Review: The King's Speech

As narrow minded as one may appear, one never has been partial for Monarchy-based debauchery, especially on the big screen. One tolerated 2006's The Queen and have, as a rule, avoided the genre due to its lack of appeal. I did however break such a tradition when I was swayed by dazzling write ups of The King's Speech being hailed a surprise package, a sensation, a gem if you will. Amidst claims that the film is so splendidly written and acted, the Oscar nominations were tipped to arrive in abundance. Which it did. Did I mention I acquired myself some free tickets? So thought I'd give it a go, and why the hell not?

My preconceptions regarding a film focusing on Prince Albert (Colin Firth) documenting his battle with a life long stammer, bullying Brother David (Guy Pierce) and subsequent rise through the monarchy, were those of scepticism. Director Tom Hooper's only other outing, The Damned United and a long list of television, left me questioning if I would take anything from this film at all. Upon exiting the cinema, I wasn't left with a profound sense of emotion, nor shock, probably because the film wasn't set up in such a way. Whilst I was neither speechless nor astounded, I was, in fact, pleasantly surprised.

The feel to the film is typically British (obviously), yet deviates from past Royal interpretations positively. The stiff upper lip and high brow setting is complimented by intelligent humour and an obscene amount of, if you pardon my low brow blasphemy; fucks (amongst other profanities during one memorable scene). The outcome is a sharp, witty and entertaining script brought to life brilliantly by Firth and support; Geoffrey Rush, who plays speech therapist Lionel, who, to be honest, steals several scenes and proves worthy of his Best Supporting Male nod.

In honesty, aside from a well written script, it's Firth and Rush that carry the film, along with a gracious support from Helena Bonham Carter who plays Bertie's wife Elizabeth. The film progresses at a slow and methodical pace as Albert (or Bertie as he is affectionately referred to) attempts to overcome his speech impediment as the family hierarchy restructures, due to his Father, King George V's death. A sense of urgency is then established to rid himself of his crippling stutter as Bertie panics over his ascension to the throne and impending speech to the nation.

The King's Speech is an entertaining watch and exuded sympathy during some delicately handled scenes. The simplicity of emotion is played to great effect, allowing the audience to empathise with both Bertie and Lionel, respectively. The film reaches a contrived climax with heart warming and a somewhat pleasant outcome, a comforting satisfaction and conclusion in fitting with the straight and narrow story arc.

The Oscar buzz surrounding The King's Speech is inevitable and, to an extent, justified. With nominations for Firth, Rush, Bonham-Carter as well as Best Picture, Screenplay and Director short listings, it's certainly made a lasting impression with the people that matter. Rush is more than worthy to pick up Best Supporting Male, which should leave the remaining gongs, in my opinion,  to more deserving contenders such as Black Swan (Directing) or Inception (Original Screenplay).

The King's Speech sets out to tell a real and simplistic story and, to it's credit, does so very effectively. Whilst nothing revolutionary takes place in terms of film making, its craftily devised script and genuine performances are what makes it a good, but not great film. I, for one, would be a little disappointed to see it clean sweep the Oscars later this month, where, I feel, there are others more worthy of acclaim. One surely can't have ones cake and eat it, or can they?
★★★
Sources : Internet Movie DataBase
Images : Google Images

Review: Catfish

Social networking is at the forefront of modern life. Such sites account for well, everything from communication to advertising. Naturally the popularity of Facebook prompts film makers to create stories revolving around said tool, in an attempt to encapsulate its generational defining impact. The success of 2010's Oscar tipped, The Social Network, proves it can be successful if done correctly. David Fincher's masterpiece eclipsed anything else of its kind and now in 2011, sensing the genre is exhausted, pitching an idea about Facebook seems kind of lame, as the youth of today would phrase it.

However, late last year I stumbled upon the bizarrely titled Catfish. A docu-film following Nev, a photographer from New York, who begins an Internet relationship with members of a family living on the other side of America.

Sounds innocent enough (although just why a 24-year-old man befriends an 8-year-old Abby, adult sister Megan and Mother Angela online, does raise certain questions). Feeling skeptical? Cynical? Probably, given the fragility of modern society, especially where children and Internet are mentioned in the same sentence. A 9 month relationship forms with our naive protagonist and his new found friends, as they exchange phone calls, texts, gifts (including paintings, the significance to be revealed), as well as the classic Facebook wall messages. Things heat up when Nev begins to develop (mutual) romantic feelings for Megan, prompting him to suggest that they take things to the next level by actually meeting in person.

