Cs_The_Moment Reviews

Filth (I) (2013)

Disturbingly Dark and Honest

[8/10 · 21 August 2014]

Filth is an in-your-face, raucous film about corrupt policeman Bruce (James McAvoy) determined that nothing and no one will stand in his way of a promotion which will help him win back his family. As he falls further into his web of lies and deceit he is drawn deeper into drug addiction which causes his life to spiral out of control.

I actually saw this film a few weeks ago and couldn't really make up my mind about it until I'd really sat and thought about it. It's so brutal and twisted and leaves you feeling like you've been slapped round the face when it ends. Yet, once you started thinking about it and strip all the punch out of it, it's just very honest in dealing with some incredibly difficult topics that most films usually gloss up a little. It's not afraid to hit you where it hurts and I was so impressed with the way it manages to be disturbing without being hugely offensive at the same time. As the story unfolds so does Bruce's mind and there are some huge plot twists that really take you by surprise. James McAvoy is outstanding as the corrupt policeman – I haven't seen much of his work and the few films that I have seen haven't overly impressed me but his performance in this blew me away. The entire supporting cast is pretty strong too with some big names like Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan and Jim Broadbent, as well as some smaller names, but McAvoy really does steal the limelight from start to finish.

Filth is disturbingly dark and honest, almost a little too much, which is why I didn't rate it higher. It did its job of unsettling me to the point where I had to sleep on it for ages before making up my mind about how I would review it. Definitely worth a watch but prepare to be unsettled right from the very first minute.

The Green Mile (1999)

Beautifully Acted and Touching

[9/10 · 4 July 2014]

The Green Mile looks at life on Death Row, told from the perspective of guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) who recounts, as an old man, his encounter with mysterious prisoner John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a convicted child murder who has more to his story than meets the eye, including a very curious ability.

This film is such a classic and it's beautifully acted. Tom Hanks is an incredible actor and he delivers yet another exceptional performance as the sensitive guard willing to treat his prisoners like people, unlike his colleagues such as the harsh and unforgiving Percy Wetmore (Doug Hutchison). Michael Clarke Duncan delivers a really touching performance that culminates into an emotional ending that may bring a few tears. Even the other prisoners, played by Michael Jeter and Sam Rockwell, offer emotive performances with their own descent into madness knowing that they are waiting to die. The majority of the film is set in either the prison block or the electric chair room, which helps to reinforce the intense feeling of entrapment.

The story itself is a little unusual as there is a touch of the supernatural throughout, however it's surprisingly easy to accept this into the normality of the film. As you can expect from a film about Death Row it is a little upsetting to watch at times, but it's mostly a carefully woven story that gently unravels the history of the prisoners and why they are all there, focusing much more on the emotional aspects of such a setting for both the prisoners and the guards, rather than the physicality of it. I only have one real criticism: it was too long. At just over three hours long I felt like it was losing its emotional momentum and could have managed without some scenes and been just as, if not more, powerful a film. Nevertheless don't be put off by the length, unlike some lengthy films there are no points where you get bored watching it drag on, and even if you feel yourself getting lost towards middle of it, the final third brings you right back into it.

The Green Mile is beautifully acted and a really touching classic film. Despite being a little unnecessarily long it offers a real heartfelt journey and an unusual story that will really evoke some emotion – well worth the three hours of the film!

21 Jump Street (2012)

Brilliantly Funny Comedy

[10/10 · 4 July 2014]

21 Jump Street is apparently something of a remake of the 1987 TV series starring Johnny Depp and Dustin Nguyen (it's a couple of years before my time so I haven't seen it yet to compare the two) which features underachieving policemen Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) who are assigned the task of posing as high school students in an undercover operation to bring down a drugs ring, leading the pair into a whole host of hilarious situations.

Despite the juvenile nature that you'd typically expect from this film (not normally something I particularly enjoy) I thought this film was hilarious. Some of the jokes were very base but these were fairly outnumbered by some genuine good humour. Of course the whole film borders on the silly and far-fetched throughout but it never pretends to be anything other than just that, and rarely feels like it's trying too hard for audience laughs. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are a dream comedy duo in this: their differences in acting styles and personalities are played up in stereotypes which make for some real fun, especially as the stereotypical American high school is a strong factor. Dave Franco plays the shifty popular kid and offers an enjoyable performance that occasionally stands up to the humour of Tatum and Hill, although the biggest laughs from a more minor character come from Ice Cube, the exasperated chief at the 21 Jump Street Facility. There's a nice cameo appearance from the original 21 Jump Street-ers Johhny Depp and Dustin Nguyen too.

If you're looking for a brilliantly funny comedy that's full of light- hearted silliness then it doesn't get much funnier than this. Despite being a little apprehensive I absolutely cracked up at this film and can't wait to see if the sequel lives up to the laugh out loud humour in this.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Enjoyable Western Adventure That is Unfairly Criticised

[9/10 · 27 May 2014]

The Lone Ranger tells the exciting tale of the Lone Ranger, John Reid (Armie Hammer), from the perspective of Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp), who rescues him and offers his help in bringing the notorious Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) to justice, which throws the pair into many adventures along the way.

