James' Talk

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Went to go see this at the cinema yesterday in 3D. Been wanting to do a review all morning, but I keep feeling like I'm still going to cry! It was SOOOO touching and wonderful and lovely - and no doubt the 3D experience added to that! I would have been embarrassed by my girly weepiness - except the guy I was with wanted to cry too... so I don't feel so bad :D

Into the Wild

This movie completely traumatised me! But I have to say that it was one of the most FASCINATING stories I've come across in a long time (probably because it's based on an actual person's life story).

It's incredible to think that someone so young had so much conviction, determination and drive.

London to Brighton

Exceptional!!! Without doubt one of the best films that I have watched in a long time. A gritty, true to life storyline with very natural performances, particularly from the two main characters. This film held me from the get go and never failed to grab my attention throughout. Quite a frightening reality, which makes it a sensational Drama.

This is a film that should be on everyone?s ?must see? list (or at the very least every Brit?s ?must see? list).

People who are easily offended by bad language should probably give it a miss.

Charlotte Gray

Such a different perspective on a war-time film, showing this through a strong woman?s eyes, in a man?s world. This story is essentially driven by love.

Blanchett yet again, pours emotion into her performance and is of course a believable role. I too, have to give Billy Crudup credit for his performance here which I feel is his greatest to date.

Impressive all around with a much enjoyed plot.

RocknRolla

As predicted Guy Ritchie?s ?RocknRolla? is even better second time around, it?s funnier more calculated and it really give you change to unclutter the complicated characters, who?s with who etc. The three of course who really stand out, even in this great cast of Actors is Tom Wilkinson, Toby Kebbell and Gerard Butler.

Again, second time around, you really get to measure the amount of content squeezed into this film.

L' Appartement (The Apartment)

I was completely blown away by this storyline. The plot travels along steadily at first and is very 2-dimensional, but soon enough, come clever flashbacks, sub-plots and intertwining relationships, which all managed to link together and yet still keeps you surprised throughout.

Vincent Cassell is as always impressive and monica Bellusi (something I rarely comment on!) was absolutely stunning.

Enjoyably confusing and quite brilliant.

Shattered (Butterfly on a Wheel)

A film I underestimated greatly and one that develops into a clever little Thriller. Enjoyable performances all around.

The concept of the film really makes you question, how to choose between the lesser of two evils and in parts really shows you the fear through the character.

An enjoyable surprise.

A Bittersweet Life (Dalkomhan insaeng)

A film for me that got bigger and better the more I watched. Lee Byung Hun is superb as the lead role and the Action in this film was very natural, from the Acting and fight scenes to the realistic shoot outs (something I?m not usually a fan of) and bloodshed, this is definitely a film I shall be watching again.

Question? Has there ever been a Hollywood remake of this film? Not that this can be topped, but it does seem the type of storyline that Hollywood would snap up.

Cinema Paradiso (Nuovo Cinema Paradiso)

Firstly I have to say the young boy who played Salvatore has to be one of the most talented and adorable young Actors ever, he completely grips your attention. He is comical and a rebel in the making and had the film ended as Salvatore ages I would have been just as impressed with the film.

It?s always satisfying when your expectations are met and exceeded with a film, as this film no doubt does and is worthy for all it's high praise. For me, there seemed at times a reminder of ? Life is Beautiful? in the natural humour sense, which of course is absolutely a compliment.

Although the ending didn't seem to be quite as fast moving, this is a film to add to one of those 'movies you must see' lists.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Being a musical, this film, no doubt will become better with each viewing, but definitely has a strange target audience. Those fans of Depp and Burton may be put off with this being a musical and musical fans may be put off because of it?s dark violent tendancies.

The look of the film is visually stunning, with a gloomy cloud hanging over Victorian London, which sets the mood of this piece perfectly, the enhancement of colours at moments of intensity work well and also the brighter flashback scenes.

Both Depp and Bonham-Carter were perfect for the main roles and even Sacha Cohen Baron makes an interesting appearance. I now can?t imagine another Director being able to bring this story to life the way Tim Burton has done.

If you watch this on dvd and have the special edition, there is a huge amount of background information to this tale on the Special Features and anyone with an interest should definitely take a look.

A Clockwork Orange

Probably one of the most original films ever made and certainly one of the most controversial in it?s day and still today.

A Clockwork Orange has a very surreal outlook on life with the storyline being narrated by the main character played by Malcolm McDowell. He is the leader of a non conforming gang of thugs, who spend their time playing by their own rules, conflicting violence robbery and rape on the innocent, in contrast there is a gimpse of culture as the boys listen to Beethoven and speak with poetic tones and often in a peculiar dialect.

The journey this film travels in, splits between consequences of actions and a bizarre tale of experimental behaviour control.

McDowell?s character has become something of a cult icon and was no doubt an impressive early performance by the star. (In addition you may notice a unrecognisable Warren Clarke, also in the gang).

The Kite Runner

From book to film this intriguing story is quite an insight into the war-torn years in Afghanistan. Directed by Marc Forster, the film appears authentic and natural.

The Kite Runner takes a little while to show which direction it is heading in, but during that period the foundations of the tale are set and character development is established.

The film evolves into a class dividing, guilt ridden, culture changing journey, which questions loyalty and friendship to the deepest of levels.

My one complain if any, is that the older Amir, was less of a good Actor than the boy who took the part of the younger Amir.

The Edukators (Die Fetten Jahre sind vorbei)

A journey through moral dilemmas and political activism, this film has reached an instant high place within my favourite movies list and it subconsciously invites you to question your own morals which pulls you further into the story.

With just a small cast, this was entertaining throughout and will no doubt be the first of many watches for me.

Ed Wood

A quirky true story about the man who was considered the ?worst Director?, told in a slight tongue and cheek manner, yet creatively put together and made for interesting viewing.

This is the type of film that will probably appeal more to those who have an interest in all aspects of film making. A slightly different type of project for Tim Burton, but you can certainly see in parts, why he was attracted to this project.

Gothika

A film that isn?t highly rated by most, but remains to be one of my favourites and most re-watched films that I own.

Gothika has the dark creepy atmosphere, which is maintained throughout the film and a storyline which urges you to feel the frustration of the main characters, played by Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz.

Admittedly it has it?s clichéd moments and it?s not without predictability, but it?s certainly worth watching (in my opinion) if you enjoy supernatural Thrillers.

'Behind Blue Eyes' became one of my favourite songs after watching this film.