James' Talk

Creation

Just want to draw everyone's attention to this UK film starring Jennifer Connely and Paul Bettany playing Charles Darwin and Emma Darwin. Basically the film focusses on Darwin's theories on evolution and relationship with his wife. Contains various other Brit actors too.

Looking forward to this..due to reach UK cinemas this month.

Blood Simple

Marty hires a private investigator to spy on his wife, who he suspects of cheating. When Marty hires the investigator to kill his wife and her lover, things get very complex. (IMDB)


Blood Simple is the Coen Bros' first feature film from 1984. It also features Frances McDormand, wife of Joel Coean and frequent collaborator in their films. Blood Simple is quite simply brilliant and of course the beginnings of what would later become two of Hollywood?s great film directors. One of my favourite Coen bros films and perhaps one of my favourite films.

The film also has many man similar characteristics to the Coean Bros 2007 film No Country for Old Men. It's an incredibly dark tale and contains a lot of shots that are in No Country for Old Men. What is also brilliant about this is the use of diegetic sound. That being that it's mainly in the picture that we hear music and aspects of surround sound. We also hear who would later become one of the main characters narrating at the beginning, which is what was in No Country for Old Men. This creates a far more realistic image to the audience and you really feel part of the film.

Worth mentioning some great tracking shots following characters which are just genius and brilliant to watch. Blood Simple is obviously brilliantly directed and such the attention to detail to perfection. The tension in Blood Simple is evident in many scenes and really makes you the viewer on tender hooks itching to know what will come next. I found myself on the edge of my bed just like that. The cinematography, especially in the opening sequence is again perfection. When we are introduced to the two main characters we feel claustrophic in the scene mainly due to the brilliant lighting in this scene.

Blood Simple contains a cleverly written script. One which incorporates humour, with a dark, twisted tale in the form of a film-noir. With all that entrenched in the film, it stars off as a predictable story but with a few twists and turns ( which is what The Coen Bros later did in their films) it becomes more of a complex and more engaging tale which I feel is perfection ( as I've stated before.) I've also got to admit that it will feel like a David Lynch film for the first 40 mins.

Blood Simple is one of cinema's forgotten gems and one which is of course overshadowed by the Coens later and better known titles. If you?ve not got into their body of work yet start with this as it really is a masterful piece of work. Brilliant! Don't expect you?re average crime of passion when you watch this.

Superb

10/10

Masterpiece.

Star Trek

A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members



" I'm a doctor, not a physicist!- McCoy"




Now I have been waiting for this film to come out for so so long and so glad that it finally got the right release date. I am mainly a fan of TNG but equally love the original series which I have watched many many times. I am pleased to say that it exceeded my expectations in every single way and the 2 and a bit hours flew by. Probably one of the best cinematic experiences that I've had...purely because of the fact that I don't normally not notice the time fly by!

One thing that does annoy me is the stingma attached to being a fan of the franchise. Why should people think you must be a geek for liking this? Well, anyway, having watched the original series I can safely say that Abrams has perfectly cast everyone in this film. From the first showings of Kirk, Spock and the crew these actors were the legendary characters that I had been watching. Obviously Zachary Quinto is perfect at Spock but equally brilliant was Chris Pine. Not only does he look gorgeous but he looks like a young Shatner and every mannerism is there to the sitting on the captains chair, to the look to Spock everything was perfect. Karl Urban also made me laugh as he too was just perfect in the role of Bones McCoy. IWhat was interesting there was the fact that I hadn't really any idea of the relationship between Kirk and Bones and that it was so close. Anton Yelchin as Checkov was spot on aswell with that very broken English accent that we all know and love from the orginal series. Zoe Saldana as Uhura really suprised me aswell as I just didn't picture her like that at all. Would love the know about the realtionship between Uhura and Spock, that was something which did baffle me a little I must admit.

The special effects were absolutly incredible which really brought the film alive and kicking into the audience's minds. I think that may really be the reason why It really felt just incredible to watch. I don't think a Star Trek film, even with the Next Generation. I think it will mos likely be up for an Oscar.

What Abrams has done is created a whole new Trek for a Post-modern generation where things like Star Trek are seen as something for Geeks, as I mentioned before. After watching this film, it really feels like a part of popular culture. He's created a Trek, which it is cool to watch and you don't feel like a Geek at all.

Overall, just one brilliant prequel to an already lengendary franchise. One film which you don't have to have seen any Trek episodes at all to enjoy. Look out for a cameo by Lenoard Nimoy and a great performance by Eric Bana. Now eagerly await the sequal

Highly recomended

9/10

Doubt

Director:John Patrick Shanley
Released: 2008
Stars: Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams & Viola Davis
Genre:Drama
Country: USA

Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him of abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality, and authority.

One of the Oscar films that I have watched that has at last reached my cinema and for once my cinema has actually put on some Oscar nominated films. Doubt is one of the best of 2008 and one of my favourites of 2008. Without a doubt( no pun intended,) deserved the nominations it got. An excellent film indeed.

Receiving 5 Academy Award nominations; mainly for the cast members and I think a similar amoutn of BAFTA nominations, Doubt is one to watch if not for the brilliant acting that just lifts the film enormously. Dealing with such issues as religion, morality and authoirty; watching Doubt will leaves you wondering what is going on rather than pointing it out to you. The abuse charges that are put to Father Flyn for instance are implied and you don't see anything other than what the characters see. In other words you are put in the same posistion as the characters of Amy Adams and Meryal Streep. This is what works for the film in my opinion. It also probably shows that it was orginally a play; as that is what plays usually do when you watch them. What is brilliant though about the script is that you feel like you've watched so much on screen, yet nothing has particularly happened.

