Guardians of the Galaxy

Director: 

James Dunn

Plot synopsis: 

Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted Peter Gilles finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser. Accompanied by a host of fellow convicts he must stop the bad guy and save the day.

First thoughts: 

My Dad had been excited about this film since Christmas, I on the other hand had my reservations. My first thoughts were that it would either be really great or really crap.

Rating: 2.5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

I was thoroughly disappointed by this film, and I'm a real lover of Marvel films. After hearing such great reviews prior to watching I found it unbelievably, completely underwhelming.

All the characters had promise. Each had such big personalities...in the trailer. In the film, nothing left an impression. This was the same for the villains. Overall the film was full of either inappropriate lines or badly worded dialogue that stretched a reasonably okay joke to its limits. I also found it hard to follow at times, there were to many character and planet names, the focus being pulled this way and that.

I will tell you that the end credit scene is not worth it. Don't waste your time.

Bottom line: 

The best bits are in the trailer, which makes it look much more polished. I could have walked out half way through without a care.

Recommend: No.

Spoiler Section:

I found the whole film predictable. It was obvious they were all gonna end up together, and finally work together. The narrative doesn't surprise, following suit with the needed sacrifice of one of the characters, Grot, being the most lovable and there for best target for tears, taking the one for the team. With the last minute resurrection into something even more lovable, a dancing sapling, of course. This plus the failure of the first plan and the token love story left me bored and grateful for the end credits.

In all I found all the characters lacking in any real substance. I mean yes, Grot is perfectly adorable but after a certain point his limited vocabulary left him no more than a plant based version of ‘Hodor’ from ‘Game of thrones’. What I will say though it was good to see Merle and Cruella Di Vil still get work.

Best Character: 

Grot. It has to be.

Worst Character: 

Rocket. He was just too ‘I'm a badass’ and his lines were the worst of the lot. Nebula was also a fail. Karen Gillan should have stayed on Doctor Who because her lines were delivered woodenly and in such a breathy tone one would think she was trying to be seductive.

Best Moment: 

N/A

Worst Moment: 

97% of the film if I’m being honest.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Romeo and Juliet (1996/2013)

Romeo + Juilet 1996

Director: 

Baz Luhrmann

Plot synopsis: 

A modernized adaption of Shakespeare play, though still set in fair Verona, the Capulet's and Montague's are now warring businesses empires fighting for dominance of the city.

First thoughts: 

I didn’t watch this film out of choice, but had to study it as part of my GCSE, writing an essay comparing the film adaption and the original plays text.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

I found this modern adaption of the play fantastic. It was easy to follow even with all the original dialogue and was a clear show of how timeless the text is as it made sense even in the new setting. The time setting gave the tale new life and was a great twist.

Bottom line: 

Amazing and original retelling.

Recommend: 

Yes.

Spoiler Section:

In the adaption I didn’t find the romantic aspect stupid as Luhrmann introduces the characters to each other in such away that he makes the audience feel the wonder and rampant energy between the two that somehow explains the whirl wind romance. I thought there was a clear amount of chemistry between the actors that carried the story along nicely and came across well in the wedding night scene as well as the next morning.

The soundtrack to the film paired with it greatly, keeping up the modern vibe without being to much.

Best Character: Mercutio, he was such a big character that his death felt as important as it needs to be to the narrative.

Worst Character: 

Lord Capulet, worst in character but best in acting, the fight scene between him and Juliet was truly scary. Paul Servinos portrayal as the over bearing father was frighteningly good setting the mood of the scene of perfectly.

Best Moment: 

I like the party as well as the nurses scenes, as I thought the actress took the part very well.

Worst Moment: 

The pairs death scene. In this adaption at least you saw real emotion, it was heart breaking to see her eyes open as he downed the poison.

 Romeo and Juliet 2013

Director: 

Carlo Carlei

Plot synopsis: 

The classic tale is told once again, in the traditional setting of Renaissance Verona.

First thoughts: 

I love both the play and the Baz Luhrmann adaption and was apprehensive of them making yet another version, especially one set in the traditional time and place setting as there would be nothing new or original about it. It would just be another mediocre adaption that's only real offerings were the costumes and backdrops.

