SKYFALL + Official Trailer (2012)

A James Bond film made for the modern era, you'd be hard pressed to find any other film series able to stand the test of time and still feel relevant. When it looks like it's lagging behind the competition of the other spy action thrillers, the makers have taken note and re-invented the mould, making it more real and exciting.

To me, Bond had too much of a rigid formula, the cars, the chases, the girls, the gadgets, the megalomaniac villain's and the spectacular set pieces/stunts. After a while though, the older films seem to suffer from a sense of deja vu. It's a case of been there, done that. The structure of the films have become stale and repetitive. Same plot about a group of criminals/organisation hell bent on world domination/destruction, with a beautiful bond girl in tow, Bond and or Bond girl gets capture, ridiculous car chase or stunts with a million of cheesy one liners. Frankly, I had pretty much given up on the Bond films. They have become predictable and tedious with only the change of location to give the film any sort of distinction.

The plot of Skyfall is unlike previous Bond films, starts with the routine chase resulting in Bond being shot and wounded, believed to be dead by MI6. When an attack on MI6 headquarters manifest through a cyber attack and a bombing at the headquarters, Bond returns to uncover who is behind the assault. Struggling from his gun shot wound, Bond has to prove his fitness mentally and physically through some rigorous tests. Sent back into action without being fully fit, Bond embarks on the mission to expose the mastermind. What Bond discovers is a villain who happens to be ex-agent who has a vendetta against M and will stop at nothing to kill her.

First thing you'll notice is the lack of gadgets and the usually bond girl (there is one of sorts but you'll understand when you watch it). Also with a villain who is suave yet as equally menacing as Hannibal Lector, we have a loose cannon who isn't after the world but revenge. It's spy vs spy and the story is more of a evolution of the characters that inhabit the world of Bond. Nods to older Bond films crop up from dialogue, props and even the classic Austin Martin car makes an appearance. It's a homage as well as a resurrection of well known characters.

What we are given here is a Bond with more layers to him and more emotions. Daniel Craig has moulded a Bond who is more relateable. Signs of physical and emotional weakness shows us a Bond who is no longer a super spy with little or no vulnerability. Other characters are given more screen time and provide an emotion gravitas (We are also introduced to Q, a young model who is still wet behind the ears).



In the hands of Sam Mendes and Director of photography Roger Deakins, there has never been a more beautiful shot Bond film. During Bond's fight with a criminal minion we see only their silhouettes, but the eye is drawn to the beauty of the neon Shanghai backdrop. The reserve can be said  for the grime, dour and rainy streets of London which captures our the United Kingdom perfectly. 



It's a satisfying and enjoyable film, with plenty of action and a surprising emotional core to the narrative. A great development in characters with seeds being sown to allow for a more relateable and mature story telling and for future characters to come to the fore. Skyfall has made me fall in love with Bond films again so here's hoping there's no more rigid formula and routine mundane narratives of past.

Acting: 4/5

Technical Merit: 4.5/5

Narrative: 4/5

Entertainment: 4.5/5

17/20

Pusher (1996) - Official Trailer

What drew me to this film wasn't the fact that there are two remakes of this film but due to the fact that this is the directorial debut of Nicolas Winding Refn. The Danish director who made the impressive and brutal Bronson and equally entertaining Drive.

Filmed in a naturalistic nature, the camera follows the central character Frank and his associate Tonny through their day to day life in an objective manner. The film kicks off with the two of them wheeling and dealing (the narrative does not pause for breath for minor details such as background characters and situations, we are just pushed straight into the world of drugs, dealers and buyers).

An offer of a big deal comes along in shape of a large buyer and Frank goes to his suppler Milo to obtain the goods. Milo is reluctant to give him that much without money upfront as Frank still owes a substantial amount but on the condition that Frank pays him the following day, Frank accepts. When he goes to do the deal with the buyer, things start to go very bad for him as the police are waiting for him and he has to throw away tip all the goods into a lake. In the following few days Frank has to come up with a large amount of money or face the consequences.

What comes across you straight away is the immediacy and intensity in the way in which the camera follows our protagonist. Medium close up and long cuts pushes the audience closer into the seedy world of drug pushers and the criminal world. confined spaces in the car and apartments makes it feel claustrophobic and trapped in this underground business.

An altogether rawness and close to documentary quality to the picture makes it feel almost real and gritty. As Frank becomes more and more desperate the mood and atmosphere changes, making viewing feel ever increasingly uncomfortable.