What is brilliant about Doubt and what has been discussed in many reviews is the acting from all the cast. Meryl Streep is outstanding, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is as brilliant as ever but for me, the heart of this film is Amy Adams. Her portryal of Sister James for some reason just stood above even the performance of Meryl Streep. Sister James, as portrayed by Adams is an incredibly vunerable character, one who never has doubts about people( or in this film people in authority) and one who thrives upon teaching her History class. Adams plays her so well that I started to see myself in her character and I'm sure that there are many Sister's like her around. I'd love her to win the Academy Awards but I just don't see it happening. I will for sure be looking into any future films that she produces that I just loved her performance in this. Viola Davis, with such a brief performance left an strong impact in the film. She played her role with such emotion and feeling that you really believed her. Also worth noting the performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who, from being abuser, almost becomes abused at the end of the film. You suddenly feel for him at the end of the film. As you will see if you catch it yourself.

There are a few minor flaws that kept it from being a 5 star film. For instance the direction was a little odd, as it left me wondering whether it was me sitting in the wrong position. The transition from stage to screen I think isn't as strong as it should be for an Oscar nominated film. It lacks a cinematic flair and feels a little staged a times( showing the transition wasn't so atrong.)

The issues of authority is delt with quite strongly here and quite well. For instance Streep's character at first is quite nice to Father Flyn, as he is above her, towards the end of the film she begins to Doubt him. As shown in the film, the difference in authority of the two characters i quite diverse. For instance there is a contrasting shot of the two characters, at dinner with all the priests and nuns. The Nuns, under Streeps character, eat under absolute silence, The Priests are far more laid back and have a laugh. I think this is some of the reasoning behing the Doubt of Streep's character. Father Flyn has more of a rapour with the rest of the children. I'm sure she evys that.

Generally the script is of a decent standard and the dialogue suits eac character and plays well. Perhaps Shanley could have left out some of the more theatrical lines, which left me a little puzzled to say the least. Roger Deakins, world renowned cinematographer really depicts the backdropt to this film really well. From the autumn feeling to snow, it really works in the film.

Overall, Doubt is an excellent film though with flaws. It's a powerful feel that leaves you wondering certain aspects of your life that you might have doubted before. With some brilliant performances, Doubt is one to watch this year.

Highly recomended.

8/10

The Reader

Director:Stephen Daldry
Released: 2008
Stars : Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, Bruno Ganz
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: USA/Germany

Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

Part of my Oscar watch season, The Reader came a few weeks late to my local cinema and suprised me a great deal. Much attention has been given to the performance of one of my favourite actresses, Kate Winslet and I 100% agree with those critics. The Reader is an excellent film and one which is unfortunatly overshadowed by the likes of Slumdog Millionire and various other Oscar nominated films.

The Reader unfortunatly is American funded and by those Wenstein brothers, who are the only reason that this was up for best picture and perhaps for Stephen Daldry. Don't get me wrong Daldry's direction was very good just not Oscar worthy like the film in general. Without the backing of the Weinstin Brothers, this wouldn't have been receiving those awards; OScars and BAFTAs for example.

Just wanted to point that out. The Reader is an excellent film and suprised me enormously. What is just perfect about The Reader is that, despite being made for an English Language Audience, it feels very Geman orientated. Which for me is the key to any English Language based WW2 film or any other foreign orientated theme. What it does for the audience is that we can add meaning to what we are watching and really delve into each characters because they are very believable. The likes of Ralp Fiennes and Kate Winslet, for example, despite being English were very believable as German characters in the film. The film also sets the backdrop to Germany very well and the scenery around Germany was just brilliant and again added to meaning of the film for the viewer. One scene in particula which was extremly poignent, was the scene in which Michael visits Auswitz and goes in a series of rooms. What was brilliantly done here was the ommision of the soundtrack and just following Michael through what he is seeing. One to watch if you catch it at your cinema.

As metioned throughout the Media, Kate Winslet is just outstanding and highly believable. Thoughout the course of the film I was really feeling for her character and really believing this was Hana Schmitz that I was watching and not Winslet, playing Schmitz. Just brilliant! I hope to see her finally win the Oscar for this year because it was just brilliant to watch her on screen. Ralph Fiennes, brilliant as ever is great as older Michael as is Bruno Ganz as Michael's Law professor. A notable mention to newcomer David Kross who played his role with such innnocence and such a great performance. With the majority of the cast, from what I noticed, being German, I thought still kept the German theme going. For instance I felt like I was watching it in German because it was just done to perfectly.

The Reader, however does rush into the story a little fast and you really have to think for a bit as to watch just happened. I mean there are a few other tiny flaws that I noiced, but none other than the first one that make a difference. What Daldry does perfectly aswell is Michael's story as a boy, when he met Hanna, running alongside him as an older man. For some reason this let us as an audience get to know the character much quicker and establish a posistion with him before the two meet.

What is great is the chemistry between David Kross and Kate Winslet. For instance when thy first meet, you really feel for the both of them, which is difficult to say unless you catch the film. What is difficult to do when you what the film is feel negative towards the character of Hanna in any way. Trying to distinguish between the terrible things that she did as an SS officer and her relationship with Michael is very diffuclt to do. That is all down to Kate Winslet's brilliant performance.

