />
I had no idea Sienna Miller was in the film at all until the end credits came up, this might be because she is one of those famous people that I have no idea what they look like, I assume she played Ruffalo's wife, its an easy part to miss, there is not a lot of screen for the female cast. Redgrave gets two scenes as Du Pont's Hitchcockian/Larkinian matriarch, her presence more expressed through her absence. - Donkey B<br />
<br />
Overall: 5/10<br />
<br />Simboidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17487223182150779890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-58055768956630267822015-01-07T13:57:00.000+00:002015-06-26T09:50:39.989+01:00Exodus: Gods and Kings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhRSDFRqN671z6Opnm4CekUnkDnChF6lwNW2LxbMQzJ8NU3DdiS6cqy7uiUhdCPo8sEgBrQ7MqRbgARHGQsRq3N6VnLbY0WpXOVj6RD1SOOIDD_6F-_WrwaX5q5BJnG-TTArEGIQJtDuX/s1600/Exodus-Gods-and-Kings-Poster-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhRSDFRqN671z6Opnm4CekUnkDnChF6lwNW2LxbMQzJ8NU3DdiS6cqy7uiUhdCPo8sEgBrQ7MqRbgARHGQsRq3N6VnLbY0WpXOVj6RD1SOOIDD_6F-_WrwaX5q5BJnG-TTArEGIQJtDuX/s1600/Exodus-Gods-and-Kings-Poster-7.jpg" width="223" /></a>SF: I’m a fan of these type of epic movies, I watched 10
Commandments, Ben Hur and The Message with my Dad many times. So I was looking
forward to seeing this. While Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton try very hard to
make this remotely appealing and interesting I have to say it’s a fail. I even thought
the director’s cut of Kingdom of Heaven was good but this left me bored. The action is dull, the story well known but not particularly
developed and the characterisation shallow. The only interesting take was
having God appear like an petulant child rather than a burning bush, you are
also left questioning if Moses is mad or if it’s all real. On the whole though
one interesting point isn't enough to save a very long film. 4/10<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
50Eggs: Before watching this I checked Rotten Tomatoes and saw it had 23% positive reviews. At £10 a pop I came very close to not bothering with Exodus, but I'd been looking forward to it for long enough that I decided to make my own mind up. Glad I did, this is the best telling of the Moses story I've ever seen. Most of the criticism seems to be based on Joel Ederingtons performance as the Pharaoh (I thought he was excellent) and for upsetting various sections of society (so what!). Great spectacle and strong story telling, I heartily recommend seeing this. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: n/a<br />
<br />
Overall: 6.25/1050 Eggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676149335351327962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-5596841162214711952015-01-05T18:16:00.001+00:002015-04-26T12:10:51.421+01:00Awards 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>After a long wait lo and behold the 3-4-1 awards are back! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdaZmksC9PzVv5HF8ppvTSI9pBUOmNKP_JDjNYDOcekzKpid4y3-VvBtoT42hxhp-5g1a9bxI-cW711uIeC0LSnSB7lKg7KAyvtbCGwCd3IuRx0NCK5NfJh87fNQRjyBNtL7irKqedheG/s1600/award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdaZmksC9PzVv5HF8ppvTSI9pBUOmNKP_JDjNYDOcekzKpid4y3-VvBtoT42hxhp-5g1a9bxI-cW711uIeC0LSnSB7lKg7KAyvtbCGwCd3IuRx0NCK5NfJh87fNQRjyBNtL7irKqedheG/s1600/award.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You might have missed us, but we are now in line with the Oscars.<br />
Unlike them, we don't need fanfare or some big event so without 6 hours of ceremony here we go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Nominations and Winners</b></u><br />
<u><b>2015 </b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Best Film</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: X-men: Days of the Future Past, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Imitation Game</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: Captain America: Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Gone Girl</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: I have five nominations which go like this: Boyhood, and then in no particular order, Pride, Grand Budapest Hotel, Nightcrawler, Mr Turner. I didn't cry in Grand Budapest Hotel or Nightcrawler, and I laughed in all of them.<br />
<b>WINNER: The Grand Budapest Hotel</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b>Best Director</b><br />