I was surprised to see that many critics had dismissed this film and it has actually been a flop at the box office. Even from the very beginning I felt caught up in the adventure and found it to be very thrilling. It has a lovely Western setting and lots of brawls and gunfights (although reasonably tame as this is a family film). I think part of the charm of the film is that the tale is being recounted from the perspective of Tonto, now an elderly man, to a young boy full of excitement and amazement for the story, eager to learn more. It resonates those childhood memories of being enchanted by a bold story such as this, that lingers in the mind and fuels the imagination, something that we eventually grow out of a little, and I liked the reminiscent touch that this offered. Even as an adult the plot is still thrilling and it's something of a different offering from Disney, more along a Pirates of the Caribbean feel in terms of adult themes and action sequences.

Johnny Depp is outstanding in this, really embracing the role of the Native American warrior and bringing his own brand of quirkiness to it that brings a few laughs. Armie Hammer, an unknown actor to me until now, also impressed me in this film, as the somewhat reluctant but heroic Lone Ranger. The more minor characters were also relative unknowns to me, besides Helena Bonham Carter, but I didn't feel there was a particularly weak link in the casting.

The Lone Ranger is an enjoyable Western adventure that is family friendly and exciting. Don't be put off by the negative reviews, I think it's sadly underrated and unfairly criticised – if you're looking for a fun, quirky adventure then give this a shot.

The Deep Blue Sea (2011)

Interesting Love Story But Hard to Follow

[7/10 · 26 May 2014]

The Deep Blue Sea is a period romance focusing on Hester (Rachel Weisz), the wife of a judge who embarks on an affair with the reckless RAF pilot Freddie (Tom Hiddleston). However, overcome with a mixture of guilt and disappointment that her new life isn't quite what she'd hoped, she makes a dramatic decision which has disastrous consequences for herself and her relationships.

This film has quite a poignant story – it focuses a lot on emotion and doubt which are highly relatable even outwith the situation of the story itself. The period setting gives it a somehow more romantic edge and it really is an interesting love story. You can't help but understand the problems that Hester experiences with her troubled life, and the "grass is greener" feeling that draws her towards a seemingly more exciting life with Freddie. The story ebbs and flows in parallel with Hester's feelings, and at times takes some dark turns. Despite the story being good, I felt really let down by the direction – the scenes constantly switch between present day and very recent flashbacks with little discerning detail as to which is which. I found myself lost at many points during the film, unable to work out where it was in the story and having to rely on the odd bit of choice dialogue that would reveal the time setting. This is sadly very off-putting and took away from the punch that the script would have had otherwise.

Despite the scene confusions, Weisz and Hiddleston offer a beautiful, if difficult, romance that is really set alive by the strengths of them as actors. Weisz is on top form with a powerful but vulnerable performance, and Hiddleston suits the role of the troubled romantic (his character in this reminded me a lot of his role in "Only Lovers Left Alive" (2014) in which he was incredible). There was also good performances from smaller characters, most notably Hester's husband Sir William (Simon Russell Beale) who's role was vulnerable and gentle, an opposite to the rival of his wife's affections.

The Deep Blue Sea is quite a powerful and interesting love story, but sadly I felt that the possibility of this film being a great classic romance was tarnished somewhat by the lack of clarity in time shifts. Nevertheless, the story is good and it's worth a watch for the excellent characters and script.

Carnage (2011)

A Darkly Comedic Look at Chaotic Personalities

[9/10 · 26 May 2014]

Carnage is a fascinating and darkly comedic drama that certainly lives up to its title. Two pairs of parents, the Cowans (Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet) and the Longstreets (John C Reilly and Jodie Foster) meet up to discuss an incident involving a tussle between their two sons. The Longstreets invite the Cowans over to their apartment to discuss the appropriate next steps, however the discussion ends up snowballing into total carnage.

Nearly the entire film is set in the one room, the Longstreet's lounge, which in itself makes for fascinating viewing, creating a caged-in, uncomfortable atmosphere. At the beginning the two sets of parents do not know each other, intensifying that discomfort, and as a viewer watching that one room for the entire film becomes more and more enveloping – towards the end I felt as if I too were trapped in the apartment, unable to escape the spiralling chaos that was unfolding. The film is based on the play "God of Carnage" which I have seen and enjoyed, so I was glad to see that the effectiveness of the staging had not been lost in its move to the screen. A good casting was a strong contributing factor in creating this effect of being "drawn in" – in particular the two actresses. This film is all about clashes and is demonstrated most strongly in the characters. Winslet's character is anxious and stressed, keen to move on quickly from the incident with the least fuss; whilst Foster's character is much more ideological and full of very firm and unchanging views on the world, believing that her son deserves more than just a quick apology. The two men are also wildly different: Reilly's character is accommodating and free-flowing (a stark contrast from his wife too) and Waltz, a seriously underrated actor who I would love to see in more things, is a detached father who's primary concern is his work. I always find films with character clashes fascinating and this one does it to perfection, embracing some parenting stereotypes to bring the story to a head.

It's difficult to discuss the story without revealing anything about the plot or spoiling the way it unfolds. It is however really quite realistic of how an argument between complete strangers can develop, eventually skewing this out of proportion as the story progresses. The ending is bizarre – when I first saw it I felt it was very anti- climactic, however upon reflection I realised that it was actually the best ending that the film could have had. Some may disagree but I felt that any other ending would have been cheesy or disappointing.