Overall, The Reader is an excellent film and which should see Kate Winslet win her first Oscar. It's also one which shouldn't really be up for Best Picture as it's just not quite there in the 5 star films that I would normally regard in the Oscars. However, at the same time I think it has been forgotten as the other films have taken centre stage and because of Kate Winslet's performance. The Reader is a great film in it's own right and not just " Kate Winslet" film.

Highly Recomended

8/10

Slumdog Millionaire

Director:Danny Boyle
Released: 2008
Stars : Dev Patel, Irfan Khan, Anil Kapoor
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: UK

The story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?", wins, and is then suspected of cheating.

Slumdog Millionire has been heavily praised by critics both here in the UK and in the United States. Mainly due to its unique storyline and beautiful cinematography. Also heavily regarded as one of the best films of 2008. I really have to agree with that and more. Slumdog Millionire suprised me in many ways and is close to as perfect film as you can get.

Director Danny Boyle, whose films I must confess I have not seen a lot of, has been heavily underated both here and around the world. Recently Oscar nominated for his superb direction, I'm 80% sure he'll take home the oscar. The direction in this film is just wonderful to see. Shots that aren't often seen in many American films and ones which really add to the setting of India and give us as an audience a real taste of life in the "slums". What I loved about the opening sequence, or about 50 minutes into the film was that beautiful sequence where the two Brothers are chased by the Police. Added with briliant cinematography and a wonderful soundtrack it was just stunning to watch.

Slumdog Millionire, as I have just mentioned contains some absoulty stunning cinetography, and rightly socar nominated. It's just wonderful to watch a film that really gives us an insight into a world most western people just don't think about or know enough about. The shots of the town, Salim and Jamal lives in added with a touch of great lighting just looked great on the screen.

Slumdog Millionire is definatly not as "feel good" as the film poster makes out. It contains a few gritty scenes, that you will see when you watch them. You don't expect it when you walk in as it has not been advertised that way. In a way that adds to your overall view of the film and perhaps that's why I enjoyed it. Again this is due to the social context within the film. Like I said before, you just don't expect that to happen and a few times in the film, you wonder is that what life is like over there? Well it certainly is. The realtionship between Jamal and Salim is a very close one throught the film. Althought there is some question as to what exactly does Salim get into. Both brothers are left orphans at a young age, and Boyle depicts to us as the audience that many children are like Jamal and Salim. This is evident in the many photos and shots of children in the slums, most of them are orphans and are working for themselves. There is also a little use of documentry like filming in this film, which really does work.

The film tells 2 different stories; one- the story of jamal and the other Jamal and Latika. It's for the rags to riches sotry but also a sublot of romance. What was so engaging is that for many years Jamal was searching for Latika and didn't give up. Most likely a moral message delivered by Danny Boyle.

Acting in this film was done by mainly unknown actors. I think 2 BAFTA nominations for the acting came. It's brilliant to see Dev Patel, known to UK audiences in Skins, suddenly become a huge star around the world. Played the part of Jamal so well and unexpecdily for me as I didn't think someone from Skins could produce such a great performance. Would love to see what he does in the future.

Overall, Slumdog Milionire is every bit as good as everyone says it as and more. Close to a perfect film for me and one of the best film of 2008.

Highly Recomended

9/10

Harold and Maude

Director:Hal Asby
Released: 1971
Stars: Bud Cort, Cyril Cusack and Ruth Gordon
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA




Harold is a depressed, death-obsessed 20-year-old man/child who spends his free time attending funerals and pretending to commit suicide in front of his mother. At a funeral, Harold befriends Maude, a 79-year-old woman who has a zest for life. She and Harold spend much time together during which she exposes him to the wonders and possibilities of life. After rejecting his mother's three attempts to set him up with a potential wife, and committing fake suicide in front of all of them, Harold announces that he is to be married to Maude. However, Maude has a surprise for Harold that is to change his life forever.




Harold and Maude, considered one of the great classic films of the 1970's and one of the great films of all time. One film which has always been on my "to watch" list and other films always got in the way. Luckily it was my DVD to be sent to me and sat down an watched it. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it suprised me a bit.

Firstly, Harold and Maude feels way ahead of it's time. With the Cat Steven's soundtrack, often used in Wes Anderson films, you feel like it was made 5 or 6 years ago. It still has a "fresh feel" to it, which is why it's still being watched even today. The Wes Anderson like presentation of the film, makes you want to keep watching and really gain an insight into the livs of Harold and Maude. Again, Cat Steven's soundtrack is key to the freshness of the film for me.

The film opens up with Harold walking down the stars, with Steven's OST and attempting another "fake suicide." Instantly we can see that character's deep and troubled. far away from life with his Mother. Harold is presented as a deep and troubled man, but also with a constant pale face, again reinforcing to us as the audience what kind of behaviour that you should expect from this character. Harold visits the psychiatrist, who's room is depicted as a set from a Kubrick film, i.e- huge , spacious room which feels like it is going to move in on you. The dialogue with the Psychiatrist is short, and with a hint of black humour, which again instantly puts you with the character-you feel what he is feeling. the acting of Bud Cort, as Harold is key to the presentation of his character. For example we wouldn't have thought of him that way if it wasn't for his portrayal.

