2008 MOVIES

"Your parents are probably wondering where you are.
"Nah... I mean, I'm already pregnant, so what other kind of shenanigans could I get into? "
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Ok, so the first 5/5 for 2008 (Yes 2008 - i live in the U.K) and why...because by mvies end I felt great.

This is the sort of movie i love, see my other movie reviews, trust me. This fits the bill. It's quirky and honest and just a joy to watch. It deals with issues that have been cliched to fuck over the years and it makes them feel fresh and doesn't hide from some of the facts and it's comfortable, or indeed uncomfortable wth dealing with human issues.

Ellen Page rocks it once again. She's so damn cool a genuine one to atch and Michael Cera is once again "Wizard" and used so well here, Kudos for him for taking what is essentially a very small thankless role and making it special. But it don't stop there, both J K Simmons and Allison Janney help make this even better and it's damn refreshing seeing Bateman and Garner play pretty much against type and it never feeling forced or clunky.

Juno is a joy. I doubt it'll be my favorite film of the year, but it's my first solid 5/5 of 2008 and that's a special moment in a year. So i'm gonna enjoy i while is basks in it's glory. And i look forward to seeing again.
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"My boyfriend wears them every time we have intercourse, it makes his junk smell like pie. "

"You won't be able to change his mind, anyway. Bianca's in town for a reason."
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Lars and the real girl is an absolute joy. It's emotional, it's sweet, it's damn funny and it's just full of heart.

Ryan Gosling is becoming quite the talent. He's so good here. he convey's so much emotion and turmil in "Lars" you just can't help but buy into him. Little blinks, ticks and more so smiles, just make you really feel for him.

To back this all up, you have a nice perfromance from Emily mortimer and a very understated but great performance from freebird, lars brother. Not forgetting, the always great Patricia Clarkson. All their support make this offbeat, yet great story about a man and his...doll, so much more than a plot device.

The one thing that reall sets this apart is no one is a cliche idiot in it. You have moments where you think this little 'Delusion' is going to come smashing to the ground, but it never does. It shows a community understanding one of there own's problems and showing that a little understanding can go a long way.

This movie is a real joy. A genuine journey through someones life as they despretaly want to change and find a slightly off centre way of doing it. Highly recommended.
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"Sometimes I get so lonely I forget what day it is, and how to spell my name. "

"Are you gonna put down the camera?"
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So the buzz was founded. But in my mind for a whole lot of reasons i did'nt expect.

I kinda bought into this from the get go, the marketing did it. The cool factor did it. The mystery did it. But i always had that niggling doubt growing in the back of my mind. This was the same with godzilla. Except i was too young to have the niggling doubt in the back of my mind and i went in buzzing and got seriously burnt. Like third dregree burns burnt. So Cloverfield was a tightrope at best.

I'm glad to say i dug the shit out of this movie. I really liked the main character and i really liked the reasons why he chose to go back. It's simple and sweet and despite the insanity of the premise was quite honest. I loved how the events sort of tie in with his emotions and how it all traces back to that coney island (yes i still sing the simpsons song in my head while typing this) and i love how the monster is almost a manifistation of the guys turmoil over his woman.

That said this ain't perfect. The wobble cam, is maybe a little OTT at times. Also you actually get to the point where you're questioning why he's still filming. Initially, yes, people will want to see this, but after all the shit they go through. Seriously man, You've done enough.

So all in all, i gotta say this delivered for me. And not for the reasons i thought it would. The core of the movie, being the monster attack is great, Well told and presented. But i gotta say it's "the no. 1 dude's" story that gets me here. How his friends band together for diffrent reasons and how his drive is a simple one. LOVE.

Now i sit back and await the terrible sequel, that really goes for the godzilla crown. You know it's coming people, don't lie to yourself.


2ND VIEWING: Cloverfield Rules. it's not perfect, but goddamn it exceeded the hype train as far as i'm concerned. For all of it's buzz, it still delivers a fantastic end result, with enough quirks and cool moments to warrant this asthe beginning of something big. i really dug the monster the 2nd time out as well. That thing is cool, without being forced down your neck as cool.
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"Sorry i took so long to get here"

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's whay they call it a present"
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BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE YEAR SO FAR!

I expected paint by numbers dreamworks. Big nmae actors CHECK. funky visuals CHECK something hip cool and with a play on words. CHECK. All in all typical dreamworks fare that works just about once and then has the rewatchable qualities of a pirate video.

Well boths hand up. I was wrong. Dreamworks have provided their biggest fluke since the first shrek (which i consider a classic- tho not the sequels - urgh) and delivered something that just oozes heart.

Gone are the modern refereces and the one note characters, gone are the phoned in performances, gone is the tired dreamworks bullshit. Kung fu panda is quite simply...BRILLIANT.

The set up is classic kung Fu movie making. The kung fu itself is absolutly amazing, the timing of the shots are handled so effectivly, both graceful and devestating when called for. the characters are realistic. They have problems, there's conflicts, there drama.

Jack black probably provides his finest performance to date. Po the panda is as charaming as he is funny, as sweet as he is vunerable. Jack uses his voice perfectly here, weighing in with equal doses of The D's jack Black and an all new Jack altogether. Po is quite frankly a character to get behind. No annoying side kick. No spilling his dreams out to every passer by. He's quite simply a fan. A fan who gets more than he bargained for after destiny steps in.