SF: Paul King (Paddington), Richard Linklater (Boyhood), James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy)<br />
50Eggs: (Russo bros.) Captain America: Winter Soldier, David Fincher (Gone Girl), Richard Linklater (Boyhood)<br />
DB:<b> </b>Richard Linklater (Boyhood), Richard Linklater (Boyhood), Richard Linklater (Boyhood)<br />
<b>WINNER: Richard Linklater (Boyhood)</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Best Actor</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: <span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benedict Cumberbatch (Imitation Game)</span>, Jake Gyllnelhaal (Nightcrawler), Leonard DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: Bryan Cranston (Godzilla), Martin Freeman (Hobbit 2&3), Ellar Coltrane (Boyhood)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: Ralph Fiennes (GBH), Tim Spall (Mr Turner), Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler), Ellar Coltrane (Boyhood)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>WINNER: Jake Gyllnelhaal (Nightcrawler)</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Best Actress</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: Rosmund Pike (Gone Girl), Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow), Imelda Staunton (Pride)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: Eva Green (300 Rise of an Empire), Scarlett Johanason (Winter Soldier), Rosmund Pike (Gone Girl)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: Imelda Staunton (Pride), Patricia Arquette (Boyhood), Rosmund Pike (Gone Girl)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>WINNER: Rosmund Pike (Gone Girl)</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Worst Film</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: Blue Ruin, Locke, Inbetweeners 2</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: I didnt spend any money watching a bad film, and I even enjoyed Inbetweeners 2!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: Horrible Bosses 2, Blue Ruin, Inbetweeners 2<br />
<b>WINNER: Blue Ruin</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Worst Performance</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: The whole cast of Inbetweeners 2 (because it was awful all round)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), a trained monkey would have been more convincing. [Ba dum tisch ed.]</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: Ann Hathaway (Interstaller, I never wanted an inanimate carbon rod so much in my entire life), </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>WINNER: All of them because it was all bad</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Most controversial Film </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SF: Mr Turner</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
50Eggs: Interstellar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
DB: Both the above, I loved Mr Turner I just thought it was wonderful. I'm afraid Interstellar continued Mr Nolan's downward spiral post Inception for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>WINNER: Interstellar</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-30752725634922448872014-12-31T14:44:00.000+00:002015-04-26T12:11:14.426+01:00The Theory of Everything<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSH3jrvlJy1bpsm5weTjNlIVZJH5gRIiYWL6oADPOAj-57gUEfAnSPMrwSi0553WeejkVRFhSyr679wcfEzWzP3oAYxbqGhyFTWe2nEB6eHePjz7zpbtx0z3xxaFG83ZQyJsb-KA10o6b/s1600/Theory_of_Everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSH3jrvlJy1bpsm5weTjNlIVZJH5gRIiYWL6oADPOAj-57gUEfAnSPMrwSi0553WeejkVRFhSyr679wcfEzWzP3oAYxbqGhyFTWe2nEB6eHePjz7zpbtx0z3xxaFG83ZQyJsb-KA10o6b/s1600/Theory_of_Everything.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a>SF: As far as real life bioptic movies goes this only mediocre. Yes Professor Stephen Hawking has <br />