The performance and presentation of the character of Maude is the exact opposite of Harold. Once they meet at funerals, you can see they are similiar. Maude, the care free woman seems to have the mind of a 25 year old but gives Harold advice on life and how to get the most out of it. Harlold makes Maude feel like a younger woman which makes for c harming on screen couple. I loved the uneasiness of Harold and the attitude of Maude, which seemed to gel together onscreen instantly. One of my favourite scenes is where they re-plant a tree that was originally in the street-then they stopped by the police. One scene to look out for.

Overall, Harold and Maude is one film to discover in American cinema. Harold and Maude is a classic indie like film that we have come to know today. Reminiscent of Wes Anderson films and slightly different to the Graduate, the film is one not to get grossed out by the content of the film but enjoy the chemistry between one of cinema's odd couple and a truely inspiring film.

I can guarantee you'll be humming Cat Steven's soundtrack to the film after...

9/10

Quantum of Solace

Year: 2008
Director: Marc Forster
Country: UK/USA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton


Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organisation, Quantum.

That time has come again for another Bond film's release and I was once again there to catch it. Ever since I was 11, back in 1999 for the release of The World is Not Enough, I've caugh every Bond film since at the cinema. This time around the cinema was packed full of people of all ages. All I can say is Quantum of Solace equals Casino Royale but for me I prefer the realistic take on the story here than Casino Royale.

Althought I loved Casino Royale, it had a full cheesy moments which downgrades it's superiority over previous Bond's. What is great about Quanum of Solace is the realism inserted into the film by Marc Foster. Quantum has an Art House feel to it which I love, and it makes for an even more better film. Like many films released this year, it touches on upon world issues that are going on. The Dark Knight, for example touched upon our fears of Terrorism and this film uses the Oil situation in the west as the main part of the story. It's because of that I think many people have commented on the confusing plot. Having said that because it's a Bond film and the plot isn't always a necessry thing to focuss on.

Daniel Craig seems to be coming if not one of the best Bond's of all time. Surpassing even the great Sean Connery. His cold-blooded brutality creates his Bond as convincing as ever. This creates his appearance on screen as incredibly real and one which could be exsisting today. I have to see him in a few more films before he could become my favourite and surpass Connery. Judi Dench is brilliant as M and seems to be underated in many reviews. I think even her character could match Bond. The more films i see of them the more I'm convinced that's the way the writers are going. Gemma Arterton, who impressed me in Tess of the D'Urbevilles, made a brief appearance as agent Fields and was again impressive on screen. Would like to have seen more of her character than what was shown. Mathieu Amalric, was excellent as Dominc Green. Perhaps he was undeveloped and under-used but he definatly surpasses the previous Bond villian. Would also liked to have seen more of Jeffery Wright, as he makes for a great Felix Leiter.

One great strength of Quantum of Solace is just how great it's filmed. The stunning locations and photography, particularly at the end, make for an interesting film to watch. Many of the sequences were shot very very well and I loved one slow motion sequence shot against an opera, which related releated to the scene and film well. Would like to have seen a more intense build up to the arrival of Dominc Green, as I felt it was rushed a little and not allowing us to understand the character either.

Perhaps some weaknesses of the film, keeping it from being 5 stars, is the first half of the film. I felt a little underwhelmed throughout that and felt that there was something missing. The film does pick him in the middle and makes for a great film. I think the key to remember is that Bond films will never be perfect, some might say that films are never perfect but for me some are. Forster like Campbell previoulsy, is trying to move the franchise into a new era. This is evident in many scenes of the film. What's important to remeber is that, whilst doing that not everything you've seen in previous films will be in this one. The dialogue is less witty and more convincing, thus relating to the context of the film. Less action means that there is more focus on characters and the plot, meaning we can find deeper meaning within the film and enjoy it better. That's somehing I think the franchise will do in future films. Not only to move the franchise forward but to compete with other action films and add more meaning to Craig's Bond. After all this is only the second film he's in and the more he does the more we can get a sense of the way Craig plays his version of Bond.

Overall, Quantum of Solace takes a more emotional stance than Casino Royale. Less action and more meaning in the plot. Far more dialogue and attention to detail in the devlopment of characters. In only his second Bond film, Craig is shaping up to be one of the best Bond's if not the best. Both Casino Royale and his are pretty much equal in terms of quality. f I had to pick out of the two, it would be Quantum because of the realism it depicts. Without a doubt in my top 3 of the year so far!

Highly recomend. Go and see it when it reaches you a.s.a.p!

8/10

The Dark Knight

Director:Christopher Nolan
Released: 2008
Stars: Christian Bale,Heath Ledger,Gary Oldman
and Morgan Freeman
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Country: USA






Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.



*Possible spoilers ahead*

After a year and a half long wait, the sequel to the brilliant Batman Begins(2005), is finally here and boy did I enjoy it! It surpasses all my expectations and is FAR SUPERIOR to Begins. A Sequel which is far better and will be remembered for doing so. I you thought Begins was good, you will be plesently suprised. The Dark knight is as great as everyone says it is and more I'm still finding the words to describe even several days after watching it.

Yes, before I started watching the film, I knew Heath Ledger's perfromance would be amazing in the role of the Joker, and I was right. I have to admit that it didn't suprise me one bit. The time that he took to perfect his rol and the perfection in his voice, mannerisms and behaviour is just outstanding. He's created a character that's incredibly menacing and even in a 12A film, scary to watch. I'm sure he'll receive a post homours Oscar nomation, winning it I'm not so sure. It'll be down to whether the Academy can avoid the snobbery that they have over blockbuster films winning at the Oscars. He's character was also very funny and had several one liners, which I did laugh at. I don't think I'll ever forget his performance. It'll always be in my top five of all time.

