LOOPER (2012) + Official Trailer

Set in the mid 21st century, Looper are a group of hit men who kill victims who are sent back from the future. Hired by mobs from the future, the Loopers are run by Abe (Jeff Daniels) who is sent back to look after things in the present (past?). One of these loopers is Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who learns that one by one, all the loopers are being sent back to be killed off. Loops are being closed off and if they fail to kill their future selves then a hit is order to kill either the present Looper or the future Looper.

As Joe fails to kill his future self (Bruce Willis), his future self tries to change the course of time and the future, while the younger Joe just wants to live out his life and will do so even if it means killing his future self. The plot opens up to show how and why the future Joe wants to eradicate the mysterious crime boss The Rainmaker. He believes that killing him while he is young will allow him to live the life he has lived....you following? 

What the film does is give you two protagonist and you are never quite sure who to root for. Is it the older self who has learnt from his mistakes or is it the young Joe who is yet to learn from it. As the story unfolds the young Joe comes across one of the three possible targets that could be the potential young Rainmaker and sets out to protect him and his mother (Emily Blunt) from the older Joe. One has knowledge of the future  and his own life whilst the other is living in the present doing what he believes to be right. It's a conflict which continues for both Joes' to struggle with as well as for the viewer.

A film that does well in creating an emotional response, the main characters provide an interesting emotional arch and has more depth to them than you would normally expect from these types of films. Emily Blunt character and her son gives the film it's change in pace. It starts up fast and frenetic and slows to a more meditative and reflect tone as characters become aware of their destiny and how some things are impossible to change.

A sci-fi film with plenty of intelligence, it never relies heavily on special effects or set pieces to provide entertainment. It feels very usual to see how little action is on show and more on the character development side of things. It does borrow from plots of other great sci-fi like the Terminator but it isn't as straight forward as that. It's like having the choice in going back to kill Hitler as a child knowing what he would do but having the strength to kill an innocent young human being with little or no evil in them yet.

A complex and interesting film brimming with ideas, with a standout performance from new comer Pierce Gagnon as the potential future crime lord. A kid so young not being out done by established actors on screen. Most may find the make up on young Joe a little distracting but nevertheless it is a passable resemblances to Bruce Willis.

A thoroughly entertaining film with a strong and complex narrative which will lead you to think about it for days on end as you try to work out it's convoluted plot.

Acting: 4/5

Technical Merit: 4/5

Narrative: 4.5/5

Entertainment: 4.5/5

16/20

(500) Days of Summer (2009) with Trailer

An unconventional romantic comedy where the focus isn't completely on the romance but on the pitfalls and breakdown of a relationship viewed all from the male perspective. It's a story about "boy meets girl" but the films structure is completely shown at random. Instead of following a linear storyline the action jumps back and forth through the 500 day relationship that Tom Hanson (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) have. The omniscient narrator sets out the background of each character and their own views on love. When Tom first sees Summer, he believes that she is the "one".

It's a refreshing and unique way to re-tell someones relationship. From the initial introduction to the their blossoming romance, it's an amusing look at how one's memory can only see or remember the good parts of a failing relationship. It's very touching yet not overly schmaltzy with plenty of humour. As Tom tries to woo Summer there are so many awkward and funny moments, and when Tom talks about Summer he tells his friends what he likes about her from her smile, hair birthmark, etc and when the relationship breaks down we see him reminisce it in a different way. The contrast is very funny.

Both Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are very likable and play the parts in a very believable, genuine and authentic way. The chemistry between them comes across very well. The supporting players in the film provide the voice of reason for Tom as they try to put up with his constant obsession with Summer. Chloe Moretz plays his younger sister who also provides him with advice, has a head wiser than her age.

The soundtrack is a joy to listen to with music from an eclectic mix ranging from Regina Spektor to The Smiths to an enjoyable musical number where Tom performs a little dance on the streets to the Hall and Oates song "You Make My Dreams". Ladies, that's what we gentleman feel like doing when we have scored, believe you me (or that may just be me but what the hell...).

What I enjoyed most about this, is it's screenplay and the general feel and lightness to the overall film. A fantastic spin on the whole rom-com, where love is not the end product. A witty and often amusing dialogue which is equally sarcastic and heartwarming. It captures a relationship to a tee. There are moments of joy and moments of sadness (the split screen of expectations v reality is so heart crushing). The contrasting look at both sides of love feels truthful and not cliched. A point of view which isn't often seen in theses types of films/genres and one where I'd like to see more of. It's rare we know how the film ends right from the start and it explores the nature in the way the relationship start, form and breakdown but not remembered in those orders. A poignant and remarkably funny sweet picture that is OK for guys to like.

Technical Merit 4/5
Narrative 5/5
Acting 4.5/5
Entertainment 4.5/5

18/20