14 November 2013

In Cinemas: Gravity

11:03 | Posted by
Hola! 

 I should say, before I kick off the review, this is a film entirely about my worst fear. I willingly sat through a film about my worst fear because I am INSANE. Needless to say, this was a terrifying experience for me.

 SO, I saw this bad boy:
And it was, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most incredible pieces of film I have ever seen. Ever. The story follows a rookie astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and her first mission with soon to be retiring veteran Matt Kowalski (George Clooney). What should be a routine mission goes terribly wrong after a Russian strike on a dead satellite leads to a deadly cloud of debris. Again, I don't want to give too many details because I feel like this is a film that you NEED to see. It is groundbreaking. Too often, 3D is used as a money-making scheme by Hollywood, with films converted for no need just to increase the box office takings. Here, it feels entirely necessary. For the first time since Avatar, I will say it is totally essential that you see this in 3D because this is INCREDIBLE. I know I'm using a lot of Caps Lock in this bad boy, but I feel that's the best way for you to understand just how BLOODY FANTASTIC this film is.

 Visually, this is in a whole other league. Like, a league that hasn't even been invented yet. I've been a big fan of director Alfonso Cuaron for a long time, since Y Tu Mama Tambien (excellent film). Best known for one of the better Harry Potter entries, Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, he steps up his remarkable abilities to a whole new level. Even if the storyline didn't grab you, the cinematography by the talented Emmanuel Lubezki and the direction would. This might be the most beautiful film I've ever seen. The opening shot is nothing short of phenomenal, a continuous 12 minute shot that captures the terrifying beauty of space and the total isolation. Watching Stone spin off endlessly into space, disappearing into the darkness is both fear-inducing and wonderful. And Cuaron makes sure that he makes the most of the 3D element. As a member of the audience, you feel like part of the environment as the objects float past your face. It's terrifying. One particular shot stands out for me, as Stone begins to cry and the tears float towards the audience. It is unbelievable. 

 I could talk about the visuals for hours, but it's best we move on to the other awesome stuff. Like the actual story and the incredible cast. Like I said, I don't want to say too much about the story because it is quite a lean storyline. The film is largely about a woman who has isolated herself from the world--both physically and emotionally--fighting to bring herself back. And it is bloody tense. Even if I wasn't terrified by the vastness of space (shudder) I'd still be on the edge of my seat. You are so involved in the characters and the action, you'll leave the cinema with your muscles aching. The portrayal of the sheer determination of human survival is remarkable, and it has to be said, Sandra
Bullock is wonderful in this film. I've always held a little bit of a grudge, truth be told, that she won an Oscar for The Blind Side, because it wasn't a great film and, whilst she is lovely, it wasn't a winning performance. In this though, she is awe-inspiring. From the very first moment we meet her character, the detailing that she puts in is excellent. Whilst there isn't a great deal of character development (because let's be honest, how much development can be done with only one other actor on screen?) Bullock creates a fully formed woman to root for and to be amazed by, who finds her reason to live again.

George Clooney brings an essential bit of humour to his role as Matt Kowalski, the man who serves to remind Stone of the need for connection, and he is wonderful, but Bullock steals this film majestically. Casting wise, the likes of Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr, Tom Cruise and Scarlett Johansson were all attached at different points when the screenplay first got attention in 2010. The cast we got are far too perfect to even think about imagining someone else in the roles. 



I really can't praise this film enough. It is tense, terrifying, beautiful, wonderful and utterly jaw dropping. And you really should see it. If you have seen it, let me know your thoughts! Did you want to cry as much as I did?!
Peace out.
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06 November 2013

In Cinemas: Thor: The Dark World

11:33 | Posted by
Hola!

 I went to the cinema and it was a glorious, hideously overpriced good time to be had by all. Before I get to the film reviewing, just a quick word on the trailers. Trailers tend to be highlight for me when I go to the cinema, weird but true. Not to mention the fact that I regularly get sucked into the black-hole that is trailer watching on YouTube. You watch one, three hours later you realise you've watched 200. So, I was excited for the trailers before the film and I was not disappointed. If you haven't seen the trailers for The Hunger Games or Gravity you are missing out on life. I'll link them here and here so you can rejoin society ;). Words can't even state how excited I am for these bad boys!