Christian Bale repises his role as the caped crusader and has obtained a far huskier voice, which was great to hear. Bale is now my favourite Batman and I'm sure others would agree. Even as Bruce Wayne he oozes coolness in every scene he's in. His Batman is far darker than many previously and makes for a great character to watch.Bale also plays he's character tremendouly well and should be given credit for that, Also worth mentioning Aaron Eckhart's tremendous perfromance as two-facem who I didn't think would be good at all. Worth mentioniong Gary Oldman's Lt Gordon, Maggie Glyyenhaal's and Morgan Freeman's perfromance aswell, who all delivered fine performances. I'd really like to see Bale get some sort of credit for his performance, as it really was great.

The Dark Knight's cinematography was absolutly breathtaking to watch. In particular the sublime, opening sequence, which was inspired by Heat-which you can see . The colours, and sequences filmed just added a little realism to the films, giving it that post 9/11 feel. It also adds a little fear to the viewer, for instance in the Mayot's funeral. It drwas upon real events, which is just superb. Talking of superbm that Opening sequence was outstanding to watch. One of my favourite shots was one of the Joker, in the middle of the street, in almost a God like stance. Everything in the scene is quite shocking to watch. The joker and his henchman don't just feel like characters in a film-where you can just write them off. These characters really feel real and the sounds of the guns shots, in this scene only emphathises this. One classic line which I won't forget by the Joker.

I believe what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger..

The screenplay in the Dark Knight has to be one of the finest that I've seen for a summer blockbuster...since..well forever. It is obviously responsible for some great lines in the film. The scenes with the Joker and Batmanl, for instance-The iterrogation scene. I'm sure the screenplay will be up for an Oscar ans it is one of the best parts of the film for me. Loved this line from Alfred..

Some men just want to watch the world burn!

Nolan has now set the bar for Great summer blocckbusters. Everything in the film is FLAWLESS. The running time of nearly 3 hours flew b. His direction is absoulty outstanding. I just hope BAFTA award him with a Best Director nod next year.

The Dark Knight contains some amazing camer shots. For instance, as I mentioned before-that opening shot of the Jokers-WOW. One sequence towards the end, was just sensational to watch. I just hope this is the start of great summer blockbusters to come.

The score by Hans Zimmer is just sensational to hear. Every single piece of music livens up every scene and just get an absoulte buzz, when you watch it. You can;t help but cheers and smile when you hear part of that score. Just mesmerising. I hope it gets awarded at next years Oscars aswell.

I really think the editing is one of the sucess points of the film. The pinning together of some scenes , two or three at some stages really addes tension to the scene and sheer joy for the viewer. This adds to the experience and really makes it one hell of an enoyable experience.

Overall The Dark Knight is an absoulte MASTERPIECE. Filled with sublime acting, cinematorgpahy, excellent editing, screenplay. Expect the Dark Knight to receive several BAFTA noms and some OSCARS noms. I can't tell you how great this film is and how musch I enjoyed it. You must go along and see it for yourself.

Oustanding.

Highly recomended

10/10

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Director:Andrew Dominik
Released: 2007
Stars: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepherd and Sam Rockwell
Genre: Drama,Western
Country: USA







The last months of Jesse James's life, from meeting Robert Ford, a 19-year-old who idolizes Jesse, to the day Ford shoots him. Jesse's a wanted man, living under a pseudonym, carrying out a train robbery, disappearing to Kentucky, and reappearing to plan a bank holdup with Robert and Robert's brother as his team.

In the words of Lester Burnham;"S-P-E-C-T-A-C-U-L-A-R." I loved every minute of it. the 2 and a half hour lenght flew by. Films of this decade are getting beter and better every year. Seriously for me one of the best of this decade and one of the most underated films of last year.

The Assasination of Jesse James deserved more Oscar nominations than it did. For instance it deserved to be there instead of Juno, which didn't deserve it at all. The film is absolutly mesmerising beyond belief. For one thing I would be sitting there thinking, "hang on I'll just which a few minutes" and suddenly the lenght flew by. What I loved was the fact that, whilst it seems slow, it's meant to be that way. I notice a lot of critiscms of the pace but seriously I didn't ntoice it at all, because of the superb direction, which incidently deserved some Oscar nomination, and the fact you become a part of the story in some way. The use of landscape shots on many occasions and mid-shots emphaise my point and also shows progessions of the characters, in a sense that we see their progression over time and their personalities develop.

What also works well is the mangnificent use of diagetic music which blends into brilliantly with every frame of the film. For example in the final scene gives us a sense of inevitablity if you see what I mean. I think the soundtrack will live with me for days on end so so beautiful. Must buy it soon.

The acting in this is both superb and so well brought about. Brad pitt was excellent, surpassing all my expectations and brilliantly plays the outlaw well and depicts to us a well structed porrait of the famous man. Casey Affleck, well is an absolute revoulation brilliantly plays the so called innocent 20-yeard old to a man who turns into the very man he killed. Possibly one of the underated performances of 2007 and possibly one of my favourites. More than deserved his Oscar nomination. Both Pitt and Affleck have chemistry on screen which helps us as an audience really get a picture of what when on at that time and what sort of a relationship they had. Superb!