achieved a great many things and his struggle with motor-neuron disease is amazing but I don't think this film is much more then OK. I wasn't terribly invested in any of the characters, I don't think the actors really captured the depth of emotion I'd expect to see in this type of drama. While the the film makers did manage to encapsulate England and each decade well I didn't see much else that stood out. It's nice is the best review I can give it, I wouldn't rush to the cinema for. There was nothing about Professor Hawking I didn't already know. 5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: I had expected the focus of the film to be about how Stephen Hawking came up with his theories, but turns out that's really not the point here. What it is is a really fascinating insight into the life of an ALS sufferer, and it's all the more powerful for it. Watching the portrayal of the breakdown of Hawkings body is painful, but pails in comparison to the heartbreak of the subsequent breakdown of his relationship. Eddie Redmayne deserves an Oscar for this but he wont get one as all the 'acting ill' awards have already been used up in recent years by McConaughey, Firth, Hoffman and Crowe. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: I see other people are comparing it to Imitation Game and I think that is interesting, its a much better film than that, and Redmayne's performance as Hawking is extraordinarily good. I have to say that I found Felicity Jones's character bordered on the ridiculous, she is so angelic as to not seem like a real person to me and far to pouty too I thought; the film is based on her character's memoir so maybe that explains it?<br />
<br />
There have been a lot of films this year that seem to have been set in a time period that I guess my parents would recognise very well, and I sort of recognise and feel a kind of nostalgia for. In real life the previous decade's fashions and fads don't disappear they persist, I think at least some of my warm feelings towards the film were that I recognised the type of people and the locations, they looked a bit like looking through old family photo albums of my parents before I was born and there is something familiar there. 8/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 7.2/1050 Eggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676149335351327962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-70861415962954566052014-12-24T12:25:00.000+00:002015-02-05T13:58:41.657+00:00The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzbVcHFMC7HvacST6XkpdXsxeqJ-EGBD9YjTdk7pCBm83huZHdw62dewcLPWq-1PB8SUCjJu6t-ORubZJn9SwEZ5sMmG4_dFVpa4AKRcxjdx2NoLOkGb9XwrwygZWW_4zFfUkXdjKOOQF/s1600/The-Battle-of-Five-Armies-Comic-Con-Poster-570x846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzbVcHFMC7HvacST6XkpdXsxeqJ-EGBD9YjTdk7pCBm83huZHdw62dewcLPWq-1PB8SUCjJu6t-ORubZJn9SwEZ5sMmG4_dFVpa4AKRcxjdx2NoLOkGb9XwrwygZWW_4zFfUkXdjKOOQF/s1600/The-Battle-of-Five-Armies-Comic-Con-Poster-570x846.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a>SF: Finally a Hobbit film I liked! Just like the previously two installments there are plenty of added extras that really have no place being there but most of them I could live with. The pace was good, I didn't fall asleep or notice the three hours. A visual feast and a nice recovery for the series. As a bonus the ending doesn't take twenty hours! If your a Tolkien fan you've probably already seen it but if you haven't them I pleased to say this is worth a watch. 7.5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: I reckon this is my favorite of the Hobbit trilogy, just edging Desolation of Smaug. There are some fantastic fight scenes but the best bits were again the added exposition that didn't appear in the original book, which add much needed weight to the story. So that's the end of the road for the Middle Earth films, but there's one more I'd like to see...a 'what if' story showing what would happen if Smaug had killed Bilbo and claimed the One Ring for himself. 8/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: n/a<br />
<br />
Overall: 7.75/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-4065708057746890242014-12-10T12:21:00.000+00:002015-02-05T13:58:30.628+00:00Paddington<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQRXJp0nZJnmTbMXHUgpdOhrU8nhQMcVp6ixrO7ydj-pbUFWsSJcW9GrfyQ20LJgUT6zenpkiYnLmIrCyC7pfOJK8NaKhmESN4erBkth6OH-9SiBPiHvRjuuFU46DSNvtEKwup13XwqB1/s1600/movies-paddington-bear-teaser-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQRXJp0nZJnmTbMXHUgpdOhrU8nhQMcVp6ixrO7ydj-pbUFWsSJcW9GrfyQ20LJgUT6zenpkiYnLmIrCyC7pfOJK8NaKhmESN4erBkth6OH-9SiBPiHvRjuuFU46DSNvtEKwup13XwqB1/s1600/movies-paddington-bear-teaser-poster.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>SF: This is simply wonderful. DonkeyB did have to persuade me to go and
watch this but I'm glad he did. Ben Whishaw brings Paddington to life
brilliantly and the whole cast make this an adorable treat. The
animation is fantastic, I love how much of London you see, lots of humor for
an audience of all ages and tonnes of elements from the books. Any