Carnage is fascinating and darkly comedic throughout and features a strong cast of wonderfully different characters. Although the story might be, at times, outrageously exaggerated, I think it's an interesting watch because it stems from such a believable place. It's definitely one to spend some time reflecting on afterwards.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)

Uplifting Story But Slightly Unconvincing Character Relationships

[8/10 · 12 May 2014]

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen tells the uplifting story of fisheries expert Dr Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) who is approached by consultant Harriet (Emily Blunt) who persuades him to work on a project for a sheik who wants to introduce salmon fishing to the Yemen. Initially the project seems impossible but over time Alfred and Harriet find themselves on a journey, taking a leap of faith to make it possible.

The story itself is humble and touching, uniting the two main characters (McGregor and Blunt) who find themselves a little lost in life, and reminds them that with a little faith, anything is possible – a message that features strongly throughout. Despite its moralistic teachings, it manages to be surprisingly funny at the same time, mostly coming from Kristen Scott Thomas playing a no-nonsense government official. Ewan McGregor really shone in this film, bringing his character's flaws to the screen in a sweetly awkward fashion that was also bursting with relatability and honesty. Emily Blunt offers a more easy-going and self-assured role, although there are moments of well-placed vulnerability too. Despite these two strong performances I felt that sadly there wasn't much chemistry between the characters, something about it didn't have me convinced. Perhaps it was the uncertain, tenuous relationships that they had with their partners (played by Rachael Stirling and Tom Mision respectively) that made it all seem so awkward and slightly forced. Thankfully this doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the story too much. The setting is beautiful, some fantastic Scottish landscapes (something I really need to see more of having lived here most of my life) and from the Yemen too.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is an uplifting and inspiring story that offers a touching reminder that anything is possible with just a little faith, something that few films provide. For me, I felt that the strong characters were tarnished just a little by their less-than-convincing interactions. Despite this, it's still and enjoyably sweet feel-good film, definitely worth a watch.

Sunshine (2007)

A Thought-Provoking and Hard-Hitting Look at Humanity

[10/10 · 5 May 2014]

In 2057, the sun is dying and the planet is in jeopardy, and so a team of astronauts make a second attempt at a dangerous mission to revive the sun. Facing nothing but adversity along the way the team must overcome all the odds as they are humanity's last hope for survival.

I still feel a little in shock at this film. It takes such an honest, hard-hitting look at humanity, placing the viewer straight into the difficult lives of the astronauts and constantly throwing a series of increasingly tough decisions and scenarios – it makes you question every decision they make, and then question yourself. I've never thought more seriously about the idea of sacrifice for the greater good than whilst being put into the shoes of the characters. Don't be put off by this though – it's thought-provoking only so long as you let it be. Knowing this was a Danny Boyle film I had high hopes for the directorial styling of this film and it lived up to my expectations. He manages to simultaneously create the feeling of confinement and eternal empty space, and throws in some really trippy snapshot scenes that give a terrifying edge of madness as the film progresses. Visually it is very convincing (and apparently also factually as the film's science adviser was Dr Brian Cox), in particular the CGI shots of the sun, which is interestingly portrayed both astronomically and more religiously, a nice nod to the Greek myth of Icarus (who flew too close to the sun), that lends its name to the space shuttle.

The casting is pretty strong which is necessary to clash each of these flawed characters and drive their individual motivations on the mission. The most notable performances came from Cillian Murphy, the determined but hesitant hero; Chris Evans, the tough and hard-hitting voice of reason (a somewhat unfamiliar role to him but one that he carries off impeccably, as I usually find with his work); and Rose Byrne, the compassionate and slightly vulnerable one who offers a last-ditch attempt to prove that humanity isn't completely doomed to selfishness. However the performances from the other actors (Michelle Yeoh, Troy Garity, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong and Cliff Curtis) all brought that little something different to each argument and scenario that made you think.

Sunshine is a thought-provoking and hard-hitting look at humanity that will have you questioning yourself about how you would make decisions in a life or death situation to save a world that is not so unrealistic from what the future could be like. This one definitely stays with you long after it's over.

The Artist (I) (2011)

A Beautifully Modern Classic Silent Movie

[10/10 · 3 May 2014]

The Artist tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), a silent film star who happens to bump into one of his fans, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), inspiring her to audition for a minor role as a dancer at the studio where he works. However the world of film is changing, moving away from silent films into talking-pictures, and while Peppy rises to fame quickly George is set in his ways and refuses to believe that silent film is dead.

I have never seen a feature film in the silent movie style, and I loved this. Black and white films always look classy and this one had a beautiful authentic 1920's feel that completely disguised the fact that it is a modern film. The musical score set the scenes perfectly, creating atmosphere to replace the words that would normally tell the story, which flowed wonderfully and was consistently entertaining. Dujardin and Bejo brought their characters to life through charming (and not overdone to compensate for the lack of dialogue) acting and sweep you up in their heart-warming tale of forbidden romance. There's also an incredibly well-trained dog that adds to the overall sweet nature of the film. The story is initially fairly simplistic but that really adds to the overall charm, and once the plot has been set up we see the complex nature of George's life and how he struggles to cope in a changing world, something that no doubt many people can relate to. Peppy on the other hand is embracing the new age and all of the opportunities coming her way, which again is very relatable, and the clash of these two character's personalities adds the complexity to the plot.

The Artist is classic and beautifully well-done, with highly relatable characters and an authentic silent movie styling that is captivating and rare nowadays. It's a heart-warming and romantic story guaranteed to make you smile (and a little nostalgic), I highly recommend it!