 ONTO THE FILM! I saw this:
And it was pretty great! The Marvel films have become a little bit of a cinematic event now after the massive successes of Ironman and The Avengers so when a new one comes out, it's with a lot of fanfare. Tom Hiddleston has been promoting his ass off, for which I thank him. His dancing is my new favourite thing in the world. I do not thank him, however, for the raging obsession. It's taking over my life. PLS STAHP TOM.

 The film itself is a pretty solid entry into the canon, it is a genuinely enjoyable, and very funny film. I don't want to say too much about it, because I really do think you should go see it, so I'll say what I liked and what I didn't like. 
Unnaturally attractive.
So the storyline itself is...a little convoluted. Maybe that's just me, maybe I was distracted by Chris Hemsworth's beautiful face and didn't pay enough attention. Basically (ha!), Malekith (Christopher Ecclestone) a dark elf, is trying to use some stuff, The Aether, to bring darkness about. Apparently he wants to go back to the state before the universe was created. Don't ask me why. Anywho, after he gets beaten the first time, The Aether is contained and Malekith runs away. But then it turns out there's this thing called the Convergence, linking the Nine Realms and creating portals which all leads to Jane Foster finding the hidden Aether and being taken by it. So then Thor has to come save her but Malekith has already sensed the awakening Aether and now he wants to destroy ALL the Nine Realms. Obviously. SO MUCH EXPLAINING. 
I understood the basics of the storyline, but Malekith (Ecclestone) really wasn't given enough time to explain and expand on his story, which was a shame because he had the potential to be really interesting. 
This is a much more action-packed film than the first. Kenneth Branagh had the tough job of creating a viable character and universe from such a difficult comic to adapt, whilst Alan Taylor gets to create a more action-centred universe, which he does with great skill. One particular realm-jumping action scene is especially impressive. As in, it's amazing.

 My favourite thing about the Thor universe, has always been the family element and the central performances. Chris Hemsworth was born to play Thor, and quite willingly plays the straight man role against the more flamboyant role of
BABE.
Loki played by Tom Hiddleston (love, so much). He is the necessary centre to the film that relies on his solid presence, leaving Hiddleston free to steal scenes where he pleases. Whilst Thor is the dependable hero, Loki is the mischievous, untrustworthy brother. When these guys are (finally) brought together, it's bloody brilliant. One of my problems with the film is that it focuses too heavily on the apparently epic relationship between Thor and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) rather than the bond between the brothers. The chemistry between Hemsworth and Hiddleston is so obvious that it jumps off the screen. And they're BFF'S in real life! The problem is, this makes the lack of chemistry with Portman so obvious. Whilst Natalie Portman is by no means a bad actress, she just doesn't fit in the film. In fact, the entire film slows down when the action moves to Earth or the Earth bound characters. Whilst Darcy (Kat Dennings) and Eric (Stellan Skarsgard) are very funny, they feel a little overused on occasion. The Asgard universe is so beautiful it becomes disappointing to leave and an unfortunate consequence of the excess Earth time, is that Thor's team get even less time. 

Another thing I loved about the film was the female element. Here, they weren't just damsels in distress or ornamental figures that are only used in the key moment, they are actually heroines! Sif is kick-ass and it would be great to see more of her doing that, Jane is a smart woman who can actually think for herself and Frigga is just awesome. Take note Marvel (and film industry in general), women CAN do things. Also, the cameos are top-notch. Chris O'Dowd is adorable and keep an eye out for a certain Avenger in a lol-tastic show. 

If you're seeing the film don't forget to hang about for the now-famous end credit scenes! The mid-credits scene is pretty excellent and essential, whilst the end credit scene is just cute. 
So there we go! If you've seen the film, leave me a comment and let me know what you thought! Also, if you're as much a Tom Hiddlesworth fangirl as me, we should start a club!

 Peace out.
                 
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