Paddington fans won't be disappointed and I might even go see it again
7.5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: n/a<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: A lovely kids film, but I'm such a fan of the books that I can't help being disappointed that my favourite Paddington escapades didn't make it into the film. There are loads of set pieces from the books I felt would be perfect for a film and I thought it was telling that the best part of the film is near the beginning in a scene in the bathroom which is lifted almost directly from a book albeit with a little cinematic license. I thought the scenes set in Peru were entirely unnecessary, and it was quite boring to have to see them twice in effect. I am a Paddington fan and I was a bit disappointed, sorry. 6/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 6.75/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-3156189886103125672014-12-03T12:20:00.000+00:002015-02-05T13:58:21.325+00:00Horrible Bosses 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw8pKlw7U_rAi9YnPVrkGDuh8Kb6GCDXPErDwkFfZnK8YG1A4zsCdOczkkZywnj2ePcgrXvsuBDMdSQgWog8tokkjvg6nK5dcqIEMdDjVzyousvB7Pw-jYYmnLUlSjRlju5cKhd60zQ3I/s1600/MV5BNzU4OTEzNzAwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTgwODAwMzE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw8pKlw7U_rAi9YnPVrkGDuh8Kb6GCDXPErDwkFfZnK8YG1A4zsCdOczkkZywnj2ePcgrXvsuBDMdSQgWog8tokkjvg6nK5dcqIEMdDjVzyousvB7Pw-jYYmnLUlSjRlju5cKhd60zQ3I/s1600/MV5BNzU4OTEzNzAwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTgwODAwMzE@._V1_SX214_AL_.jpg" /></a>SF: I thought the first installment of this film was fairly mediocre but
there were enough funny bits to make it bearable. The sequel doesn't
even come close. Those wishing to see Jennifer Aniston and under wear
won't be disappointed but that would be the only reason I can think of
to bother with this dull sequel. The story doesn't hold you attention,
the jokes are predicable and I can't recall one but I really laughed at.
I won't even bother mentioning the performances because there really is
nothing to see here <br />
2/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: n/a<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: Execrable, misogynist drivel. Hateful in every way. Not funny. 2/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 2/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-27623076737397370282014-11-24T20:52:00.000+00:002015-02-05T14:02:27.478+00:00The Imitation Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSI1heH9sL3DzbvPT5Uv5jczyJ-DZUfRhd_Sy_pTEIEPgXxbMvF1l3dmuRFhZ9ESny-3T1X_wnbUAQPwPjAuesmxGra0nCaQTSl6WraakijeIHlCRNmH50t5XqSHYwPsonqGOtJ37CYFj/s1600/The-Imitation-Game-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSI1heH9sL3DzbvPT5Uv5jczyJ-DZUfRhd_Sy_pTEIEPgXxbMvF1l3dmuRFhZ9ESny-3T1X_wnbUAQPwPjAuesmxGra0nCaQTSl6WraakijeIHlCRNmH50t5XqSHYwPsonqGOtJ37CYFj/s1600/The-Imitation-Game-2014.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
SF: There are a number of things I really appreciated about this film. Mainly its understated tone, despite having an endlessly fascinating topic and an open door to lots of drama the mood is very down played. Everything unfolds at a decent pace, the characters are developed well and while the tension is somewhat lacking the film is still very compelling. The fact it never really descends into a thriller or overly emotional film is really a testiment to the directors ability to make the subtle appealing. Benedict Cumberbatch is his usual brilliant self and Matthew Goode is great in the supporting role. Another bonus is that Miss Knightly didn't annoy me half as much as she normally does. While people will moan about the historical inaccuracies and I concede there are a number - mainly that Turing did not remain at Bletchley Park for the entire duration of the war I felt that alteration worked within the film. This film was one I really enjoyed and would suggest be one of the few worth seeing this year. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs:<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: I can't really see what all the fuss is about. Its only ok. The Russian spy subplot is as advertised (overblown and ridiculous) and while Cumberbatch's performance is good I didn't think it moved much beyond a high budget made for tv special frankly. 