Midnight in Paris (2011)

A Beautifully Restless Look at the Human Condition

[10/10 · 29 April 2014]

Midnight in Paris tells a beautiful story of restlessness and creativity in life, through the eyes of writer Gil (Owen Wilson) – Bored of current life, Gil finds himself captured by nostalgia on a trip to Paris with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her family – and every night at midnight he finds himself strangely visiting 1920′s Paris.

Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, the film is visually stunning: Paris itself is a wonder both on screen and in real life and the film manages to capture its natural beauty perfectly without being too cliché. The clash between modern day France and the 20′s setting that Gil visits is wonderful and has a real atmosphere of opportunity and promise, the very things that draw him into the midnight "world" in the first place. Wilson is charming as the lost writer, a refreshing and pensive difference from McAdam's character who jars against his creative nature, drawing a deeper void between their relationship as their time in Paris progresses. Contrast is used to perfection in this in every way. Wilson's character meets many literary greats on his midnight journey who help him write his first novel: anyone who's familiar with the works of writers such as F.Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston) and Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll) will enjoy the many literary references throughout their conversations with Gil.

What really drew me in was the story and its raw examination of the human condition, which in itself is a fascinating topic. It looks at those things that are inherent in each and every person: in this context, curiosity, restlessness, and desire. It doesn't try to sugar-coat it – Gil is unhappy with life and he doesn't make any attempt to prevent himself from going in search of a new one (albeit in the past). That's what makes this film so enjoyable, the relatability of the desire for something better – "the grass is always greener" – and the restlessness that we feel when we're searching for that something better.

Midnight in Paris is beautiful: the story is captivating and keeps you thinking long after it's finished. Few films manage such an honest look at the restless nature of humans, let alone done in such an intriguing style as this. Prepare to have your curiosity captured by creativity and the promise of opportunity: it may just make you feel like a midnight stroll.

RED 2 (2013)

Entertaining in the Same Way as the First

[7/10 · 27 April 2014]

RED 2 picks up neatly from where the first one left off – Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is now happily settling down with girlfriend Sarah (Mary- Louise Parker) when he finds himself dragged back into his old ways by partner in crime Marvin (John Malkovich) on a mission to find a sought- after nuclear device.

Much like the first film, RED 2 is full of gun fights, car chases and ridiculous scenarios, but it doesn't take itself too seriously so you can forgive it for that. The plot runs parallel with this theme of un- believability, and some scenes almost feel like an unintentional parody, but it adds to the charm of the film. There are some good laughs throughout, particularly from the ever-quirky John Malkovich, and also from Mary-Louise Parker who again embraces the role of awkward but excitable Sarah with comedic prowess. Bruce Willis is back on standard form, the cool, casual hero who fights his way out of every situation almost effortlessly; but this time his character has mellowed considerably, there are lots of tender moments between Frank and Sarah that are slightly disjointed with his takes-no-prisoners fight scenes. As well as some previous actors making a reappearance such as Dame Helen Mirren, who is on excellent form, there are some new appearances from the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones who brings a larger than life role as a fiery Russian agent, and Anthony Hopkins as the wise creator of the nuclear device.

If you enjoyed the first film then you'll probably enjoy RED 2 as well. It's the same comedic mix of good characters and slightly implausible situations, but for me that's part of the charm: the film doesn't take itself too seriously, it just looks to entertain.

RED (2010)

Entertaining, Styled Almost as a Parody

[7/10 · 27 April 2014]

Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is a retired agent who is stuck in a rut – his only joy in life is his phone calls to his pension case worker Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), who is as bored with life as he is. When Frank is pulled back into his old line of work, he finds himself responsible for Sarah whilst trying to survive.

This film is surprisingly light-hearted entertainment and full of likable characters. Bruce Willis plays his trademark cool, collected role, holding his own during gun fights and car chases, a believable veteran of the genre. Mary-Louise Parker brings a bubbly and inquisitive character that clashes wonderfully with Willis' role which provides an unexpected sweet element to the film. John Malkovich delivers a highly entertaining performance as Willis' partner in crime, offering plenty of laughs throughout the film. There are some great minor roles from Hollywood royalty such as Dame Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and Brian Cox. The film is all about contrasts, and that doesn't just stop at the characters: there is a fair bit of action, offset by humorous dialogue-heavy scenes. The styling of it is almost like a parody of itself: it doesn't try too hard to be one thing or another, it just throws a lot of things into the mix and goes with it.

RED is entertaining and surprisingly comedic, with some great characters portrayed by a good cast. Take it all in with an open mind; it does have a touch of the parody about it, but it cuts it back just enough to be an enjoyable action-fuelled offering.

Frozen (I) (2013)

A Sweet Disney Offering But Over-Hyped

[6/10 · 26 April 2014]

Frozen is a heart-warming Disney adventure following the story of two sisters: Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) has the power to create ice and snow, but an accident leaves her frightened and isolated from the world; meanwhile younger sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) is determined to bring Elsa back out into the world. When their kingdom is plunged into an eternal winter Anna sets off on an adventure to save the kingdom and her sister.

This is by no means a "Christmas" film, as in there is no Santa or Christmas setting, however I guess it can be classed as a festive film what with it being set in winter! It has a typical sweet-Disney styling: there are catchy songs and likable characters – in particular, Olaf the snowman (voiced by Josh Gad), who provides warm-and-fuzzy moments. The morals of the story and theme of the importance of family are quite endearing, and the characters of the sisters are very relatable. The story itself is fairly simplistic, but different to other Disney films (and apparently inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen"), with a couple of some more complex emotional scenes as well. As a children's film adults can expect to only be mildly entertained by the charm of the animations, and maybe the occasional chuckle at a rare adult joke – It's not got the same enjoyment factor for the adult audience that some other animated classics have (I still love the likes of Monsters Inc (2001) and the Toy Story for example) but perhaps that is because I grew up with those films and appreciated them when I was younger!