The cinematography plays a vital role in the film. The beautiful, surrean planscape created by Roger Deakins, is so vast that you feel engrossed in the film. The various amounts of colours which beautifully define what you are viewing on screen, absolutly magnificent. The narration to some people is off-pointing and some have sated that here. But seriously, you wouldn't know that story if it wasn't there. It helps to deterimine what is going on the the narrtive and helps us to cpmprehend certain derails that can't always be shown on screen. Mangificent filmaking indeed. I hope to see more films like this in the future.

I can';t recomend this enough. Technically superb, brilliantly directed, acted filmed and written. I have to admit that I still feel a little "wowed" if you get my meaning," a similar sort of thing which i felt whilst watching last year's : Into The Wild, Antonement, There Will Be Blood and No Country. All masterful pieces of film-making. All I can se is that I will look forward to the next film by Andrew Dominik, who has crafted one fantastic western and one which I think will be remembered. I will defiantly see more of Casey Affleck's work and I predict another nomination for him in the future.

I feel this film will leave me thinking and thinking about what I have just envisioned for days.

10/10

Battle for Haditha

Director:Nick Broomfield
Released: 2008
Stars:Elliot Ruiz, Yasmine Hanani, Andrew McLaren Genre: Drama, War
Country: UK









An investigation of the massacre of 24 men, women and children in Haditha, Iraq allegedly shot by 4 U.S. Marines in retaliation for the death of a U.S. Marine killed by a roadside bomb. The movie follows the story of the Marines of Kilo Company, an Iraqi family, and the insurgents who plant the roadside bomb.

Now weirdly I've always been familar with Brit director Nick Broomfield but never bothered to watch any of his work. I was lucky enough to spot it on TV here in the UK and sat and watched it all the way through. I have to admit I thought it was absolutly superb indeed.

As everyone knows, The Iraq war was incredibly unpopular both here and in the US, but seeing it from a soldier's point of view is something new entirely. What is done so well is that, asides dramtising the events on screen, the sodliers are characterised so well that you begin to understand them and idenitfy with them so to speak. In particular the character of Cpl. Ramirez is exactly the type of character you would expect in the marines but you see a different side to him entirely. For instance towards the end of the film he describes the horrors that he has seen during his dreams and that he can not sleep. He discusses this with one solider who didn't seem to understand him at all. Gradually as the film progresses, the marines are a unit and practically a family and ultimatly that leads to this alleged incident.

One of the most brilliant things about Broomfield's film is that you see many sides to this story. Often you'll only ever see one side. We see the insurgents, marines and other Iraqi families. We get a glimpse every so often of how each section is coping and what they are going to do about it. This creates a lot of tension within thw scene and you gradually begin to feel for the Iraqis and understand he insugents better. By the end of the film you end up with a enormous hatred for the Americans. I won't say anything else as it will spoil the film.

As I've just stated Battle of Heditha is incredibly Ant-American and Anti-War. It points out well that frustrations of the US marines serving in Iraq. We also are witnessed to one scne in particular, in which one of the insurgents declares he wishes he never planted the bomb that lead to this alleges massacre by the Americans. That shook me up. There are many many scenes which slightly changed my thoughts regarding the American soldiers, which i don't want to go into as it will spoil your viewing.

Battle for Haditha is filmed very well indeed. Often by hand-held camera, which gives it that authetic feel. There are also so fine shots of Iraq and neighbouring Iraq backed up by some interesting diagetic music. Interestingly, it's hard to belive that there were very few professional actors used, most were real soliders at that time unbelievable.

Battle for Haditha is one of the most powerful thoughtou-porviking films that I have seen. It brilliantly shows all sides of the argument and depicts what is alleged to have gone on well. I hope that this will get some sort of release in the states, but I understand that Broomfield is struggling to get distribution rights, which figures!!

*Highly recomened watch*

No Country for Old Men

Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon some dead bodies, a stash of heroin and more than $2 million in cash near the Rio Grande.

I manged to watch this whilst trawling through the internet for films to watch. Luckily I found it! And it's not even released in my country yet. I was not disappointed. No Country for Old Men is one hell of a film, so good I might have to re-rate some other films. For sure an American classic and yes this is a masterpiece. And no American Gangster is not what I first thought it was after watching it. This is the first Cohen brothers film that I've watched. I don't know how I have manged to not watch any of their films but I will now. No Country For Old Men is a character-driven masterpiece. I'm sure I will mention that again in this review.

No Country For Old Men is definatly one of the best of 2007, possibly in my top 5. Not as good as the superb Atonement, but is still sensational. The film's narrative is relativly simple but by the end of the film you come out feeling like you witnessed something more. The film is incredibly stylistic. I mean you find yourself deliving into the scenery because it's just awe-inspiring it truly is. I don't think i've seen such a great film this year since Atonement.

The film plays with your own perception of morality. For instance the tossing of the coin by Bardem's character and Le-Jone's character's perception of morality in this era. The sense that what is real now does not reflect the past is also reflected in the film. Vietnam is often repeated symbolised the "Old Men" in the title. Also symobolising this is "No Country For Old Men." If you see what I mean. Luckily most users on this site, from reading their reviews have picked up on that.

Shot through some humours moments, which is evidently refelcting what would otherwise be in a real-life situation, should not be mistake for "gooy" moments" in the film. As No Country For Old Men is one serious girtty western drama. And for once an American thriller which actaully keeps you thrilled to the very last moment.