Rating: 2 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

As predicted it was rich in costumes and lavish settings, indulging in shots of flowing dresses and establishing shots of the buildings. In terms of the casting I found Douglas Booth as Romeo a little to pretty, which I'm sure for most would make up for when he acting lacked. Together I did not favor the pair as the star-crossed lovers, they didn’t seem to match in a way that I doubted their chemistry. The other actors were all found lacking, the nurse was continuously over-acting, whilst the mother doing little more than standing around and smiling coyly. The film has been seen as controversial for not using the full and traditional dialogue of Shakespeare’s play, though even with the changes the actors gave of the air of reciting poetry and not actually acting through their lines.

Bottom line: 

Nothing but yet another re-telling, going through the plays narrative without any passion or energy.

Recommend: 

No, watch the Baz Luhrmann adaption, its infinity better.

Spoiler Section:

There are many important points in Shakespeare's play, and I felt that the majority were overlooked in this adaption. The face-off between Tybalt and Mercutio beginning one of them. Firstly, Mercutio was not made out to be much of a character at all, he felt more like a know it all prat which made his death feel insignificant though we all no it to be the turning point for the story. The actor lamely gasped out his final words, not giving them any gusto and fell limp and lifeless. Secondly, the scene itself started with a slow-mo shot of Tybalt and his men approaching with his hair flying about like some L’Oreal ad, setting the mood for the on coming ridiculousness of Tybalt's death.

As I have already written I did not like the pairing of Booth and Steinfield. Half way through I came to the anxious realization “God. I'm gonna have to watch these two play out a love scene.” But fortunately it was not to be, since Hailee Steinfeild was only fourteen at the time of shooting, a fact I only just became aware of. I think this did the film a favor as any sort of nudity or romantic scenes would have made me stop watching than and there.

Furthermore in terms of the acting I found Damian Lewis’ portrayal of Lord Capulet wooden, the fight scene between him and Juliet was devoid of any real emotion, unlike Paul Servino in Luhrmann's version he did not seem to get across any sort of threat, instead settled for muttering of his lines, looking more uncomfortable and angered by his ridiculous haircut than his daughter.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Scream 4 (2011)

Director: 

Wes Craven

Plot synopsis: 

The fourth installment of the Scream series, the film follows Sidney Prescott as she returns to Woodsboro, ten years after the first massacre to promote her book. Now someone else has started killing off the towns teen residents, and Sid and her old friends Gale and Dewey have to hurry to solve the murders, whilst learning the “new rules” of surviving a horror movie from the new generation.

First thoughts: 

I watched this film when it came out, and many times since. But as it was shown on TV I decided to review it. I love the ‘Scream’ original trilogy so when this one came out I was excited, though since I was younger my Dad had to watch it first before I could watch it.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

Best of the quadtrilogy. It’s modern, cutting edge and has a fantastic narrative. It’s a refreshing change to all the other teen horror films you get that comprise of tons of unnecessary gore and nudity, all female of course, and stupid generic plot lines. It’s clever and successes in being just as new and fresh in twists as the treasured original. There are tons of new and famous faces that bring new talent to the screen.

Bottom line: 

New rules, new scares, new blood. Quite literally.

Recommend: 

Absolutely, I recommend the whole series, though the third does falter to meet the grade of the rest.

Spoiler Section: There’s a lot to be said about this film. First, the opening sequence. It was amazing. In the original, the most famous star died with the first ten minutes. In this, four stars bite the dust in five. Watching Kristen Bell stab Anna Paquin in the stomach was beyond superb. Not cause I hate her, ‘Fly away home’ is one of my favourite childhood films of all time, but it was such an interesting scene. Then it got into the ‘present’ and things really got started.

Personally I found each death was perfectly planned, to build the narrative and by the killers. It left you guessing who the killer was. The new rules made everything much more interesting and left everyone out for picking.

I was shocked by the big reveal, I was hoping it wasn’t Charlie but I never thought Jill would be one of the killers. Her character was demented and watching her cut and throw herself into a glass table was cringey and sickening. I was so glad she ultimately bit the dust, and in such a good showdown.

Best Character: 

Kirby.

Worst Character: 

The publicist. I was happy she died.

Best Moment: 

The opening sequence and the end face off.