Frozen is a sweet animation with songs and characters that children will love. I'm a bit too old to be captured by it in the same way that a younger audience would - there was a lot of hype surrounding this film and it fell slightly short of my expectations, but still heart-warming. Good luck on getting "Let It Go" out of your head afterwards!

Gravity (2013)

Visually Mind-Blowing

[10/10 · 24 April 2014]

After winning seven Oscars this year I couldn't wait to see what the buzz was surrounding Gravity. It blew my mind. It is engineered so well that everything about it is incredible.

The visuals are probably this film's most prominent feature – given that the scenes of space and the Earth have been created almost entirely using CGI it is a breath-taking and strangely immersive setting, giving a real sense of emptiness that is heavily contrasted with the restricted space shuttle scenes. Alfonso Cuaron truly deserved his Oscar for Best Achievement in Directing. Running a close second is the acting – Sandra Bullock and George Clooney hold the film entirely, being the only two actors featured in it, and that really adds something to the feeling of perpetual emptiness and solitude associated with space itself. Bullock is the real star of the show here, the simplistic but effective story centres on her and she portrays a vulnerable, relatable character in this film incredibly convincingly and with many complex elements. I've seen a few other films that she has been in and I was impressed at her ability to really branch out in this film and offer such a strong performance. George Clooney does well as Bullock's astronaut partner with a calming and authoritative character that is just as likable as Bullock's.

As I mentioned above, the story itself is fairly simplistic although it offers a deep insight into the lives of Clooney and Bullock's characters; but it's so effective, almost giving the impression of time having no meaning out in space (the pace of the film reminded me of Jim Jarmusch's wonderful Only Lovers Left Alive (2014)).

Gravity is visually stunning and beautifully acted, keeping you on the edge of your seat and drawing you in to the fascinating unknown that is space. Watch it in HD on a good size-screen for a truly immersive and effective experience, you won't be disappointed.

American Hustle (2013)

Glamorous With a Top-Class Cast

[10/10 · 23 April 2014]

I had high hopes for this film having seen the line-up, and I wasn't disappointed. Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner pull together to create a story that is fast paced, smooth and witty. Each character is so strong and brings something totally different to the film, and the quality of acting was some of the best I've seen.

The entire film has a beautiful relaxed 70's atmosphere which complements the pacy dialogue, and hits the ground running with a flashback opening scene. Atmosphere provides a real escapism here: the sets, costumes, music and dialogue are glamorously old-fashioned and authentic. Straight away the audience is drawn into the world of con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) and his relationship with partner in crime Sydney Prosser (Adams) and the mysterious FBI agent Richard DiMasio (Cooper). The film unfolds slowly and smoothly moves between various hustles and more explosive character interactions. It really is the incredible dimensions that each character has within the story that makes it so enjoyable: the contrasts between Adams and Lawrence, and Bale and Cooper's roles provides some wonderful moments of comedy, emotion and drama. There's also a great minor role for Robert De Niro to watch out for.

Slick and glamorous, American Hustle boasts an excellent cast and top- class acting. This pacy and dramatic film is sure to keep you captivated throughout the many plot twists through its engaging characters and beautiful styling.

Captain Phillips (2013)

Incredible Acting and a Fascinating Story

[9/10 · 13 April 2014]

Captain Phillips (2013) "Incredible Acting and a Fascinating Story" 9/10

This film tells the incredible true story of Captain Richard Phillips who captained a cargo ship that was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. Told from the perspective of Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks) himself, the story recounts his ordeal aboard the ship and the ways in which he bravely deals with the pirate leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi).

Set nearly entirely aboard the ship that Captain Phillips took charge of, there is a dramatic tension running throughout the film, even before the story really kicks off. What really makes this film so good is knowing that the story is true and you can't help but be captured by the bravery and courage demonstrated, and the realisation that these events are still so current, so memorable from news stories not too many years ago. It is no surprise that this film was highly nominated for Academy awards: Tom Hanks gives an outstanding performance as Captain Phillips, a heroic and likable character that offers a surprising flip side to the way in which the Somali pirates are viewed and offering real compassion and understanding in a way that is truly admirable. However I felt that the limelight was stolen by newcomer Barkhad Abdi with an impressively convincing and complex performance as the hijacker's leader, again offering the chance for the viewer to change their preconceptions with a persuasive character.

I highly recommend Captain Phillips, it's gripping, thrilling and really changes your perspective on the situation throughout through some incredible acting. A must-see.

The Avengers (2012)

Fast Paced With an Incredible Cast

[10/10 · 12 April 2014]

The Avengers is an action-packed, superhero-filled film that focuses on the peace-keeping S.H.I.E.L.D agency, bringing together Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) to create the Avengers. When Earth is threatened by Thor's brother Loki the Avengers must unite to save the planet from catastrophe.

Full of impressive visuals and action in nearly every scene, this film is fast paced and exciting throughout with plenty to keep you guessing. The final battle is epic in every sense: impressive CGI mixes with the New York skyline as the Avengers lead the fight against evil in a thrilling chase across the city. The story itself pulls in elements from each of the individual Avenger's stories, in particular Iron Man (2008), Thor (2011) and Captain America (2011) (I may be slightly biased in saying this as they are my favourite Avengers so I notice the references more) and I'd highly recommend watching the individual films, although they are not a necessary prerequisite.