Po is backed up with the rest of the kung fu massive. Dustin Hoffman one again provides a great performance. His character actually goes on a fucking great journey. Sort of an condensed obi wan. And that obi wan gets a great villian to face off with, with Ian mcshane. Dear god that tiger is a hundred ways of cool. This is Star wars drama with animals and this right here is your anakin skywalker. He's rotting inside and there face off is fucking astounding. One of the best scenes in the movie and damn brave of Dreamworks NOT to include Po at all.

Then there's Angies cute little tiger. She's badass and once again comes with layers. Tobias Funke as the crane is fantastic. Jackie Chan is under used, but nice having him around, Seth Rogan is allowed to shine and Lucy liu is once again under used. But as a team they are belivable. This isn't usual dreamworks crap where the dynamic is forced, with the cheimistry lost behind the microphones This is a real team, with a real problem to overcome They are real kung fu movie characters and each one works well.

Of course this is a kids movie. The laghs and sillyness are still there, but it never tips to far over the edge, it always takes you to the point f it going too far and then puls you back by throwing something blissful at you. The turtle for example. The yoda. Spellbinding just to look at, funny, yet realstic and full of heart. And frankly it sums up the movie

Kung fu panda is full of heart. t has nods to classic kung fu, it never feels forced, the jokes are solid, the character motivations belivable, the story simple and clear, It has sport movie motifs of course, but essentially this is the main character journey of learning what it is to be everything you dream about or look up to and it just so hapens it's a panda. SWEET!

I genuinly think i could grow to love this movie.
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"Shadoosh!"

"It's not as easy as it used to be"
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Genuinly. More than any movie in recent memory, I don't know I how i feet about this one.

I certainly enjoyed watching it. I know i had moments that filled me with total glee, I know for sure there are whole elements that were incredible. But for the love of Berg and Lucas, I can't work out if this was was want i expected, what i wanted or if it was that bit too far.

Okay backtrack. What i did like. The opening put a smile on my face, wider than it's been in a movie for quite some time. The old paramount symbol. The amazing shot of the car. It was so much fun. It was steeped in Lucas history, had a sense of enjoyment about it and it just looks beautiful and felt better than i could ever have imagined. Then Indy turns up and you just get giddy. And then you start to notice little things to show this ain't a movie make with 80's tech.

One of the biggest issues i have here is the sheer amounts of CG. Some of it is fantastic. The Nuke, the meta, the waterfalls, the ants, There's loads to love, It's broadens the canvas. it opens the world right up. But then there's the shots that sort of undermine what we expect from Indy. The face replacments to cover the stunts. The mechanics of things, the sunsets and the touch up's. Some are subtle others are just garish. None more so than the aqua truck sword fight. Please stand in line with the Matrix reloaded lorry fight and the Dino stampede in King Kong And lower your head in shane. I mean dear god! What ever happened to practical stunt work? Especially in Indy.

The dialogue is sort of 50/50. Some of it has that natural Indy charm, the other 50% iis more what' not there. The fast Indy stuff is nearly all gone. The jibes, the too and fro of clever arguments. It's sort of there, but when it is it sort of feels like it's been put there to remember how it could be done. Tho i still love some of his pearls of wisdom.

Back to good parts. Most of the stunt work is brilliant (except the aqua trucks) The usual indy fights, jumps, smashes, crashes, are all on show in a big way. The entire middle act is pretty much 45 minutes of none stop balls to the wall action. 'berg don't miss a damn trick. Every cool element squeesed to it's breaking point, every element celebrated and there ain't a director alive that sets up scenes like 'berg does. The magnetic properties of that box at the beginning. Perfectly realised. Perfectly classic 'Berg. But to counter that. Sometimes even all of this feels too much. It sort of takes the natural away. Sometimes. Maybe.

Characters wise, it's all good. A new breed of Indy friends are here. broadbent does a god job of selling the emotion, Hurt has the thankless task of delivering incredibly precise rambling dialogue (he's essentially playing "Map" from Dora the explorer) karen Allen is okay, but she just smiles and sort of comes off as crazy, nothing is explored with her, Winstone is okay. i'm not 100% sure how to feel about him, Blanchett was very good, but sort of a darth maul when compared to other villians in the franchise. She's never quite the threat you think she should be, but multi layered enough to remember.

The there's shia. Come on the guy is as likable as they come. He does well at sitting back and watching Indy rock. He's fine here. He's gonna get a lot of shit, and mainly for the tarzan bit, which is hokey, but i thought it paid off with the kick in the face. And he took to the rest of the action with ease. he's a nice addition.

And there's Indy. What can i say. he's Indy. This could be a terrible movie, but if you have Indy at the front there. Doing what he does best. That's all you can ask for. And whilst i'll admit it felt a little shakey at the start, goddamn you soon fell back in love with that hat and whip. I would'nt jump on the "Harrisons back!!!" boat just yet. But he's Indy all over again.

And now the nitty gritty. The end. The bit that is too much for me to process, the bit that i cant work out if it's what the franchise needed or if it was trying to stay above the wannabe adventure movie by playing there own game. I won't go into detail. But f**k me it's out there. I know i know. The knight in the last crusade was out there. the grail was out there. But i mean the scale of this is way, way, WAY out there.