The acting in this is something of pure greatness. From Tommy Lee Jone, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Scottish actress Kelly McDonald; No country for Old Men delivers something of pure greatnes, if that's a word, maybe I made it up right there. Javier Bardem, in the first role that I've seen him in, seems to have done his best performance of his career. For sure an Oscar nomination and possibly my vote for winning it. His character's presense and ghost-like ora throughout the film, gives off one chilling performance that I will never forget. I'm still thinking of it now. Josh Broling, who also completes the sensational cast, produces a great performance but is outlclassed by Javier Bardem for me. Tommy Lee Jones is as ever brilliant and will no doubt get an oscar nomination. Also great to see Scot Kelly McDonald complete one great Texan accent. You could hardly regonise her in this.

The cinematogrphy is magnificent. It's the part of rthe film in which you are imeadiatly drawn into. The colours, almost fitting the mood of every scene. The script is expertly crafted to perfecton and will no doubt get an oscar nomination.

What is magnificent about this is that for majority of the film, there isn't much dialogue and much of the character's body language conveys the meaning to you. For instance one scene in the petrol station with Bardem's character and one with Brolin and Bardem's character.

If there's one film that yu see after you watch Atonement....it's this one. Both are just magnificent films. No Country For Old Men goes into American Film history as one of the great films. I'm still in awe of these two great directors. I must watch more of the Cohen's work.

I do't want to say any more about this brilliant piece of filmkaing as I will give bits away...so I will leave you to make your minds up.

Roger Ebert:

"This movie is a masterful evocation of time, place, character, moral choices, immoral certainties, human nature and fate. It is also, in the photography by Roger Deakins, the editing by the Coens and the music by Carter Burwell, startlingly beautiful, stark and lonely. "

*Magnificent Highly recomend*

There Will Be Blood

Director:Paul Thomas Anderson
Released: 2007
Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciaran Hinds and Kevin J. O'Connor
Genre: Drama
Country: US




A story about family, greed, religion, and oil, centered around a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

Well, first things first, I didn't think that I would come across a film that would have the same impact on me when i watched Atonement. Boy was I wrong! Everything in this film is pure genuis on Anderson's part. Stunning cinematography,acting,score,editing....everything that I want in a film and more. An absolute masterpiece.

There Will Be Blood contains some intresting idelogies about surburben America. Most notably an incredibly isolated one. But two that come to mind are this Anti-Religious theme and Ant-capitalism. We see the character of Plaintiff, who feels uncomfortable around Eli Sunday in relation to his evangelical preching. Daniel Day-Lewis' character is one of a seriosuly repressed man, who wants no more than to own every oil enterprise in the land.

What was so brilliant about this film, which I will probably say again was just absolutly bloody everything. The score I will begin with. Made by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, who for some starnge reason did not get an Academy award nomination for this, produces a score which prefectly relates to the time period. The whole errieness of it and the detuning of the score, adds to the bleak, corrupt atmosphere that we see on screen. Abolutly mesmeriszing. Something which I have to buy very soon. Still have it in my head. So brilliant"

The film also contains huge christian like imagery. For instance Plaintiff, is seen as deriving from hell, ie- we first seen him down in the pit lookin for oil. From there we can see he is a violent, selfish man, who is deterimined to get what h wants. From there on, when he takes the son of another man and poses him as his own-also symoboloses this. There are loads more but I dodn't want to give too much away as it's just blown me away!

Talking of "blowing me away" the cinematography. WOW oh Wow! again I didn't think I would see should sensational cinematography since I watched Atonement back in September. Again I was serisouly wrong. Throughout the film, the colour on the screen changes from dark to seriously light. Again, possibly signifies the changing of mood. One oncredibly piece of imagery is that scene where the oil place is on fire is unbelivably. The colours, is set up perfectly for something spectactualer. I don't have the words to describe it but once you see it you'll see what I mean.

Being a Scorsese fan, I can see hell of a lot of trademarks in here that he uses. For instance the jump cuts in here, that he often uses. These, as I can see from reviews have put people off and confused them a little. For me this is is beauty of the film. It has certainly made be think about how much I take for granted everything told to me in the film. I mean Anderson takes a chunk of vita nrrative information and doesn't tells us anymore. I loved this. Seriouslyy people is a good thing you know. It's something that is original and not often used. People wake up! Anyway, I loved some of the tracking shots in this, not quite beating Atonement but still some unbeliveable scenes in it.

The acting...well just outstanding. Daniel Day Lewis seriosuly pocess the inner-body of his character so well. The John Huston like voice, mannerisms, e.t.c is just mind-blowing. If he doesn't win best actor at this year's oscars-I'l eat my own hat!! I have to say Paul Dano is serisouly under-rated in this role. He brilliantly plays the twin-brothers Eli and Paul so so well. I love his crazy preaching moment...but I can't go into that much. Both actors, Dano and Day-Lewis have brilliant chemistry on screen which shows. I can't understand why Dano hasn't been credited more with his role-only a BAFTA nomination. I guess his is slightly over-shadowed by Day Lewis's performance.

Overall, the length of the film DOES NOT matter, the jump cuts, DOES NOT matter, acting, score cinematograpy all contribute to a sensational, outsanding film which words can't not express. I couldn't keep my eyes of it all the way through, just annoyed me that I picked a crapy version but I will get it on DVD soon.

Go out and see it when you can, you wont be dsappointed. Ignore the negative comments here because they're wrong!! There Will Be Blood gave me the same experience as I had with the brilliant Atonement. One of utter admiration for the director and just all around Wownes...a word I made up right there!