A powerful and harsh look into the world of drug dealers shot with roughness and unremorseless savagery. With the character Frank, we not suppose to sympathise with, but he shows enough emotion that there is a connection that he is still human underneath it all. A great performance from all involved, mesmerising and monstrous in equal measure. It's a film that will burn in your memory for a long time.

Acting: 4.5/5

Technical Merit: 4.5/5

Narrative: 4/5

Entertainment: 5/5

18/20

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

Vamp (1986) plus Trailer

There are only two films that I can remember Grace Jones starring in. One is the James Bond vehicle A View to A Kill, and the other is Vamp.

An 80's comedy horror about a couple of college students Keith (Chris Makepeace) and AJ (Richard Rusler) looking at getting into a fraternity to make use of their accommodation. The only condition for them getting in is that they have to get a stripper to their party. With no car, they make a deal with the Duncan (Gedde Watanabe) who is the only guy on campus to take them to find a stripper.

Unbeknown to them they head into a city after dark, to a club run by vampires (clearly an idea nicked by "From Dusk till Dawn"). Having travelled hundreds of miles it's a fight for survival to find a way back to campus against Grace Jones' head vampire and her many minions.

An incredibly cheesy but thoroughly entertaining movie, littered with equally cheesy dialogue where the characters are goofy but likable and the use of Grace Jones as the head vampire is a stroke of genius. Just as Arnold Schwarzenegger gave The Terminator a great robotic performance, Grace Jones has the creepiness and down right weirdness which makes her perfectly believable as a vampire.

Similar to Scorsese's "After Hours", the film is mainly set at night in a strange environment where the locals are vampires instead of oddballs. It shares the same energy and enthusiasm, it's hard not to like this throwaway 80's film. The effects are above average and the acting is good. Sure it's dated with the haircuts, fashion and style, but there's no denying it, it is a fun and easy watch and there aren't many of those around these days.

Acting: 3.5/5

Technical Merit: 3.5/5

Narrative: 3.5/5

Entertainment: 4/5

14.5/20

Drive - Movie Trailer (2011) HD

Drive. A simplistic title for a movie where the lead character main asset is his driving abilities and from this point it may seem like the plot would be all about cars and driving fast. Luckily there is more to this than going 0-60 in 3 seconds.

A narrative which is based on classic westerns themes, a nameless hero who falls for a local woman and gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and endeavours to make things right. Except this is located in modern LA and his speciality is his driving skills. Ryan Gosling plays our nameless hero who is a getaway driver for hire and a stuntman and mechanic by day.

The opening scene shows us his impressive talent and his quiet, strong persona that commands the screen and grabs our attention immediately. He is impressive when he talks and equally brooding when he doesn't. The nameless protagonist is cool, calm and collective. His life is simple and with little or no desires only to carry out his job and to do it well... that is, until he comes into contact with Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her son, his neighbours.

They become friends and connect through unspoken glances and Gosling's character feels an emotional connection with Irene and her son Benicio. The Driver has found something that has been missing in his life but unfortunate that is short lived as Irene husband is released from jail and he is in heavy debt to some very dangerous men who intend to collect one way or another.

all just flash in the pan, fast edits with little or no substances to character or story but in fact the opposite is true. With a mesmerising soundtrack and a very authentic 80's feel to it, the director has made it feel cool and never contrived. Even down to the opening titles, a pink neon typography adds to the appeal.

The strongest focal point to the film is Ryan Gosling's portray of the lead character. As mention before he comes across as strong and passionate man with little or no weakness. A believability and a measured control of his emotions allowing a remarkable performance where he can show you what he is feeling without saying any words. Fine support comes from Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) as his only friend/companion.

I warn those of a weak disposition that there are some gruesome acts of violence amongst the beautiful shot imagery. If anything, you won't forget the contrasting image of a kiss and a skull being smashed in the same shot. A haunting and powerful film with an outstanding performance from Gosling, one of the best film of 2011.

Acting: 4.5/5

Technical Merit: 4.5/5

Narrative: 4.5/5

Entertainment: 5/5

18.5/20

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) + Movie Official Trailer

A film that defies an easy explanation in terms of  plot is attached with an equally less revealing title. What is the "Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind"? Well, it stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in what I can only describe as a surreal romantic comedy drama from the inventive minds of Charlie Kaufman and the visionary French music video director Michel Gondry.

The film opens with Joel Barish (Carrey) narrating that today is Valentines day. Bored of his usual routine, he spontaneously gets on a train heading the other way to his work and there stumbles upon Clementine (Winslet). They strike up a conversation and apart from the odd hiccups they get along. Little do either of them know, they were partners before and as the plot unravels we begin to realise that both had decided to wipe their memories of each other.