I sort of love that it's totally embracing the 50's sci fi elements of the era. Bringing Indy into that era and using the cold war metaphors to full effect in the myth story telling. But holy christ. So much happens that's ballsy, even for an Indy movie. I can't work out if i loved it had this uber balls to push it or if i already miss the small, personal Indy movies that came before. I am genuinly torn here. I loved the elements, I love the use of this "history" and myth. But having it as an Indy backdrop?? i really don't know.

I know i enjoyed watching this, but this is absolutly one movie i need to see again before casting a judgement on it. I need to watch it knowing the outcome and see if this rolls like an Indy movie. I know it's a movie i could adore, but at the same time i'm not sure i do. So until around the annual Lucasfilm release date of Septemember 20 something for the Blu ray release (or if i get round to going to the cinema again) i shall refrain from a star rating

oh and the best bit. By far the best bit. becoming the best star wars homage of all time is Indy saying in true Han solo fashion...

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"I have a bad feeling about this"

UPDATE: OKAY. LETS GO WITH A 4/5 FOR NOW Second viewing and it was a blast. it plays like an indy movie, it's fun like an indy movie. It's a great Indy movie. it has issues, it's still a little too big for it's own good, but it's freakin fun. 4/5

"What's the most you ever lost on a coin toss."
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This movie absolutly reaks of class. The incredible opening, the chracters, the look of it all, just so perfeclty constructed.

The first thing to strike you, besides the Cohens incredible eye for a shot, is Javier Bardem. Literaly from the moment you see him, he's one of the best villians EVER to grace a movie screen. Quiet, controlled, fucking menacing, and just a perfect villan in everyway. If this guy doesn't get at least an oscar nomination something is seriously wrong.

Outside of "Chigurh" is Josh Brolin. Man what a run this guys had over the last 12 months or so. You just buy into his character so much. He's actual smart in a movie cliche that usually stinks of stupidity. He's careful and thought out and just a great actor to lead you through this movie, and within these two characters you have your darkness and light, both of which are presented to the audeince so incredibly well.

As the movie progresses you just can't help but fall more and more in love, the twists and turns and the Coens well thought out paths through the tale is a masterclass, a total standard setter for future movies on this ilk and just edge of your seat enjoyment done well. It genuinly hits you head on and you're aware of it all the time.

So why the 4/5? Why not a perfect 5/5. It's that ending i'm afraid. It's just feels a little wrong. It's still great in it's own way, it's diffrent and against convention, and it still works, but it feels a little like the movie took a slightly wrong turn. The way Brolin's character is "handled" is just a very strange choice and the passing of the baton never really sits right with me.

It's such a strange thing. It doesn't ruin the movie at all. It just takes the sheen off of it and in all honesty i maybe would have preferred something else. It's hard to take a hit at such a good movie, but it's how it is and I hope that on repeat viewings that it all slots into place a little better for me.
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"Look at that fucking bone."

"There's rightness in our wrongness."
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On the surface you've seen this all before. Boy meets girl, girl is going out with a family member, awkwardness follows. You've seen it alot, you may have even see the family dtone recently which did this well. But Dan in rea life does it REALLY well. Really, really well.

Steve Carell heads up the movie with absolute perfection. He regains his Carell-ness but it's under the surface and it's used to perfection here. His 'Dan' is a superbly rounded character, you feel his loneliness in the crowd, his yearning for something more and you go through every emotion with him.

The family that surrounds him are made of of even more class. This is the best Dane cook has ever been on film (not too difficult) his daughters are all pretty solid and there's alot here to warm to. It maybe just that little bit over the edge with some of the family 'events' but it's forgivable as it's never rammed down your throat, it's just how it is and you just sort of fall in love with them all in there own ways.

Dan in real life is a genuine joy. It made me smile, i felt uncomfortable, i laughed out loud and it plucked the ol' heartstrings. I'm not too sure if i'm getting old or these types of movies are just being made with more focus, but goddamn if this ain't like a warm hug just when you need it i don't know what is.
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"Life... is full of disappointments "

"No! You can take the kids, but you leave me my monkey. "
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Everything i've reviewed in the last few weeks seem to be Biopics or spoofs, and how much they DON'T work for me. So how was this gonna work? WELL is how.

It's not so much the stuff in the trailer which sold this to me, though that's ALL good. It's more what follows. Once you get over the Walking tall and Ray gags and realise just how well they are playing this stuff into comedy you get to what i think really makes this movie great. How Walk Hard goes into Dylan, Beach boys, Late Cash and more is a blast. Not only does it (fingers cross) destroy the possiblilty of the paint by numbers Biopics of these artists ever rearing their ugly heads but it just celebrates some of the craziest moments in rock history while sending them all up as well. This shit is brilliant.

Outside of that. This actually lived up to the greatness of that awesome trailer. Reilly is born for comedy and i'm glad he's embraced it so whole hearterdly. He really sells the god awful set up's in a biopic and along with the rest of the cast (that is stacked floor to ceiling with greatness) you can't help but giggle at the cliches just blown apart minute by minute. Even telling you the year we're in is hysterical.

Oh as an added bonus, the music is class too. Not always really funny, but genuine to making this feel more than a scary movie affair when it comes to piss takes. I need this soundtrack.