6/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 7.25/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-66009315235505469412014-11-12T13:04:00.000+00:002014-12-31T12:31:08.377+00:00Interstellar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkJY2m8pVoUUFxlWz2bfBXtVWxhWV9PbL-3EjPZIGRyuUWhjVP7JwVC0lNVHhU8jYYbs0NF7HnSvsiUQNIEPGw-WPyMhMra1qtvJBwmd0-vlR9Vkbu-oKEET-TMtmNXeJJo_p3ZtK9o_w/s1600/93adf4cc94ee6641c38e9cb64706abf5cf528229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkJY2m8pVoUUFxlWz2bfBXtVWxhWV9PbL-3EjPZIGRyuUWhjVP7JwVC0lNVHhU8jYYbs0NF7HnSvsiUQNIEPGw-WPyMhMra1qtvJBwmd0-vlR9Vkbu-oKEET-TMtmNXeJJo_p3ZtK9o_w/s1600/93adf4cc94ee6641c38e9cb64706abf5cf528229.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a>SF: I still don’t know if I liked this film. So far it feels like Nolan can do no wrong but then there are always bound to be hiccups and this I think is it. The film is far too long, while I enjoy character development the introduction and final 45 mins can all be condensed and have just as much impact. The other draw back is that the trailer gave away most of the plot highlights so I felt there were very little surprises left. The performances are fine enough but no one really stood out. The plot while being interesting seemed to have no pace and real drama. In fact most the film came across flat despite having a number of very intriguing scenes and elements to the story. On the hold the visuals might be worth a cinema trip but it wouldn’t be my first choice. 5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: Here's my issue with this film. The poster says '<i>Experience it in IMAX</i>' and in an interview, McConaughey said '<i>you need to watch this on the biggest screen you can find</i>'. So you can forgive me for expecting this to be an eye-candy extravaganza, painting inspiring vistas of the cosmos and leaving me slack jawed. You can imagine my disappointment when the visuals turned out to be rather bland, and not even a patch on last years Gravity. That film, despite being set a lot closer to home, did a much better job in conveying the wonder of the universe and our place in it. Back to Interstellar the story and concept are good, and whilst I left the cinema in a bit of a mood, I will say that I have thought on the film a fair bit since and will definitely watch it again at some point. 7/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: "Relatively inferior to Gravity" would be a good one line review for the poster. Its boring is the main problem, waaaaaaaay too long and stupider than it has any idea. Anne Hathaway's character would have spent 4 billion years inside an airlock if I was commander of the spaceship, but I did enjoy fat Matt Damon. I could come a cross as much harsher on this, its no Prometheus for example, much better than that, but it is much less than the sum of its parts and the ending is preposterous. 4/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 5.3/1050 Eggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676149335351327962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-7837163720572803642014-11-05T14:35:00.000+00:002015-01-12T23:06:27.592+00:00Mr Turner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Ttsi8q2teDkOS0chGK8hzdxNWk9N7qcvmNFl4hyphenhyphenStLWFTYT00awa6BUZ39u3YNgxZUS53RQjDZ1L3idTcBxmJmYyA_3Gy6bQQtylnWCc8KHE1O9xzLbkVX7l8wWJjRDv1yyvrpKlMPq/s1600/mr-turner-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Ttsi8q2teDkOS0chGK8hzdxNWk9N7qcvmNFl4hyphenhyphenStLWFTYT00awa6BUZ39u3YNgxZUS53RQjDZ1L3idTcBxmJmYyA_3Gy6bQQtylnWCc8KHE1O9xzLbkVX7l8wWJjRDv1yyvrpKlMPq/s1600/mr-turner-main.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a>SF: Being a fan of Turner's work I was happily anticipating this film, the fact it was Mike Leigh directing was a bonus. Sadly I can't say I found this film at all enjoyable, it was at best mildly interesting. I found the music jarring, the tone depressing and the overall film a let down. While Timothy Spall gives another great performance and the film is very informative I didn't find it particularly emotive. While I can se the appeal to others this wasn't the type of film I like watching. There are some great scenes and I've no doubt that devote fans of both Turner and Leigh will lavish praise upon this. The best praise I can give is that the cinematography is wonderful. 