The narrative goes back to when Joel wakes up after an argument with Clementine the night before. He goes to try to smooth things over, only to find that Clementine doesn't recognise him at all. From further investigation, Joel finds out that Clementine has embarked on a radical procedure that has resulted in her wiping all existence of Joel from her mind. As a reaction to this, Joel undergoes the same operation to do the same thing. From here on in, the film follows Joel's memories and he begins, though his unconscious mind, to remember why he loves Clementine.

As the film is mainly set in the mind, the visuals and settings are vividly bought to life from recurring images and motifs. There are numerous humour filled moments using forced perspectives. Many of Gondry's visual tricks of repetition and surrealism come into play.

For those of you expecting your usual Jim Carrey vehicle, you'll be very disappointed. None of his facial pulls or goofy antics are on show and his performance is akin to his other serious acting performances (The Truman Show, The Majestic and to some lesser extent, The Man on the Moon). As for Kate Winslet, she is always capable of pulling off a convincing performance as a kooky, hippy and impulsive woman.

An original and invigorating story about a two people who fall out of love but fate and realization brings them back together. A unique insight into a couples love life. Through the highs and lows of the memories in Joel's mind, he comes to find that it's the faults and differences that make him attracted to Clementine. Watch with an open and clear mind and fall in love with a romantic comedy with a difference.

Acting: 4.5/5

Technical Merit: 4.5/5

Narrative: 4.5/5

Entertainment: 5/5

18.5/20

Prometheus International Trailer (2012)

When I go to the cinema I sometimes find it really hard to switch off and just enjoy a film. I'm finding more and more that when I go to watch something, I put my critical head on and think about finding negatives and positives. Alas I did the same with this film. For those of you not in the know, Prometheus is set in the same world as the "Alien" films, a semi-prequel. A couple of explorers found clues to the origins of mankind and embark on a quest to find "answers" as to who and why we were created. The company funding the trip is Weyland (the same company who feature in the Alien universe) and a select group of scientists and company employees go in search to find the meaning of life. 

Much is expected from this film and I for one, am one of those who could not wait to see it. As a big fan of the Alien films, I had high expectations, but when it came out and there were whispers of it not being anything more than a big sci fi film which happens to co exists in the same world as the great films that preceded it, I was apprehensive. It wasn't an alien film....but in it's defence, Ridley Scott has always claimed that this is a standalone film which echoes from the Alien universe. 

The main problem I had with it is the fact I feel the film uses it's links to the classic films to garner audiences to go and see it. I don't think the film would have had a big budget or the director if it was just another science fiction film. Is the film any good though? Well, it's not bad but it's not great. It is lacking in thrills and suspense but has some interesting ideas. I enjoyed it but I had many reservations with character's and some few plot points/holes. 

The film's characters are sketchily drawn, only a few are given more depth and personality while others just stand and look on in awe. With Noomi Rapace's character (Elisabeth Shaw) she is feisty and a survivor and the main protagonist so comparison will undoubtedly be made to Ripley. The only other character to have any depth would be the android David played with cool calmness by Michael Fassbender. Unfortunately the others are all forgettable and lack any real emotional connection.

A personal frustration I encountered with this film is that throughout numerous questions are raised but most are left unanswered. There is little or no clear resolution. The ambiguity throughout allows for viewers to interpreter their own answers and reasons to why things happen, which some may like but does little for me.  It clearly has the stamp of 'Lost' (writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof is on script duties) all over the narrative. The motives of the engineers (the space jockey from Alien) are never clear, and neither is David. It leads to an unsatisfying feeling.

On the positive note, the location and cinematography is superb (but I never expected it not to be). The attention to detail on the ship is magnificent and the mood and lighting effects are in keeping with the Alien universe. There is clearly a deliberate attempt at making the film echo it's predecessors in tone as well as in it's dialogue, and that gives the film a sense of the familiar and allows the audience to feel comfortable in it's setting. 

One feels that this film would not of had the excitement or expectations if the film was not set in the same universe, but then it's kind of hard to see this working without it. Many of you would no doubt do the same and make comparison to the other films, but it's unfair to do so and to watch it without thinking of the other films is really hard. In fact all this films does is make me want to watch Alien again.

Acting: 3/5

Technical Merit: 3.5/5

Narrative: 3/5

Entertainment: 3/5

12.5/20