The casting is first class. Each character is a contrast to the next; Downey Jr as the egotistical genius Iron Man; Evans as the charming and heroic old-fashioned Captain America; Hemsworth as the tough, brave demi-god Thor; Johansson as the smart, feisty Black Widow; Ruffalo as the quiet but unstoppable Hulk; and Renner as the quick, deadly Hawkeye. What really makes this story is how all of these characters learn to use each other's strengths as the plot unfolds, and each is as important to the team as the next when it comes to the crunch. Tom Hiddleston is deviously wicked as Loki, delivering an impressively smooth and convincing performance as the enemy of the story. Samuel L Jackson brings his usual mysterious Nick Fury, providing many unexpected laughs from the delivery of his character's one-liners. Fans of other Marvel work will recognise supporting characters played by the likes of Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgard and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Avengers Assemble is yet another example of the great work that Marvel can produce, with a fast paced and exciting story that encompasses their best characters. Definitely one to watch, and if you haven't already seen some of the individual character's films this film will probably make you want more! There's only one question that plagues me when I watch this film: would I want to be saved from near death by Iron Man or Captain America? Having seen the incredible new Captain America: The Winter Soldier recently (which I can't recommend highly enough) I'm going with the Captain for now!

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

A Refreshing Take on a Much-Loved Story

[7/10 · 12 April 2014]

Oz The Great and Powerful tells the charming tale of the famous Wizard of Oz, Oscar (James Franco), a struggling magician from Kansas who finds himself whisked away to the magical land of Oz and expected to save it from the Wicked Witch. Meeting many magical creatures and a few witches along the way, Oscar must prove himself a worthy magician and defeat evil.

With the famous foundation film, The Wizard of Oz (1939) being so popular even today, it's not surprising that another spin-off has been made, but it does not try to simply redress the old story. Instead, it keeps some of the old characters such as the Good Witch, and tells the story in a completely unseen way, introducing a host of new characters and a completely different angle to the much-loved tale, although the story remains fairly simplistic. The film itself is visually stunning, both in special effects and the colourful fairyland landscape of Oz – it reminds me of a more "tripped out" version of the latest Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) film – which is made even more vibrant by the tasteful black and white of Kansas (a nice homage to The Wizard of Oz). The effects are put to use again in an almost-3D style with many things "popping" out of the screen, which I can imagine children would find thrilling, particularly in 3D.

James Franco is charming as the great Wizard himself, only occasionally toppling over into some cheesy moments when he's trying to impress the ladies. The three witches Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams, all bring strong, feisty characters that give this film its punch; and of course it wouldn't be Oz without some magical characters such as Finley the flying monkey (voiced by Zack Braff) and the China girl (voiced by Joey King), who add a sweeter dimension to the film that kids will love.

Visually impressive and offering a refreshing take on a much-loved story, Oz The Great and Powerful is a fun family film that all ages can enjoy.

Last Vegas (2013)

A Fun, Feel-Good Film

[8/10 · 9 April 2014]

In a strange coincidence I ended up watching this on a plane on the way back from Las Vegas a week ago and I think this made it even more enjoyable, recognising all the places I had just been to. Last Vegas is a fun, easy-going film about four men who have been friends since childhood, who find themselves stuck in a rut, and decide to escape to Vegas for Billy's (Michael Douglas) bachelor party. However past tensions emerge between Billy and Paddy (Robert De Niro) that threaten to change the lives of the four men in ways they couldn't have imagined.

Although the premise for this film may sound like an "older man" version of The Hangover (2009) it couldn't be further from it, however the gang do manage to throw one wild party! Instead of jaegerbombs and tigers, this film is full of wisdom and philosophy about life and the past, interwoven with plenty of comedic scenes and fun. Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline each bring a heart- warming character to the story. Set of course in Vegas, there are plenty of amazing shots of the Strip and the gorgeous Aria hotel, and the guys prove that just because they are older now, doesn't mean they have any less fun. But it's not just empty fun, of course there are lessons to be learnt from each character stemming from the mistakes they feel they've made in the past.

A fun, feel-good film that provides many laughs but also some pause for thought about life. If it makes you feel like taking a trip to Las Vegas, I can highly recommend it as a great experience no matter what age you are!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Marvel At Its Best

[10/10 · 9 April 2014]

The Winter Soldier follows on from the first Captain America pretty seamlessly (although there are tiny moments throughout that won't quite be understood if you haven't kept up with The Avengers (2012) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), as in typical Marvel fashion everything links back to previous stories). This time we catch up with Captain America as he struggles to integrate into modern life and find his place within S.H.I.E.L.D, facing new enemies with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

I reviewed the first Captain America film and described it as "action- packed family adventure", and The Winter Soldier surpasses that description right from the beginning. Matching the tougher, more advanced modern world, the Captain has developed accordingly, shedding his more innocent superhero image from the previous film in favour of a rougher, more masculine warrior who goes in all guns blazing. This film is even more action-packed than its predecessor, full of gunfights and car chases; and the budget was well-spent on a huge array of visually impressive special effects. The story was one of the best Marvel has produced: dark and secretive, constantly changing and developing, keeping you guessing right to the last moment. Eagle-eyed viewers (like me) may pick up on the hints dropped throughout as to the true identity of the Winter Soldier, but regardless of whether or not you work it out before the end, it still makes for a thrilling finale.