Walk Hard kicks off the comedy new year with a blast and i can see me watching this alot when it hits DVD. And with all of the extra trimming that were in some of the trailers as well. There was so much NOT in the movie that can't wait to see again and will do nothing by boost how good a comedy this actualy is already. I mean where else are go gonna get someone tellnig a monkey to FUCK OFF!?
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"...and remember it doesn't say Cox, unless I say it tastes like Cox. "

"If I'd grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me, but I didn't, so it doesn't. "
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An absolute freakin blast!

I had a feeling i'd dig this movie from the red band trailer released a while back, and thankfully i wasn't disapointed. in fact I liked it more than i thought i would.

Colin Farrell has always been a bit hit and miss with me. Mostly miss. I loved him in tigerland, but since then he's either been one note, rubbish or indiffrent. Here he's in a style of movie i adore (funny sharp dialogue - not british crime movies) and he plays a great complainer, which frankly always makes me laugh, like 100% of the time. His fascination with midgets, the non PC refrences and just his plain attitude to Bruges just kept making me laugh and i warmed to the character almost immidiatly.

The pairing with Brendan Gleeson also works very well. They are diffrent enough for this to wok like a classic duo should. There shared dialogue is always brilliant here and the back bone of the movie being there relationship is nothing but a joy.

The movie's first half with just them in bruges was the part i loved the most, but it had to move on, as these movies do and the 2nd half, though still great gets a bit more in your face. With the shoot out's and the Ben Kingsly turn from Fiennes. it's still lots of fun, but i really could have just had what they got up to in two weeks in bruges and been more than happy with the outcome.

So Farrell is back in my good books and i'm really hoping that he goes for more roles like this. i think he has a natural talent with dialogue, that he somehow fail to use in most movies and this more than proved his worth in the world of cinema.

I had a blast with this movie and i look forward to catching it again. If only for Farrell's proclaiming "Their filming midgets" which is one of my scenes of the year already.
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"A gay drink for my gay friend, and a normal drink for me because I am normal. "

"Succeeding in this business is ninety-nine percent perseverance and one percent talent."
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The first thing that hits you after and during watching this movie is why the hell ain't Billy Crudup in more movies? The guy is a freaKin golden god. Every role i've seen him in , he brings something diffrent and here he's just doing some stellar work.

And then there's Mandy Moore, she really shines here. It's not that she's exceptional or anything, but she grounds this character and it feels great.

Overal this is essentially your typical romance set up, except rather than the lead guy having a problem. He actually has problems. Not that he's lied, or he's a jock douche or he's in on a bet. He's genuinly got problems. The movie still follows the same ol' patterns, touches the same familiar spots but it feels like it means it. The generic run to the girl for forgiveness stint doesn't feel tacked on and fake.It genuinly feels like this character who is totally lost, whether it be self imposed or not has found the person to bring them out of it.

I guess it's sort of along the lines of as good as it gets, to a degree. I realy liked dedication despite a handful of comparison movies. (good and bad) The characters were great to be around, the look of the film as nice and the soundtrack was great.

All in all this is one of my Faves of the year so far and i can't wait to see Bily Crudup in the watchmen and whatever else he choses to do.
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"I've never been good at finding things, I'm really good at losing things. "

"How's that working for you?"
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First up. Anton Yelchin. Stand out male performance of the year. So far. For me anyways. He's subtle, he's brave, he's well... diffrent. He brings a fresh performance to a tried and tested formula. He's cocky and fragile and unpredicatable yet realistic. It's a stunning character to get on board with and Yelchin sells it like a fucking pro.

Charlie Bartlett is a joy of a movie. It's smart, it's funny and it's not scared to be "out there" the main character is great. Everything Ferris Bueller was, and better still everything he wasn''t. It's full of heart, it's kooky, it well written it's just plain great.

Downey jr is having a hell fo a 2008 as well. What with this, Iron man and the sure fire classic Tropic thunder on the way, he's mastering every Genre in the space of 12 months. And what's even better is he's making it look bloody easy.

This movie great, it get's a little too messagey in places and it maybe follows the formula a little too closely, but it has the performances to hold this all together. A pure smile on my face joy of a movie and i recommend it to all.
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"I'm fit as a fucking fiddle! "

"That's the end of the lesson. See you at the finish line"
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So this was just balls out fun.

The opening is beautiful. The introduction to all the characters is kinetic and effective, bouncing round a track at lightning speeds,jumping through flashbacks filling you in on what you need to know and Speed's decision that puts that proud smile on his parents face is enough to set it off to a fantastic start.

After the initial high it levels off. It get's very wordy for the kiddie element of the crowd and frankly i got scared that this was levelling off to everything i'd read from negative reviews. Thankfully it did'nt. At all. You get caught up in this story. And it's the family that do it. They lure you into to feeling the importance of it all. The crazy ass brave visuals sort of become the norm in your mind and you really start getting into the plot.

Emile hersh is good, but not really the heart of the story as i'd thought he would be. He's sort of like the thankless lead role and even though he's great the intrest comes in the people revolving around him. Trixy is sort of the same but "cool beans". John Goodman and Susan Sarandon bring so much to this movie. Believe the hype, such perfect moments with them and their son. But the star of the show here ain't any of them. And no it's not Chim Chim either. It's Matthew "Jack Shepard" Fox. What a fucking dude Racer X is. You get totally on board with his character. Such a dude here and not as much "Jack" as you'd expect. (But hey i woulda been cool with that anyways.) He's cool, smart and adds so much more weight to a character that could have been one dimensional.