5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: n/a<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: I loved it, its not going to be popular with the comic book fans, but from the opening scene the cinematography does a magnificent job of bringing Turner's world to life. Tim Spall gives one of the all time great grunting performances in the history of cinema, and its a longer history than you'd necessarily expect if you think about it. It is poignant and funny and while I have no idea whether it is an accurate portrayal of Turner's life, entirely believable, making him seem both human and yet not taking away the feeling of unknowable otherworldly genius that you get when looking at his paintings next to a Constable (for example). Special bonus points for the prominence given to 'Slave Ship (Slavers throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On)', which is perhaps his greatest work, though less well known in this country as its one of the paintings that wasn't left to the nation because it was already in private hands when Turner died. 8/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 6.5/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-91553859795157123232014-10-27T23:10:00.002+00:002015-01-12T23:07:29.133+00:00Nightcrawler<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QSO4wvOjhbfTpGgFuvB2nV82XmoZ7VglmWNIeDlXuJeJdIzQt9M7XjWPkWMWiAwd9c7MRY5ACm-ai80baUnteQRkS5ZOO14x49N3iI8z2-K1lqwwyh4jKI1xIt317zQHdoQD6bN_-lqq/s1600/nightcrawlerposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QSO4wvOjhbfTpGgFuvB2nV82XmoZ7VglmWNIeDlXuJeJdIzQt9M7XjWPkWMWiAwd9c7MRY5ACm-ai80baUnteQRkS5ZOO14x49N3iI8z2-K1lqwwyh4jKI1xIt317zQHdoQD6bN_-lqq/s1600/nightcrawlerposter.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a>SF: Jake Gyllnelhaal is nothing short of creepy brilliant. This film manages
to be darkly entertaining, twisted and strangely captivating. The
trailer implies that this film this is nothing more than a standard
thriller, mandatory twists and all, however the reality is much better.
It never reduces it self to cheap thrills and predictability. The
characters are complex, well portrayed and never dissolved to stock
figures and while there are no traditional twists there are more than
enough disturbing plot moves to keep you enthralled. Well worth a watch
and one of the better films of this year so far. 8/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: N/A<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: So this is where all the good films have gone! The poster (left) isn't a particularly good advert for the film, although you do spend a good portion of the film staring at Gyllenhaal's face, the striking thing are his eyes and in reality the star of the film (or at least co-star) is Los Angeles, in this way it reminded me of James Elroy and Michael Connelly novels (both set most of their books in LA), its dark and ambiguous and seems to inhabit the characters as much as they inhabit it. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 8.25/10<br />
<br />
The bozos behind us on the way out "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_en_sc%C3%A8ne" target="_blank">loved the mise en scène"</a>ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-1332932811957208522014-10-15T18:28:00.000+01:002014-11-15T13:06:27.824+00:00Pride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-hncX3HZwcSW20-g0uR92Oa_sxbjXKsxdmixeVm4hGBDHp67RjD43R9YQkdZGoavz4x13cRs_Xq86CcA9d4GNKyp0i0JneJvo_U5G_4am_sJlmeeRyQjRrejY85PoKyOHQr4FOUEN2x-/s1600/pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-hncX3HZwcSW20-g0uR92Oa_sxbjXKsxdmixeVm4hGBDHp67RjD43R9YQkdZGoavz4x13cRs_Xq86CcA9d4GNKyp0i0JneJvo_U5G_4am_sJlmeeRyQjRrejY85PoKyOHQr4FOUEN2x-/s1600/pride.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a>SF: I never thought there would be a film about a Gay and Lesbian support group for Miners on strike and therefore was more baffled than anything else when this can along. I'm happy to say this was a delight to watch. Both entertaining and factually interesting. I left the cinema with that cliched phrase "Who knew" but genuinely happy that I'd seen the film and did have a look at the Wikipedia page on the way home. The acting is so good it appears effortless, the characters endearing and the entire story heartwarming. Well work a watch. 8/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: N/A<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: Its practically perfect. I cried at least three times and laughed many many more. As my Facebook friends know, my kitchen scales made a cameo appearance, I can confirm they are older than me and therefore definitely period, props to the props dept. Paddy Considine needs some award recognition, and Bill Nighy gives a speech about the seam of coal running from Spain to Pennsylvania via south Wales which is word for word perfect to one it felt like i heard hundreds of times when I lived in Wales. 