Chris Evans once again provides charm and like-ability as the ever-moral and slightly vulnerable Captain America, and there is a surprisingly big role for Scarlett Johansson's Agent Romanoff (those who have seen The Avengers (2013) will be familiar with this character), who works well as a contrast to her fellow avenger. Samuel L Jackson reprises his role as Nick Fury and brings a refreshingly comic performance to the character which is greatly enjoyable and helps to ease some of the tension and darker moments within the film. Like with the other Marvel films there are many smaller characters that add to the overall enjoyment of the story; and of course it wouldn't be a superhero film without an enemy, coming in many and varied forms, the Winter Soldier not being the most surprising.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier has a firmly modern feel, dealing with the ever-prominent theme of conspiracy and secrets in a way that is surprisingly adult for a Marvel film. With plenty of action and excitement, this film holds your attention firmly throughout, keeps you guessing, and makes you want more. It is darker and more dangerous, making it every bit as thrilling as you could want from an action film, and it is Marvel at its best: you won't be disappointed.

The Fifth Estate (2013)

A Thought-Provoking, Well-Executed Depiction of an Intriguing Story

[10/10 · 25 March 2014]

The Wikileaks story was one of the biggest news events of recent times due to its controversial nature, and it seemed to appear from nowhere. Suddenly the media was buzzing about leaked confidential documents and the mysterious character of Julian Assange. The Fifth Estate is a dramatic biography based on these real events, and tells the story from the perspective of one of Assange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) colleagues, Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Bruhl). I knew about the story but only what had been covered in the media, and it turns out that it was just the tip of the iceberg.

The Fifth Estate is filmed in such a style that it tells the story without it feeling like a documentary – it depicts the unfolding of events from the beginning of the Wikileaks launch to its climactic ending in a way that makes you feel like you understand the entire story clearly, but without effort. It is incredibly linear and easy to follow, and wonderfully visual: the use of graphics to depict the website itself, and the private messages that Assange and Berg use to communicate new leaks, are woven into the acting scenes, reminding you that this is part of a covert world that many of us are entirely unfamiliar with. Particularly well done is the portrayal of the Wikileaks "office" inside Assange's head, which again reinforces the idea of the secret world of the story.

Most of the film is told from Berg's perspective and as a result many of the scenes just involve him and Assange. Benedict Cumberbatch shines in one of his most impressive roles, depicting Assange and his mannerisms with a spooky accuracy, and there is a constant air of mystery and depth to his character that remains intriguing throughout the film. This is the first time I have seen Daniel Bruhl in a main role, but having seen him in Inglorious Basterds (2009) I expected a good performance and was not disappointed. Bruhl's character is every bit as intriguing as that of Assange, and I found myself constantly trying to work him out and understand his underlying motives. I felt that there was an interesting dimension to the relationship between Assange and Berg, a reliance of sorts and a constant fear of misplaced trust, although this is subtle throughout and therefore hard to work out if it is intentional. There are also some great supporting roles to watch out for from the likes of David Thewlis, Peter Capaldi and Alicia Vikander, who all bring their own character's dimension to add to the mix.

After I saw this film when it first came out I was interested in finding out more about what Julian Assange's perspective of the story was, and I came across a document published on the Wikileaks site giving his side of the story. It is an incredibly interesting read, and a lot of it ties in with the final scene of the film which is a monologue from Cumberbatch. I felt that I had a fairly solid view of the story whilst watching the film, and then that final scene changed everything. The document from Assange confirms my change of heart about the story, and echoes the message he is always trying to put across: if you want the truth, go out and seek it for yourself. Everyone will of course have their own opinions about the events that unfolded surrounding this story, and I am not in any way dismissing the version presented in The Fifth Estate; instead I choose to believe that there is truth to be found in both the film and from Assange's perspective.

The Fifth Estate held my interest from the second it began to long after the final scene had ended: it is highly thought-provoking and throws some challenging questions at you about the way we view the world, what we believe to be true, and what we do not and may never know. I can't recommend this film highly enough.

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)

Cleverly Styled But Really Strange

[5/10 · 24 March 2014]

As the title suggests, this is an unconventional film about an unconventional police lieutenant, and it's quite hard to pin down an opinion on it because it is unlike anything I have ever seen in terms of style and story.

Having seen several Nicholas Cage films, I was fully expecting to see him play his typical worldly-wise middle aged man role despite having read the synopsis (think the National Treasure [2004; 2007] and Knowing [2009]). I was surprised to see him play a completely different character and it was oddly refreshing to see him break away from his typecast. Cage is completely believable as an erratic drug addict, his odd behaviour and strange visions of iguanas (when you see the film, you'll understand) strangely draw you in to his rough, "trippy" world. The film often loses you, at points it is hard to understand how the current scene links to the previous, but that is all part of the effect. Even the supporting characters are fuzzy and it's hard to work out who is taking drugs and who isn't. The story makes sense but doesn't necessarily follow a typical linear structure; it's slow but you never feel like there's something that doesn't matter to the overall storyline. It manages to project Cage's character's decline onto every other aspect of the film in such a way that you don't really notice until the very end. It's downright bizarre.