Worst Moment: 

Kirby’s death. She was my favourite character, and I love the actress. Her death was sad, because she really didn’t want Charlie to die. She only trusted her instinct, and it was right about him being the killer, or at least one of them.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

The Social Network (2010)

Director: 

David Fincher

Plot synopsis: 

The film follows the true story of the founding of the social network ‘Facebook’ and the lawsuits filed against Mark Zucherburg

First thoughts: 

I have previously only watched half of this film but finally finished it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

This film is fantastic. Its sophisticated in both cinematography and editing, each scene well cut, and you get the sense that it knows just how good it is. The two main actors were excellently cast, both taking on their roles and delivering perfect performances. Eisenburg in particular gave was able to give out the arrogant, all knowing, not f**k giving air as of the computer genius seemingly effortlessly.

Bottom line: 

Modern style documentary, perfect for the new generation.

Recommend: 

Defiantly, though I think the majority have already seen it.

Spoiler Section:

Though I doubt its really “spoilers” since the story of the founding of ‘Facebook’ and the outcome of the lawsuits is not a big secret it still might ‘ruin’ it for viewers who don’t bother with the news. I thought the unbelievably large decrease in Saverin’s investment was horrendous and that he deserved the money, though the amount still unknown and his name being restored to the masthead as co-founder. On the other hand I stand on the side that the twins case was stupid, I know that ‘The Facebook’ was started out exclusively for Harvard but ‘Harvard Connection’ was not the same concept and I truly doubt that it would have ever morphed into the social network phenomenon that is ‘Facebook’.

Last note, it was really awkward watching Brenda Song in that restroom cubicle. Mr Moseby would not be happy.

Best Character:  

Saverin. Because he delivered the best line. "Sorry! My Prada's at the cleaners! Along with my hoodie and my 'fuck you' flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag!"

Worst Character: 

The twins of course, but this is partly for Armie Hammer portrayal.

Best Moment: 

The aforementioned line.

Worst Moment: 

Sean Parker. Enough said.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Carrie (2013)

Director: 

Kimberly Pierce

Plot synopsis: 

The third remake book to film adaption of Stephen King’s 1974 novel, this film follows outcast teen Carrie White. Brought up by her highly religious mother, Carrie struggles through high school with her newly discovered power of telekinesis. But teen girls will be bitches...

First thoughts: Of course like most I knew the narrative, though I have not seen the original film as I don’t wish to buy it nor has or will it be shown on TV.

Rating: 1.5 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

This film is bad. But I can’t just put that. Can I? Well, the acting is horrendous. As a fan of Mortez I am very sad to say that I found her expressions and gesturing when using her ‘power’ moronic. It was like she was trying to conduct an orchestra whilst deeply constipated. It didn’t work. Julianne Moore faire slightly better as her mother but it didn’t seem hard to pull of the over overly protective mother hell bent on killing the devil spawn. After that everyone else just tried to drag the film along and say their lines with relatively enough of the needed emotion.

Overall the first two thirds of the film is made up of child abuse and mean girl bullshit, with the last part taking all the action and bloody scenes to put the film into the ‘horror’ genre.

Bottom Line: 

Demented, ridiculous and mediocre special effects.

Recommend: 

No. Simple. Not even to laugh at how bad it is.

Spoiler Section: 

Watching the film with a large group of friends it was brought to my attention just how much biblical symbolism the director has tried to cram into one film, and there is a lot. Hilariously the moment that got the biggest reason from us all was the realization that the mother had been stabbed with a ruler, of all things. By the end you are rolling your eyes at the entire thing, and screaming “Why take out only half the crap!” When Carrie decides she wants her mother to live and tries in vain to get her to survive her multiple stab wounds.

Best Character: 

The teacher, I was all for her punishing the girls at the start. When Carrie dared to lift her off the floor I was furious, but was happy she allowed her to live.

Worst Character: 

Chris, the lead mean girl, and the mother. Both were demented.

Best Moment: 

Like a sappy girl I would say when Carrie was at prom and was slowly opening up and enjoying herself.

Worst Moment: 

The ending with the gravestone. It was a pathetic ending.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

Director: 

Dexter Fletcher

Plot synopsis: 

Two young Scotsmen, discharged from the British Army return home to Edinburgh after a tour in Afghanistan. Both they and their families try to go on with life as normal. Whilst bursting out in song throughout.