The closing half an hour of this movie rocks hard. The joy in the car's motions, the way they fall like old school toy cars. Bouncing as if they are almost not effected by gravity as we know it, the twists and turns and spins and slides all rushing past at serious speeds are something to behold. it's a joy. (unlike the matrix reloaded car chase which was the exact opposite of all of that!) But what realy hammers home the smiles is the way all these characters hopes come in the last race. This is "sports movie" stuff at it's grandest. This pulls all the right strings but presents them wonderfully. It builds and builds and builds to a glourious payoff and leaves you on such a high, even with the racer X reveal which is so sad, but fucking cool once again.

All in all the Wachowski's have me back on side. (especially when you couple this with V for vendeta) This was a brave move, that may yet not actual manage to pay off. This is NOT for everyone, and i;d understand anyone's negative feeling towards it to a degree, but for me this was a blast. I had so much more fun with this that the overally rose tinted run of the mill Iron Man and it's one of the few summer movies of late i actually felt something for. So all in all . Well done Wachowksi's. Now please don't plan a back to back double sequel that has no real connection to the soild first movie and have it be about the crowds while they dance their troubles away at an underground party. Please just leave it be. Let it just be cool.
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"Cool Beans"

"What you pricks looking at?"
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Critic's of the world, get over yourselves. This movie was a blast. It was original and it was a highlight of summer 2008

Will Smith freakin rocked as Hancock. The opening scenes were just so much damn fun. The laid back, arrogent, drunk approach to the usual superhero fare was rereshing, the originality was exciting and the total lack of the usual superhero showboating was great, oh and the characters were just fun to be around.

I'll admit that meat of the plot was maybe a little loosly handled. Skipping over parks to move the story on, but after reaching the end of the movie, i can see why. If they'd goen even more into this stuff, Hancock would have become every other superhero movie. instead it went for depth and a sweet payoff.

Bateman ruled, Theron looked a million bucks and was great and the whole affair was a refreshing change of pace from the usual origin bullcrap that's been getting a ;ittle stagnent of late. This is my superhero movie of the year so far (pre Batman) and for it's al little flaws i freaki dug the shit out of his movie. Shame they won't be able to pull off a sequel to it with any of this ones charm though. Ahhh well , a movie without a sequel. What a novel idea.
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"'cause i've been drinking bitch!"

"I just want Tomas back"
....................................................... A Movie that is as heart breaking as it is tense.

This is a spanish movie, but feels like it shares it's DNA with the recent wave of Japanese Horror. The closest resembelance i can draw is probably Dark Water.

It shares the sorrow involved in it's main character. The almost descent into madness set up with a very sad tale for it all to happen in. Of course this is all wrapped up in a dark, tense, slow moving tale to make you feel uneasy, on edge and damn right scared.

The use of unpredictable cuts, wonderfulyl ominous sound effects and certain visuals to just leave you cold (in a good way) is handled with a steady hand and a real sense of timing.

The real draw with this, is by movies end you really feel like you've witnessed something great. It's so subtle with how things all come together and it's almost a change of genre without it jarring. I don't think there was one horror trick they pulled that i saw coming and the one that i knew would pop up was handled so well that i can forgive it.

This is a real horror movie. it's not packed with "coincidence" or worst still "convienience". The motivations and pay off's for the characters are sound and as a whole the movie has a real pressence.

it's not the most original story ever, in fact it's pretty far from it. But it works because it's done well with heart and it always keeps you on board and frankly that rarely happends with modern horror in my experience.

Oh and Thomas is a creepy little fucker. Though i still feel sorry for him, and i want a toy of him on my shelf...is that so wrong?
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"How many are there?"
"There are six of them."

"It's in me"
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Well let's get the big statement out of the way first. I much prefered this to Iron Man. Yes MUCH prefered! But then i would, it's HULK. Hulk has always been a favorite of mine, Iron man always, well, hasn't.

So does this reinvention work? Well yeah, sure it does, but i thought the Ang Lee one was a fine start anyways, so i wasn't exactly on the other side for this one. In comparrison, it does do a lot of things better. It's a lot more comic book movieesq. The strokes are broader, the elements are not played out with as much detail as Ang enjoyed, but at the same time i don't think it played on the emotional element of Hulk as much as the previous version did. I never realy felt the rage in hulk this time out, and while i would'nt say that was the strength of the first version, i still think the first one caught the frustration and more so the release in Hulk/Banner, way better than this one did. In fact this one had Hulk as Peter Jackson's King Kong, rather than a full on p1ssed off HULK!

So comparisions aside, This movie was a blast. It felt like a real summer movie, it moved hella fast, it was fun, it has some real laughs in it, as well as some not so great ones, it had plenty of nods for the fans (though mainly for other comics, Iron Man, Captain America...but who's complaining? Not me!)

Ed was fantastic, as expected. Playing a more precautionary Banner. One that lives his life with a series of avoidance tactics. it was a nice angle, Liv was a pleasant surprise. I thought she'd be too sweet, but it totally worked against big mean hulk. Tim roth was a baddie you could love to hate One who sneers and gets obsessed. And Abobination was way better than expected after the first trailers. I thought Hurt was ass. he looked and felt like a cartoon character, which in all honesty Thunderbolt Ross has always felt like, so maybe it was good, but he just seemed eratic and hard to read.