It's difficult to put your finger on whether or not this film is enjoyable, and the reasons why. If nothing else, the story is cleverly presented to perfectly depict the decline caused by addiction, and leaves you feeling fuzzy-headed yourself. A strange viewing that very much keeps you thinking once it has finished.

The Other Guys (2010)

Surprisingly Humorous Stereotypical Cop Parody

[6/10 · 16 March 2014]

The Other Guys is a stereotype of its parody-cop-film genre, but before you write it off completely, it bites back with some genuine humour. As is to be expected, it is full of silly moments and unbelievable clichés, but there were also a surprising number of laugh out loud moments. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg play two unconventional detectives who are paired up after both facing disgrace and ending up with a police desk job. They jump in on a case and end up with a lot more than they bargained for, predictably causing mayhem along the way.

The characters portrayed by Ferrell and Wahlberg are not a far cry from their usual typecasts: Ferrell is the geeky oddball and Wahlberg is the "tough-guy-jerk", and there are similarly stereotypical roles played by supporting actors such as Eva Mendes and Steve Coogan. Initially this is off-putting, but once you get into the film this becomes less cringey, however I would definitely suggest giving this film a miss if you aren't a fan of both Ferrell and Wahlberg. In typical parody-cop- film style, the film is full of predictable situations topped off with outrageous stunts and cheesy one-liners, however the stunts are fairly impressive and some of these lines provide unexpected laughs. Several of Ferrell's lines felt like a nod to his character of Ron Burgundy in Anchorman (2004), although his nerdy cop role in this is a far cry from the hilarious news anchor. The relationship between Ferrell and Wahlberg may start off ridiculous, but ends up being quite an enjoyable pairing. It doesn't present anything new or ground-breaking to the genre, but I didn't really expect anything different.

Strangely enjoyable despite being one huge stereotype, this film is unexpectedly entertaining if you're in the mood for some lowbrow humour and cliché. Expect cheap laughs and crazy car chases aplenty.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Over-hyped But Interesting and Immersive

[6/10 · 15 March 2014]

I eventually got round to watching this film and found it intriguing. It had initially sparked my interest after it shot to fame at the Oscars, but I felt, possibly as a result of the hype surrounding it, that it fell a bit short of my expectations.

There are no terrible aspects of the film, but there were definitely features that far outshone others. Set in the slums of Mumbai, the filming is raw and honest, showing a vulnerable side to India. The story switches constantly between the past and present, gradually unravelling the tangled events in the life of Jamal (Dev Patel); however this constant switching distracted somewhat from the clever way in which the storyline is woven together, despite the fact that the revelation that past events all link to the current situation. On occasion I found it difficult to follow how one piece of flashback linked to the current scene, and at places in the middle of the film it felt slightly repetitive; thankfully, a balance of well thought through flashback links exists.

The flashbacks provide the best acting within this film, as the story is mostly enacted by young children who play their roles well. The relationship between Jamal and his brother in particular is demonstrated best through these younger actors. I found the love story aspect of the film to be somewhat less convincing however, possibly because I felt that this aspect was one of the biggest causes of repetition within the film and was rather predictable from the beginning.

There is a distinctly cultural feel, as expected, which I think was the most interesting focus of this film. Many of the scenes, from within the slums, to the way the characters interact with one another, are unlike typical Western life, and are at time shocking. This was the most interesting concept of the film – the scope for thought and comparison between what different cultures consider "normal" life – and the film encapsulates you within this context.

An interesting watch with a good story, boosted mainly by the visuals of the film which help simultaneously cover the imperfections of the script and enhance the overall immersive feel. Ignore some of the hype and lose yourself in the unusual setting to allow the story to flourish.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Artistic, Romantic Escapism

[10/10 · 14 March 2014]

Only Lovers Left Alive is one of the most breath-taking films I have ever seen. As a fan of the more artistically styled film I was captivated throughout. The entire film is quiet and dark with an eerie feeling of timelessness that matches the souls as old as time itself, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton). The film centres around their eternal love, highlighting the modern world through the light, easy-going spirit of Eve and the tortured romantic Adam. Despite being set in the modern day it is completely unlike vampire films of recent times, presenting a visually beautiful story of true romance.

Artistic is the epicentre of this film. It is entirely set at night so it has a sleepy, soft half-light, in the empty, mysterious streets of Detroit and Tangier. The script has a minimal feel, giving the impression that every word is important, and there are some great moments of dark comedy scattered throughout, mixed with cultural and literary references and philosophical observations. Everything about it is slow and measured and perfected, even down to the synchronised movements of Adam and Eve. The acting is stunning, with a particularly beautiful performance from Tom Hiddleston, who carries the role of the suicidal vampire who has grown tired of the disrepairs of the world with a darkly sexy air. Tilda Swinton provided a light to Hiddleston's dark, offering a rescue at the darkest of moments. There was yet more contrast with Eve's wild and unpredictable younger sister (Mia Wasikowska) and the wise, worldly Marlowe (John Hurt). The clash of characters adds to the charm of the story and the style.

The film is slow-paced but contrary to other opinions I didn't feel that it dragged on in any way. It presents a lot of truths about current society which really made me think. Naturally, it remains true to some vampire film stereotypes: dark, sexy and romantic. If you're a Tom Hiddleston fan in particular I recommend this, his portrayal of such a flawed character is simply stunning. However even if you're impartial, I would highly recommend this film, everything about it is breath-taking and gorgeous. It achieves artistic without clouding the message of the film and draws you in to its perfect eternity and escapism.