To cut a long story short (and the fact that any further detail would give away the plot and the film's shocking reveal), Nev becomes suspicious about how genuine the family really are after making unexpected discoveries regarding the family's, ahem, musical talents. All along Nev's brother, Rel, and friend, Henry, decide to document the relationship as, being independent film makers, they sense something intriguing about to unfold.

The film offers an honest and shocking conclusion when Nev decides to confront the family face-to-face and finally meet up with his new love, Megan. What happens then is a chilling social commentary, strongly focused on the nature of how social networking sites can be used. This is a film with heart and ultimately compassion, as Nev's reaction to certain revelations prove.

Suffice to say, the documentary/film is a fascinating one, interspersed with humour, a likeable focal character, as well as tension- especially in the build up to the film makers travelling to meet said family.

A refreshing alternative to current mainstream fodder, Catfish is a well crafted and sharply edited film, that transcends the genuine emotional highs and crushing lows of Nev's experience, which certainly makes for a compelling watch.
★★★★


Sources : Internet Movie DataBase , YouTube

The Lion King Is Back!

Yes it's true. I'm sure you are as excited as I am when I stumbled upon the preview trailer on the, ahem, Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray/DVD pack we watched earlier this month (I say 'we' as I include my girlfriend; the recipient of said gift). Not only had I been seeking to obtain a copy of Disney's 32nd film for the past few years, but was overjoyed when I found out that a Diamond Edition will be released on Blu-ray as well as DVD in 'Fall 2011', which apparently means around September time.

A long term fan of the Lion King, ever since Disney peaked during their 90's renaissance period, I witnessed the brilliant stage show in London last year, which merely reignited my desire for the animated epic once more. Certainly there is a bit of a wait in store, but come September, armed with my soon to be purchased Blu-ray player, I will once again be singing along to Hakuna Matata in crystal clear glory, hurrah!



Sources : YouTube
Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray/DVD

The Wonderfully (& Strangely) Mesmerising...Bill Murray

I, for one, salute the legendary Bill Murray. Only the other week was I watching him be a bit of an ass, albeit  a loveable one, in Scrooged. A few weeks prior to that I enjoyed the utterly charming Wes Anderson take on Fantastic Mr. Fox, where Murray plays a badger called, erm, Badger.

Frankly, in another week or two, I'll probably be watching him in something else, portraying perfect deadpan comedy, like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou or even The Royal Tenenbaums. Can't get enough of him, so when I stumbled upon this, it not only tickled me, but compelled me to share it. Enjoy.

Daniel Craig will return in... Bond 23

After much speculation over the past year as to whether MGM will produce another James Bond movie to add to one of the most successful franchise in cinema history, it has finally been confirmed that the 23rd Bond outing, currently untitled, will hit screens 9th November of next year, with Bond 23 being part of the 50th Anniversary since Dr. No, way back in 1962. What's more, recently-out-of-crisis MGM have scored another triumph, that two-time Bond, Daniel Craig, will be returning.

Amidst speculation that Craig was prepared to jump ship from his five film deal, due to the uncertainty of the production company's future, one can breathe a huge sigh of relief as you sit back and sip your Martinis. The brutal, beef-cake and down right rugged Bond will return to at least see out three fifths of his contractual agreement, penned in 2005. Phew.

Not only that, but Craig will now pair up with American Beauty director Sam Mendez, which could make for a rather interesting third instalment of the rebooted franchise. Boasting an impressive catalogue of achievements such as the brilliant Road to Perdition, where, incidentally, he first worked with Craig (albeit it briefly) and darlky comedic anti-war flick Jarhead, Mendez could give the franchise a revitalised boost after it's recent dip.

For me, Casino Royale was frankly, immense. From its well written script, right down to the intro song, it all fitted and worked to great effect, creating a cool and suave Bond for the 21st Century. It reinvented 007, his persona and the world that surrounded him. The gritty realism and its no nonsense narrative made the whole thing feel more kosher (unlike the conclusion of Brosnan's reign, where he would be 360 degree flipping speed boats at 60mph). The characters, strongly performed by Craig and support Eva Green, gave a fresh credibility to the laborious Bonds of the Noughties.