There was lots to impress here. My favorite scenes were the sonic cannons bit. I'll adit I had a bit of a comic reader geekgasm when they kicked off. Actual comic stuff happening in a comic book movie. How quaint. And while i'm on the subject. Super powered hero VS super powered villian, in a balls to the wall brawl. F*CKING FINALLY. Talk about a no brainer that's been waiting to happen since all this superhero stuff kiced off (SUPERMAN WRITERS TAKE NOTE FOR SEQUELS PLEASE!!!) it was brilliant. The sound alone made you feel every punch. it could have done with it being tripled in length and HULK not being such a pussy for a lot of it, but F*ck, I'lL take anything i can get of this stuff. PLEASE LET THIS BE THE BEGINNING OF MORE OF THIS STUFF.

I really enjoyed it while it was up on that big screen, but i sort of came away and semi forgot it. I had the same feeling with Iron man. I still think these movies are missing something, though i don't know what exactly. I know i didn't like how the fall from the copter was handled. It had no reason outside of a cool visual. Some elements of drama could have made that scene great.\I did'nt like how it was just a heart rate thing either. Hulk is rage, hulk is a failsafe, he's not a contraceptive. it could have doen with more of a show of Hulks raw power and have more feeing in it. CGI has a real issue showing or making you feel the weight in characters i find. And while this worked well for the most part, i just wish they had a way of really focusing on Hulks power. (P.S see Justice league cartoon fight scenes. This sh*t can be done!)

It was more than i hoped for, it's one step closer to a balls out marveL affair, what with Stark showing up and all Oh and while i'm on that subject, totally made for after the credits and while it was a genuine buzz, it sort of took the shine off of the star... HULK, and put it on Iron Man. For as much as I liked it, it sort of pissed me off that the focus shifted so sharply for the sake of a quick buzz.

The Incedible Hulk was a blast. Ed norton made you feel for this character, the new direction got you involved and they showed off a lighter, more King Kong side of the Hulk. it's not exactly everything it can be, but it was still a fun movie and one of he bigger highs i got from the summerof '08 so far, sort of liek the Transformers of last year realy. HUGE, IMPRESSIVE, FUN, but still flawed.

I realy hope it holds up on repeat viewing like the last one did for me, but for a first hit, this wasa full on HULK SMASH!.
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"You wouldn't like me when i'm... hungry!"

"You don't have the will"
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Not quite as epic as the Graphic novels, but still a freakin blast and done with such heart.

After the semi disapointment of Superman:Doomsday, we get the 2nd in the new wave of DC animaton and this time they seem to have done it right.

It still has some issues, some of the voice work is a little off, some of the story is a little too rushed and of course they drop out a few missed moments from the original story, but all in all this is pretty forgivable considering what we do get.

The animation is steller. It captures the novel beautifully and brings the action to life in a way that only DC animation seems to be able to. The characters are prfectly realised and it captures that golden age feel with a real affection.

I can see this raiseing to a 5/5 over time, once i've had time to soak it up and it's by far the best superhero movie i've seen in, well, ages. Or so it feels.

I genuinly can't wait for the next Batman Manga project now and more so some more modern Justice League tales if this happens. But for now, DC animation and Bruce Timms steady hand have proven thier worth yet again and frankly they should throw all kinds of money at these guys and make something that will really mix it up, Because lets face it. When it comes to superhero adaptations, they kinda hold the gold.
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"We are entering a new frontier...."

"Can we just take a moment to reflect on all of the ways that you are a douche bag? "
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Sharp, slick, smart, funny, beutifully presented characters....yes it must be something written by Aaron Sorkin.

This movie shines. The fresh ultra real apporach to covert warfare is a joy. All headed up by the always reliable Hanks and steered perfectly through what has become quite the dullness in cinema of late.

Sorkin does what he does best and writes a screenplay that involves you. It's not just throwing facts and figures at you at lightning speeds, you are listening to it because the conversations are just plain fun to be involved in. It's just alot of fun.

The cast all interact so well and all deserve a nod, but none more so than Hoffman. Once again he steps in and steals the shit out of the movie. Literally from his first moment on screen you adore him. This is no mean feat considering he's bouncing off Tom Hanks in fun mode which is always a winner.

On top of that this has what is already in my consideration for scene of the year. The first hoffman (Gustov Avrakotos...what a name!) hanks meet up is absolute gold. There interacts mixed with the leaving the office for the girls to inform Hanks his personal life is up on trial is just plain genius and all very Sorkin. Who is really the main star in all of this.

Charlie Wilson's war is everything this genre should be. It feels more realistic some how dispite it's ultra real approach to things. Everything is a favor, a Con, a liberty, but all of that feels so much more real than the most things i've seen before in this type of affair.

For a movie about covert warfareand the message of "where does it end" this was damn fun.
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"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we fucked up the endgame."

"I like to think of myself as an oil man"
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Finally got to see this one. Seemed like ages since i first got the bug for it, and while it's maybe not the world shattering event movie event i'd hoped for, there's no deniying the beauty of it al.

Daniel Day Lewis character is a blinder. The slow pacing of your change in attitude to him is a master stroke from anderson and subtle genius by Lewis. The way Paul Dano's characters rubs against him is so well orchestrated. Two men more alike than they could ever realise and its one hell of a drama to behold.