10/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 9/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-87512562424388271812014-10-08T18:26:00.000+01:002014-11-15T13:06:50.513+00:00Gone Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO3Z6Ionw9h32sQUJVXZ7zR4R_pJrfsg_xnQINsWFtjQ1Qsc3lSR2HooeADo4CodRUcQy4t0BL-kWrjESOaI1n1yhbyEdlXnZ_1qaokmA8V7LZDzYDaxArFE-dWEM3WSKBIKYl3zoxQ12/s1600/gonegirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbO3Z6Ionw9h32sQUJVXZ7zR4R_pJrfsg_xnQINsWFtjQ1Qsc3lSR2HooeADo4CodRUcQy4t0BL-kWrjESOaI1n1yhbyEdlXnZ_1qaokmA8V7LZDzYDaxArFE-dWEM3WSKBIKYl3zoxQ12/s1600/gonegirl.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
SF: When I left the cinema I wasn't sure if I liked this film or not. I've enjoyed most of Fincher's movies and with the author writing the script, I'd have thought this would be amazing. There were plenty of things I enjoyed about this film, good bursts of excellent entertainment and thrilling plot developments but overall this felt like a great excuse for one twist after another. At some point the impact is reduced because you left waiting for the next big twist. The film does well to keep you watching two thoroughly unlikeable characters. I can't help but compare it to things like <i>The Prestige</i> or <i>Memento</i> which take a similar style but are executed in a far more intelligent manner. I'd be in no rush to see this again and the more I think about the more I dislike. However I can see this being a thriller genre fan's ideal cinematic experience, so for that audience it certainly delivers. 6.5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: My partner wanted to see this one, so I went along to do my duty of seeing what I assumed would be a 'pink' film. Wrong. This is a a really tense and intriguing film. Not knowing anything about it beforehand was a boon as I couldn't figure out where it was going, and thus it kept me gripped for the duration (and its pretty long). Recommended. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: I felt like the film ended up being less than the sum of its parts [cliché, see if you can count the rest]. Rosamund Pike gives a stunning performance, but it turned into too much of a Paul Verhoeven bunny boiler for my liking and it was definitely too twisty for its own good too. My least favourite Fincher, going to watch Zodiac again because it will eventually be considered his masterpiece. 5.5/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 6.5/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-87264646022923021872014-08-13T16:31:00.000+01:002014-11-15T13:07:07.831+00:00Inbetweeners 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGEOEnhTbqvcZZjEdLpMNHDHbMYHe8z25xGl09ySHA5YFCvh1aoRVWcd_VxbQieUmarRweN6B50jRMyWHyMnGn0U90RAL27xj8ElLAQ5aox2GcnLZmgYghtg5mHpeCcVaf7AtpbjlEJ9I/s1600/Inbetweeners_2_Movie_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGEOEnhTbqvcZZjEdLpMNHDHbMYHe8z25xGl09ySHA5YFCvh1aoRVWcd_VxbQieUmarRweN6B50jRMyWHyMnGn0U90RAL27xj8ElLAQ5aox2GcnLZmgYghtg5mHpeCcVaf7AtpbjlEJ9I/s1600/Inbetweeners_2_Movie_Poster.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>SF: I really wanted to like this but it just didn't happen. There were a handful of bits I thought were funny but only one made me actually laugh. The first hour seems totally pointless, it felt like they managed to get everyone in front of a camera but had no idea what to do with them. Considering how good the series was and the last film I'm astonished they bothered making this one, as it only ruins a great track record. Watch it if you must but you assure you skipping it is a better idea. 4/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: If ever there was a film worth watching for one joke, it's this. The waterslide scene had me literally creased up and in tears, and that moment alone gets this film all the way to 5/10. There are a few other very funny moments, but it has to be said there are several that misfire.Worse is that the story is lame. Of course the story in this type of thing is always going to be lightweight, but at least lets have it believable...like it was in the first film. 6.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: Ugh, not funny enough. I like the TV show and the first film had me laughing out loud in a theatre full of two people, unfortunately this is just not very good. The premise is weak even by TV to film conversions, the boys all feel and look too old to be quite so dumb and gullible. There is one scene which is very funny but apart from that nothing to recommend it. 3/10.<br />