2008's Quantum of Solace, in my eyes, was poor. A massive let down, especially in comparison to Casino Royale. It lacked the charm and integrity of its predecessor, thus setting alarm bells off in my head that we were returning to the over-the-top, cheesy Bond of old. It disappointed on pretty much every level, especially as expectations were so high after Craig's debut. Shoddy editing, pointless explosions and a general lack of intelligence and pace, implied that the script was rushed and poorly executed. Thank God I've got that out of my system...

In truth, there's not a lot of details to speak of at the moment in regards to Bond girls, villains and plot. Even the attachment of Mendez was speculative until recently, but, should he fulfil his commitment, could provide a fresh approach and, hopefully, get Bond back on par with the superb quality of Casino Royale.

Sources : Internet Movie DataBase

SUCKER PUNCHED & RAISING HELL!

SUCKER PUNCH - April 1st

It's true, I didn't feature Zack Snyder's high octane, ramp-up-the-ultra-violence-and-sex-appeal, fantasy Sucker Punch in my 'Most Anticipated' post, as it isn't, but feel it's worth mentioning ahead of it's UK April release. Snyder (300, Watchmen) has never been one for holding back when it comes to explicit content and seems to follow trend with his latest picture.

I'll admit, I still can't decide whether this will be on par with 300 in terms of its awesome CGI fantasy epic-ness, or whether it will, in fact, turn out to be a somewhat extreme version of the mundane Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow...

However, if anyone can pull it off, it's Snyder. His Dawn of the Dead was a worthy remake. 300 was an entertaining, testosterone-filled epic, followed up by the impressive-in-parts; Watchmen (the graphic novel they said could never work as a film).

Snyder has always had his critics. Personally, I hold his last three films (as stated earlier) in high regard. The imagination and rich glossiness to the scenes and, indeed, mise-en-scene hit the mark for me visually. The same can be said with Sucker Punch. Regardless of it's plot, the settings are vibrant, rich and look beautiful. Whilst Snyder's environments ooze with character and style, the initial setting of Sucker Punch; a mental asylum, doesn't push the same visual boundaries as Leonidas and his Spartans, fighting Xerxes vast armies upon ancient Greece landscapes in 300, or the impressive Arctic lair of Ozymandias in Watchmen.

Baby Doll (Emily Browning) is imprisoned at a mental house, by her evil, abusive Step Father. She meets other girls of similar fate, Rocket (Jenna Malone), Amber (Jamie Chung), Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens) and Sweet Pea (Abbey Cornish). BD plots to escape before she is inevitably lobotomised, and recruits her new girlfriends to begin a journey to break out (in her mind at least).

However, cometh the twist, when she begins her imaginary quest, the boundaries of reality and fantasy begin to merge, as the gang fight through the limitless nasties in their minds, the action inexplicably begins to spill out into reality... It's then that the visual concoction of fantastical imagery comes into play. Epic landscapes, torturous monsters and fire breathing dragons stand in the way of BD and her path to liberation. The legendary Scott Glenn plays her wise guide along her journey, whom goes simply by the name of Wiseman. He informs BD of the five objects she must attain to seek inner freedom, as well as in the real world.

Expect a fast paced, rollercoaster ride as Baby Doll et al battle samurai, serpents and... Gigantic robot monsters.

Sources : Internet Movie DataBase

Most Anticipated of 2011

2010 turned out to be a decent year for film with the likes of Toy Story 3, Kick Ass and, of course, the breath taking Inception, cementing themselves as modern day classics, with immense box office success to boot.

Early 2011 promises great things, with a handful of highly anticipated movies being released within the first few months, we really are in for quite a treat and that's before the likes of Cowboys and Aliens, Super 8, The Hangover 2 and Captain America hit the screens this Summer. There's a lot coming our way throughout this year, but here's the 5 films I am most excited about for the immediate future...

5. THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU - 4th March

The Adjustment Bureau sees David Norris (Matt Damon) and Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) meet randomly, by chance, or so it would seem. Cue the uncovering of a secret group of men known as the Adjustment Team, adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel of the same name, who claim to run the world and monitor everyone's chosen path. The only problem is, David decides to oppose the powers that be and pursue a life with Elise, thus throwing both his and her futures into jeopardy, which obviously would cause a massive shit storm with the hat wearing men in command . It appears to have all the ingredients for success, the trailer is sinister, thrilling and ever so slightly Inception-like, not to mention a great cast with Damon, Blunt and (largely unknown) Michael Kelly. Oh, and did I mention the $65m budget? That might help too.
Anticipation  ★★★

4. 127 HOURS - 7th Jan

Released last Friday, Danny Boyle's real life story of a climber who gets trapped down a canyon in Utah for, well, 127 hours promises to grip and shock audiences. Well received so far, it's lead, played by the brilliant James Franco, gives a worthy performance as stranded mountaineer Aron Ralston who takes drastic measures to avert death at any cost. In parts it gets gruesome so not for the faint hearted, you have been warned.
Anticipation  ★★★

3. THE FIGHTER - 4th Feb

Another film with Oscar buzz in the air, Mark Wahlberg is real life ex-boxer Mickey Ward as he struggles to  make a name for himself in the ring. He's too old and frankly not that great, but is given one last shot at his fighting career. It's the Rocky for the new millennium, but clichéd underdog story aside, looks set to earn Wahlberg and even Christian Bale, who plays his volatile tempered trainer/half-brother, Oscar nominations. Watch this space.
Anticipation  ★★★★

2. BLACK SWAN - 21st Jan

Director Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler, Requiem for a Dream) is at the helm for this dark tale of ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman) who is thrilled when presented, by director Thomas (Vincent Cassel), with the lead role of production Swan Lake. Problem is, Nina encapsulates the white swan perfectly but needs to fulfil the alter ego persona of the black swan also, which she fails to do. She soon becomes threatened by new rival Lily (Mila Kunis) whom challenges for her role as she is more adept as the black swan. The result is an intense emotional struggle as Nina tries to hold onto the lead by allowing her dark side through, which drags her down a scarily dark, paranoid path. Oscar buzz surrounds Portman and indeed the film itself, making it one to certainly check out. If the thrills and emotional performances don't have you panting in excitement, the intimate scene with Portman and Kunis will.

Anticipation  ★★★★★

1. TRUE GRIT - 11th Feb

This is the one I am waiting for. The Coen Brothers (The Big Lebowski, No Country For Old Men, Burn After Reading) are back, hallelujah! A loose remake of the 1969 film by the same name starring John Wayne, Jeff Bridges assumes the role of renegade hell raiser, I-don't-play-by-the-book, gun slingin', all round bad ass Rooster Cogburn. Did I mention he has an eye patch? To be honest, looks like it will be the film of the year and the piece that will get people talking about the Coen's once more. The story focuses on Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld), a young girl who hires Cogburn to hunt down the killer of her Father, a hitman by the name of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the pair are accompanied by Texas Ranger; LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) with his own personal agenda. The trio embark on a journey to find Chaney and lets just say the events thereafter involve lots of adventure and just a little bit of killing along the way. If you're not into Westerns, then now is the time to take an interest!

A strong cast mixed with the slick, quirky and unforgiving style the Coen's are synonymous with, True Grit will surely propel the genius pair right back into the mix, after a somewhat quiet year.
Anticipation  ★★★★★


Sources: Internet Movie DataBase, Total Film Magazine ISSUE 175

Preview: Monsters

A lot of you may not be familiar with the name Gareth Edwards, let alone his new, and possibly career defining film, Monsters. I have read a lot of comparison to District 9, notably in Empire Magazine whom hail the first writing and directing efforts of Edwards as "an amazing achievement".

However, having viewed the trailer but once, I will admit it does not look anything extraordinary (unlike that of D9). Do not be put off. Do not dismiss it. Because, like D9, you might just be in for the treat of your life.

The concept of other worldly creatures inhabiting and settling on Earth (as long as it's done properly) intrigues and fascinates me, as does the highly praised use of special effects visualising the said titled 'monsters' that allegedly pose a threat to humanity. The tag line 'After six years, they're no longer aliens. They're residents' sums up the premise which fills me with similar anticipation as D9.

Suffice to say I shall be seeing it (this week if I'm lucky) to judge for myself if I have found my new District 9. I will report back as and when.

Sources: Internet Movie DataBase , Empire Magazine Iss.258 (Dec '10)