I gotta say the first half was more engaging than the later half. The way you were lured into this world was master film making and PTA just makes this scale look easy. The characters all perfectly laid out for you to understand and the complexities all the more satisfying.

Whether this is the "best film since citizen kane" is a strange thing. Blood is made with precsion and totaly feels important. It has a presence in the modern film scene that is undeniably it's own and it kinda feels exactly as a "film" should. But on the flip side of that. i really don't think i'll be rushing back for another viewing. This is really going to be an "in the mood for" movie, and in all honesty. I'm not sure when that mood will be back with me.
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"this is my son, H.W."

"I don't think now is the best time for me to be mentoring someone."
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I probably like this movie a little more than it actualy deserves.

That said this movie is still pretty great and it's all on Eckhart's shoulders. What a great character to play, and he sells every factor of it perfectly. The frustrations, the chocolate bar eating, the insecurities, it's all great. it all has a comic spin, but it's all really genuine as well.

The kid that he mentors brings a lot to the movie as well. he's sort of a younger version of what i'd guess Bill was like, or at least thought he was like as a kid and the way the two very diffrent characters meet in the middle for the fun in the movie is a joy to watch. Some moments are maybe a litte too far, like the sex in the tent and the dance the kid does for the Alba, but it's all there to add more to the characters and while some of it isn't really needed, it's all good while it's happening.

Speaking of Alba, she does an okay job here. it's a faceless role essentially, just a pretty face required, but kudos for her doing small roles like this. And then there's Elizabeth Banks. She could knife me, kick me in the nuts, and then punch me square in the jaw, but when she flashes that cute smile I'd still want to hang out with her. So that said, yes she was great here. No matter how "bad" her character got or how mean or indiffrent she was to Bill i still felt like she was a character that deserved a shot at redemption.So kudos to Banks.

All in all this movie is fun. A good breakdown movie, a good journey for a character to go on movie, with lots of laughs, a few moments of sadness but a lot of heart. It may very well feel a bit forced on repeat viewing but for now i dig it. Alot.And it was some of the most fun i've had with a character this year so far.
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They hate that I'm working at their bank. I hate that I'm working at their bank. "

"I will have vengence, I will have Salvation"
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Ok let's get the obvious bit out of the way. Depp is BRILLIANT in this. After getting a little weary of Jack Sparrow, this was the return to form i was after.

Sweeney todd is just pure Tradegy. Every twisted step on Todd's desperate need for revenge is felt in here. Via the songs, the acting and all of the little interaction.You really feel Depp's desire to end the Judge's life and passion to "put things right"

As with all burton, this looks great, there are also so many little giggles here and there, whether on purpose or out of shock, that you soon get caught up in the world of it all.

I realy dug Helena her as well, She had a cerain Harley Quinn about her, against Jacks Joker. She was sweet, but dangerous, grounded, but a little mental. All very rewarding and certainly the extra angle the movie needed.

All in all, lots of fun to be had and a movie i think i could end up watching quite alot down the line.
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"....Benjemin Barker...."

"Chessmate!"
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Blue Sky get back into the arena.

Ice age was always the only one to rival Pixar's run. Blue sky looked to be one of the main underdogs to step up with something noticable. It wasn't as try hard as dreamworks attempts and the offering at the time from WB and such were hardly noticable. Robots had a lot of heart, but did'nt quite do the job, Ice age 2 was pretty much a turkey and the spark for Blue sky had sort of, well, gone. Then comes Horton.

For a start i expected very little. Another Dr Seuss ready for the modern twist (thought admit i dig the grinch and Cat in the hat was way better than it gets any credit for) It was bound to be the last attempt at greatness before yet another fox affiliated animation team went down the pan. But who'd a thunk it. This is a crackin' little movie.

I say 'little' because it has that simple old school story telling, but caling it little maybe ain't fair. The scale in the animation is a wonder. The world it's in is totally alive and lived in. The details in the skin texture's, fur work and wildlife is insanly good and the sheer amount of 'stuff' on screen at any one time is absolutly mind blowing. Blue sky have always managed to make there movies feel so much bigger than they are, and in Horton's case it's bloody massive.

The movie maybe suffers a little from the modern take on some elements, but with the likes of Jim Carrey and the other stellar voice work it just sort of works anyway.

It's one of those animated movies that has a lot more than you'd expect. The themes are huge and cross over lots of diffrent area's without ever pointing at the audience and preaching. It's never all about the issue it's trying to highlight and you feel like your entered into the plot rather than being shown it and then asked to make a decision. A big feat for something that could be seen as a movie about faith, belief and being true to yourself. It feels natural and simplistic and more so realistic (Well as far as an elephant carrying around a world on a flower can be - but you know what i mean)

This was an unexpected joy and a welcome return to my interest in Blue Sky animation. I really hope ice age 3 is more like this, than ice age 2 and i really hope the future of this studio is as exciting and as impressive as this was.
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"An elephant never forgets!"

"Sometimes soliders get hurt"
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Steadily handed, understated, devestating and brave. Grace is gone is a hell of a film. It's bleak, but never for bleaks sake, it's honest and thankfully it never steps into "what you'd expect" drama.

Cusack provides a slightly diffrent slant on his usual cool personailty. He's still a lost soul here, he doesn't know what to do next and the fact he plays it so low key just adds to the realism. It's one hell of a performance, without being a performance.