First thoughts: 

This film has been excellently reviewed and well advertised. I predicted it to be an uplifting, classic, feel-good musical. Following the generic everything will work out narrative with lots of catchy songs weaved throughout.

Rating: 2 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

Decent enough, the narrative is highly predictable almost annoyingly so. I found the accents of the majority very hard to understand throughout, even harder so when the characters were singing. On the subject of the musical aspect, I found the constant singing irritating and the all the songs to be comprised of just repetitive lyrics. Though I will say unlike Mamma Mia there was no Pierce Brosnan types, everyone could sing decently.

Bottom line: 

Glad I didn’t see it in the cinema cause it would mean I couldn’t fast forward through all the singing and it did need subtitles.

Recommend: 

No, it was not good enough for me to recommend to others.

Spoiler Section:

The only thing I would say in this section is to further my point of the predictable narrative, you just knew what would happen. The sister would say no and leave, the mother would find out about the daughter and Davy and Yvonne relationship would ultimately end with a reunion and fanfare flash mob duet.

Best Character: 

The sister, she followed her dream instead of sacrificing it for her man.

Worst Character: 

The mother, I didn’t care for her, I know the father cheated but I find it selfish to ask him not to see his daughter, she did nothing wrong and only wants to know her father.

Best Moment: 

The marriage song in the pub, this was the best song of the film.

Worst Moment: 

Either Yvonne slightly ruining the merry pub song with her talk of death or the end performance of  ‘500 miles’ as I fast forwarded the most of it, I much prefer the pitch perfect remix of the original song and ‘Titanium’.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.

Birdcage (1996)

Director: 

Mike Nichols

Plot synopsis: 

Val Goldman wants to marry Barbara Keeley, daughter of ultraconservative republican Senator Keeley and both want their parents to meet. But there’s one problem, Val’s parents are Armand and Albert, the former being the owner of a south beach drag club, and the latter the fantabulous star of the show ‘Starina’. Both want things to work out for Val and try their best to make sure everything goes smoothly. With some hysterical outcomes.

First thoughts: 

I love practically every Robin Williams film, and adored his show ‘Mork and Mindy’ so was happy to try out this film. I had no doubt from the looks of the cast and the synopsis that I was going to love it. I was anticipating a sweet story, ‘Meet the parents’ ‘camp-lified’.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review (Unspoiled): 

I absolutely loved this film. Heart-warming moments paired well with hilarious moments, which may be a little predictable but still hold up. The acting was great, and the musical moments got you bopping along. A great show of how family is family and love is love, don’t judge too quickly. It was much better than ‘Meet the parents’ because it doesn’t need cheap laughs.

Bottom line: Fantastic laughs, some of the best of Williams and defiantly of Nathan Lane. Very camp, but the film owns it.

Recommend: 

Yes, I would defiantly recommend this film.

Spoiler Section:

When I say the narrative is a little predictable I’m saying that it’s obvious that the mother will turn up, and things will go wrong with a happy ending. And again I will say, it doesn’t matter that its predictable because everything in between is to good.

I found the acting by all great, of course Williams’ camp showmanship comes out well but the real star has to be Lane as he was just effortless in his role. Hank Azaria took a great role as well as Agador, I was highly envious of his legs throughout, especially in heels. Overall it was amazing to see so many actors not taking themselves too seriously and having what looks like tons of fun with the film.

Best Character: 

Albert or Agador, how can you choose?

Worst Character: 

Val, for being ashamed of his family for such a long stretch of the film. It was clear he loved them but he was not proud enough to just present them so though he did come around at the end I still think his character was a little harsh to his parents.

Best Moment: 

The scene in which Nathan Lane, dressed in a suit and tried to walk and sit in the ‘correct’ way. His face and gestures throughout where genius. He looks so uncomfortable but still keeps trying to alter and perfect what his son wants. It wasn’t funny, but more a show of character development.

Worst Moment: 

The scene in the office between Katherine and Armand. Maybe it’s just because there wasn’t any Albert or Agador but it was just the most boring scene of the film.

Please feel free to comment your own views on the film if you've watched it, I would love to know how others felt about it.