10/10

Atonement

Based on Ian McEwan?s award wining novel of the same name, Atonement tells the story of A British romance that spans several decades. Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.

I?ve waited several months to see Joe Wright?s second feature film ?Atonement? and it did not disappoint. For an only second feature film by 35 old Joe Wright, it?s absolutely astonishing. Directed superbly on all levels. From the stunning Dunkirk visuals, to several Point of view shots empathising each character?s need and feelings at that point, you can?t help but feel intertwined in the story and with the characters. I haven?t seen such an epic of a film since The English Patient, I hope it continues to do well at the box office and worldwide, as it deserved to. I haven?t read the novel, so I will do soon.

There are many sensational tracking shots in this, which I loved. For instance, in the Dunkirk scene, we walk with Robbie and see the devastation through his eyes, just amazing. At the beginning, Briony?s view of Robbie and Celia is done through two perspectives. One being what Briony believe has happened and two the real truth, this creates a dilemma for the audience as you don?t really know who to believe at that point. One shot I loved was of Briony?s eye, an extreme close-up almost giving a clue to the viewer. As I mentioned before, I can not believe that Wright has produced such a masterpiece of a film, in only his second feature.

The Dunkirk, scene is something to be remembered. Watching it at the cinema, I was so taken aback by the extraordinary beauty of the scene. The cinematography is sensational. It captures the mood of that time, so well that you can put yourself in there. What works is that you think what you?re seeing is real, and everything in every frame of that scene. I can?t really describe the words, as it won?t really doesn?t do justice to what I thought of the scene but let?s just say I?m still thinking about it now and will always. Subsequently that scene has to be up there with some of the best war scenes ever created for the silver screen, and I don?t often say that unless it?s seriously something that has left me speechless beyond any recognition- that hasn?t happened. Some other scenes to mention are; Celia and Briony?s estate like house and the scenery and the wartime London are also sensational. Plus, there done in such a way you wouldn?t expect a 21st century film to make.

FULL REVIEW HERE

Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)

Director:Florian Henckel-Donnersmarck
Released: 2007
Stars: Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Muhe, Sebastian Koch and Ulrich Tukur
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Country: Germany






The horrifying, sometimes unintentionally funny system of observation in the former East Germany. In the early 1980s, the successful dramatist Georg Dreyman and his longtime companion Christa-Maria Sieland, a popular actress, are big intellectual stars in the socialist state, although they secretly don't always think loyal to the party line. One day, the Minister of Culture becomes interested in Christa, so the secret service agent Wiesler is instructed to observe and sound out the couple, but their life fascinates him more and more

The Lives of Others was 2007?s Best Foreign Language Film winner and I totally agree with that. Despite most people believing Pans Labyrinth was a sure winner, for me this is just far superior in every respect. For a start the film lives up to the trailer. What I saw in the trailer was exactly what was in the film and more. Just the perfect film in ever respect and just a flawless piece of work. I?m not completely familiar with the context behind this film, only bits and pieces. I was about one when the Berlin Wall came down and only studied parts of the GDR whilst studying German. Now I gain a full picture of exactly what happened. This in turn shows just how brilliantly it depicts life under GDR rule and the situations that many people faced at that time. The Lives of Others towers above many German films that I?ve seen this decade. The artistic flair. Pace and the direction just make it one of the best films of this decade as well.

What is amazing that this is director; Florian Henckel-Donnersmarck?s debut. Just incredibly hard to comprehend that such attention to detail, characters, script pacing of the film is just magnificent. The attention to detail of every scene, for instance the interrogation chamber to the scenes in which Ulrich Muhe?s character is observing Sebastian?s Koch is once again just brilliant. There are also some fine examples of editing, with Dreyman and in which we see Dreyman and Wiesler, with the observation scenes. What I just loved was the inter-cutting of the two scenes with the attention to every frame, witted with the brilliant music you hear on the trailer. Just some fine examples of film-making, which I wish we see more often. It?s such a shame that this wasn?t given a wider release. It was not at my local cinema, but at the nearest area specialised in Art House cinema. It really deserved to have a wider release, to just show the context of the film and depict it to a wider audience. Just such a shame films like this aren?t given a wider release.

The Lives of Other?s is a well crafted thriller and quickly grasps the underlying social and psychological factors of the context within the film. Dreyman is an elegant, dashing figure, who is dating a prominent figure within the Art world. Wiesler is a more preserved character, who believes in what he is doing and the political aspect to it. However further into the film there are changes which I won?t give too much away. What is chilling is the seemingly normal life that each member of the stasi Police believes this to be. This in turn is depicted but the brilliant photography of ?80?s Germany. You feel transported to that era and feel engaged with every scene in the film.

The acting in this film is just magnificent. Ulrich Muhe?s performance is just incredible. I know that he was filming whilst suffering from Stomach Cancer, which is just not noticeable on screen. His performance is so captivating that he?s the character of the film that you pay more attention to right from the beginning of the film up until the end. Also a notable mention to Martina Gedeck and Sebastian Koch, who also did superbly well.

I don?t want to give too much away but the ending of the film is one that I did not expect at all. For a start I almost shed a tear and just hoe emotional it was. Just showing how well crafted the characters were into his film. You just relate to them so so well.

The Lives of Others is not only a masterpiece of German cinema but one of cinema?s rue great films. From the incredibly script to acting it delivers on all levels. I seriously can?t recommend this enough, just outstanding stuff and a film I don?t think I?ll ever forget.