What also aids this is the kids. They are quite simply playing it as kids. No heavy non kid monologues, no more mature than their age informs us. Just plain ol' kids. it was quite refreshing.

Grace is gone has a hook, and that hook is that you know he has to tell those kids about there mum at some stage. Every step towards that moment is multi layered because of it. Every moment has two meanings. It's a hard watch in places, but it adds to the movies feeling.

Not one i'm going to watch a lot due to it's subject matter, but this is an understated, controlled piece of work that shows how to do this well and with real human emotion. Hats off to it.
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"Give me a H, give me an O, give me an M, give me an E...."

"No, I need to B my L on someone's T's. "
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It's not the funniest comedy out there, it's not the slickest. But like most of the Apatow movies it's got heart and it's still better than most of the others out there.

This movies packed with lots to love. Segal is a good lead. He's no "leading man" but he's an off beat take on one and it's quite refreshing in what's realy quite a conventional rom com. (more com, than rom). Kristen bell is likable but sort of in the thankless roll. Russell Brand's first big movie is a great first step for him. Fuuny, laid back, he fit's in, rather than tries to over power like a lot of people in his boat try to do. He just adds something to the overall. It's a good move by him.

Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd provide some great back up cameo's. Both genius in there own rights.

And then there's Mila Kunis. I think i'm a little bit in love with Meg Griffin. She's adorable in this movie. That cool girl you want to hang out with. She looks great. Gives a great perfromance and more than fulfills the task of the girl "he should be with". Colour me a little infatuated, she's just got a new fan.

The movie is a great one that will no doubt get better on repeat viewings. You can tell things are editted down a little in places and no doubt an extended cut will hit that'll make this even better.

There is a lot to love here and i'm looking forward to seeing it again. And even though it's probably not for everyone, it was most certainly for me.

Oh and Jason Bateman pops up here too. Again making a movie that muc better than it was before.
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"I just went from six to midnight. "

"That's the Ghostbusters theme song."
"No. "
"I'm pretty sure it is. "
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If i see another movie with as much heart as be kind rewind this year i will be very happy.

This is a blast. It doesn't always work, sometimes the gears drops too fast for too long in places, but it really doesn't matter because as an overall piece of work this is a great little movie.

I'd say it was more a movie for fans of movies rather than the causal viewer looking for a laugh. Gondry really captures the excitment of visuals in a movie. The little tricks, no matter how crude (or sweded0 are a delight to watch. The spinning wheel on the road map, the spinning fan in front of the camera, or my personal favorite the negative faces (man did i laugh my ass off at that one!) It just makes you fall for the characters in the movie, the sense of community and that spark of something being enjoyed for what it is.

Cast wise this is pretty solid. Danny Glover providing a reliable performance that is both strong and fragile, Jack Black being well jack Black, but with a sense of being more realisitc, which was sometimes a little grating, but still fun and then there's Mos Def. He freakin owns it. He alone sells the innocence in this movie. His character is both lovable and charming. He grounds it. He sort of reminded me of those roles from 80's adventuire movies, the kid that wants to do his best for those around him. In fact the movie had a lot of feelings of 80's movies, the slighlty less than polished feel to it all. I dug it.

As for the sweded movies, they were okay. i wish more than one had been covered as much as they covered the brilliant Ghostbusters. All the little parts of the other movies really deserved more. The little lines of dialogue only the fans would get, the copying of the shots. It was all pretty damn genius really.

be kind reqind isn't the strongest film of the year, it's not the funniest, it's not the sharpest. But this movie has a heart. it has charm and I thought it was great.
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"Listen to me. I need to you say the line. I need you to say "I will piss on the bones of your ancestors"...

"They started this fire. They can burn in it!"
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This is one bug nut, bat shit crazy movie, but goddamn it's fun.

The characters are extreme, expendable, almost one dimensional in fact, but there's something about just how brave it is in it's momentum and sheer ball's that makes you forgive all of the most crazy of crazy plot twists and you just go with it.

The performances are all extreme. Either mental or totally supressed. The action is wonderfuly handled, while still feeling low key and "budget", it's slyly funny and extreme and all of this just keeps building and building to the closing scenes where it's pretty damn impressive.

The most fun in all of this mayhem isl you can tell neil marshall is having fun. He's been given the whole toy box to play with and he's lovin' it. he's killing off well set up characters liek they don't matter, he'sthrowing crazy ass shit at you left right and centre and he don't give a fuck. You'll swallow it because it welcomes you in.

This is never going to get noticed, this is going to be seen as throw away, limited shelf life nonsense, and in all honesty it probably is. But goddamn it's a fun ride
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"In the land of the infected, the immune man is king. "

"It's a love and hate relationship"
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Fascinating stuff. I knew Dick about Scott Walker other than being aware that he was a singer and the era he started on. In all honesty i thought the guy was dead.

How wrong i was. The guy is so intresting. The twists and turns in his career are so rewarding and seeing him work and how more so how and why he works is a perfect subject for a documentary.

By the end, i can't say i'm converted to the music of Scott Walker. For the most part i'm a little lost despite being quite in awe of his dedication and passion for his work. The struggles he goes through to fee his work are very well captured in his conversations as well as picked up beautifully be alot of his famous fans and producers.

This is the depth a music documentry should go to. You should feel a personal connection even if you don't feel the music. A hell of a documentary and a real unexpected gem.
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"I never listen to it once i'm finished with it"