<br />
Overall: 4.5/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-82408187633009354782014-08-03T17:43:00.000+01:002014-11-04T13:15:37.844+00:00Guardians of the Galaxy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bMvLiqchVVHMdQBqdjOyWT2pRy5UGvHHLyG7tyCBl1LVEYTzp_mb8ElT4igFKO_i6CArywvnIE5QNxTGJcBB-CeWwKUo8CFM32iblhTQlPNCmj09g5iGu4ZDwwypWxOVno8I2z4-b637/s1600/guardian-of-the-galaxy-poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bMvLiqchVVHMdQBqdjOyWT2pRy5UGvHHLyG7tyCBl1LVEYTzp_mb8ElT4igFKO_i6CArywvnIE5QNxTGJcBB-CeWwKUo8CFM32iblhTQlPNCmj09g5iGu4ZDwwypWxOVno8I2z4-b637/s1600/guardian-of-the-galaxy-poster1.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a>SF: Marvel studios have done it again. For once this wasn't a comic I'd read before and knew very little about the characters for plot. However withing about 5 minutes I was hooked. As seems to be becoming a pattern, excellent special effects, well laid out plot, good amount of humor and overall a most enjoyable movie. This one also has a fantastic soundtrack. I'll say that there were a few hammy lines and yes, maybe Draxx wasn't the most three dimensional character, but this delivered in every way that mattered and I'll planning on seeing it again on the big screen before the month is over. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: There was a point when I thought I wouldn't bother watching any more Marvel films, given how low the quality had dipped. But I was tempted into seeing this due to hearing it was 'the new Star Wars'. That may have been a bit of an exaggeration, but it is certainly very good. The best compliment I can give it though is that's is actually a very funny film, on purpose. It does a great job of being both light hearted whilst still having a decent story. 8.5/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: N/A<br />
<br />
Overall: 8.5/10ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529540484961407862.post-41968846092083128472014-07-31T17:35:00.000+01:002014-11-04T13:50:30.451+00:00Boyhood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK8qrljSAaqIzqDwILWFbvpFPUp2BcN6c7etf519ACjbIBMSnpVSvM7A64tuKPvMMJOmpUP-6Zie8CRubWNX8kQwctV3BXzeqGqijh5aeb1y1P41sYYHKJWu2P8u2baa9iYOezhfegqDn/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK8qrljSAaqIzqDwILWFbvpFPUp2BcN6c7etf519ACjbIBMSnpVSvM7A64tuKPvMMJOmpUP-6Zie8CRubWNX8kQwctV3BXzeqGqijh5aeb1y1P41sYYHKJWu2P8u2baa9iYOezhfegqDn/s1600/index.jpg" /></a>SF: A wonderfully moving filming. I've seen a huge amount of cinema and a lot have attempted to capture the same sense of realism and emotion that this does, but none are half as well conceived. It is an entirely character driven film and in reality very little happens while at the same time everything is changing. The acting is superb and direction flawless. To start with I was waiting for the pace to pick up or something shocking to happen but it never gives way to any cliche and I found myself being totally drawn in. I can't see there being another film like it - after all this only took about 10 years to film. While I'd be unlikely to buy this or watch again it is well worth viewing 9/10<br />
<br />
50Eggs: When so much time and effort has gone into a film such as this, it seems to me that a film fan has an obligation to see it. The story here is solid but really plays second fiddle to the passage of time, which is captured perfectly not only with the genuine ageing of its cast but also through it's little nods towards the changing technology, culture and politics. I hope they carry this on and release it every ten years with a new chapter. 8/10<br />
<br />
DonkeyB: Linklater's masterpiece. Filmed over a few weeks every summer for 12 years with the same cast it manages to capture growing up in a way no other film I've ever seen does. Its definitely the best film we've seen this year. Everyone should see it, and unlike SF the first thing I wanted to do when I to out of the cinema was get another ticket and watch it again. 9.5/10<br />
<br />
Overall: 9.25/10<br />
<br />ShadowFalconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15705530281109481071noreply@blogger.com0