Film Review – The Wolf Of Wall Street

Director –  Martin Scorsese

Starring –  Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler.

Synopsis – Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, it takes you through his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his spiraling fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.

REVIEW

There’s always films by actors and directors that need little persuasion for me to head to the cinema to see. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of these actors and Martin Scorsese is one of those directors, so when they collaborated again on this film there was no chance I was going to miss it. First screening on the opening day I took my seat in the screen and for the next 3 hours I wasn’t disappointed.

The film opens with a corporate video advertising the services of a stockbrokers firm called Stratton Oakmont, it shows this is a company of stature and class, then cuts to the employees enjoying their wild office party by “midget throwing”. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie as in the first five minutes the audience is treated to naked ladies, sexual activity, swearing and a glorious monologue from DiCaprio that is reminiscent of “Goodfellas”, never a bad thing.

Scorsese is on great form keeping scenes flowing with a great pace during the lengthy three hour run time. Its little things such as when the characters use drugs he used different lenses to create a sense of highness for the audience, this is the reason why Mr Scorsese has always been top of the game. Its been a longtime since i’ve seen an 18 rated film, this is definitely a film for adults, most shy away from it these days but Scorsese revels in it, for example we hear more F-bombs in half this film than the rest of the Oscar nominated films together.

The film is written by Boardwalk Empire collaborator Terrance Winter and is packed full of outrageous scenes, hilarious comedic elements and some great dialogue. If there’s a scene that stands out for me then it’s not the one you would expect, it’s the scene of the first meeting between DiCaprios character Jordan Belfort and FBI agent Denham (played by Kyle Chandler)on a yacht brimming with excesses of wealth . The exchanges start out pleasant enough but soon the subliminal messages seep through and turns into a twisting fight for power and electrifies the screen.

Mr Scorsese will always be able to pull in a cast of A-list actors for each film and in return they will bring their best to each role, this film is no different. Leonardo DiCaprio produced this project and once again shows why he only works with the best. In this role he exudes greed and power and commands that the audience comes with him for the ride. Despite the charm he doesn’t show any real redemption and that’s the key to the role, he isn’t seeking forgiveness, its just all there to see so judge how you want.

Jonah Hill isn’t someone that people expect to be in this film, but is someone that I’ve always been a big fan of and has deservedly earned his second Oscar nomination for the role of Donny, the cannonball crazy friend of Belfort. Anytime you see a crazy scene on screen, whether it’s masturbating in front of everyone at a beach party to overdosing on Quayludes you can be sure that Donny is part of it. Another standout mention of the supporting cast is newcomer Margot Robbie who will have most men in a trance when using her sexual allure to reel Jordan in but also stands her ground when things fall apart.  

VERDICT

Its interesting that when the Bafta nominations came out that the film missed out on the “Best Film” Category but Mr Scorsese earned a nomination for “Best Director”, this film puts it all out there for the world to see and doesn’t hold back. This isn’t a tale of redemption, this is a tale of greed and power that we could all learn from but won’t. When DiCaprio breaks the third wall and talks directly to the audience we listen, because we all wish we could live in his shoes for a day.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – The Railway Man

Director –  Jonathan Teplitzky

Starring –  Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Stellan Skarsgård

Synopsis – Eric Lomax was one of thousands of Allied prisoners of war forced to work on the construction of the Thai/Burma railway during WW2. Years later, he met Patti, a beautiful woman, on a train and fell in love. Patti was determined to rid Eric of his demons. Discovering that the young Japanese officer who haunted her husband was still alive, she faced a terrible decision. 

REVIEW

Over the last few years the month of January has been a good time to view a new Colin Firth movie, as its by this point he is on the verge of award season nominations. I saw the posters for this film a few months ago, followed by a trailer (I never watch trailers usually but had no choice) and thought it was the type of film that the awards loved. So why are we not seeing any nominations for “The Railway Man” like I had expected, well because its unfortunately not a good film.

The main problem I had with this film is the tone as its not as hard hitting as the subject matter deserves, this leaves lackluster action scenes and drama that just didn’t grip me with the tension that it should.Throughout the movie Firths Character Eric has flashbacks regarding a certain guard, called Nagase, and is mentioned that no one knows the terrible torture that he received. Yet when we finally see what he went though, in this movie at least, its quite tame compared to recent films like “12 years a slave”. No where during the film are we given a real indication of the casualties of the prisoners, in the 10000s, so this led me to question the need for a younger Eric to make a makeshift radio as it seems he had it easier as a mechanic, than the laborers who was suffering.

Its unusual for me to not like a Colin Firth performance but i’m afraid that’s how this role left me feeling. He plays Eric as a straight forward man of that generation, a man that suffers post traumatic stress but when he finally meets up with his torturer the scenes lack gut wrenching emotion or real oomph on his part. The rest of the cast rarely get a look in as the film switches between present day and flash back scenes.

I want to leave with some positive remarks and these will be achieved through what I thought were great looking shots and cinematography. Each shot does look like effort has been made with the bleak English seaside contrasting with the sunshine heat vacuum of the Japanese countryside.

Verdict

A good looking film with a strong story is let down by a director that struggles with the right tone. We should be gripped by a heartbreaking story of strength and revenge but we are left with a dull underwhelming film. The most emotion I felt was seeing the photos of the real characters during the end credits.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – 12 Years A Slave

Director – Steve Mcqueen

Starring –   Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael K. Williams, Michael Fassbender,  Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Lupita Nyong’o

Synopsis – In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

REVIEW

The Director Steve Mcqueens previous films have been Hunger and Shame, both are films that run deep with human issues and flirted with the award shows. With this in mind I knew his next film would be something cut from the same material, so its not surprising he has chosen a true story involving White America and Slavery as the story to tell.

The film starts with Soloman Northup as a free man, a family man, and great violinist. With his wife and kids going away on travels, he takes the opportunity to earn some cash and fill his time by travelling with a circus. This is the point where the story takes a turn as Soloman is abducted, and its at this point we see the the very good artistry from the director. Soloman at the beginning of his abduction receives brutal and heartbreaking beatings and the director stands film that the audience should see all of the beating. This is the first of a few uncomfortable scenes including beatings, rape and hangings but never does the director shy away from ensuring the audience is right there for each one until finished with.

With the pull of Mcqueen behind the camera he has assembled an impressive cast with Chiwetel Ejoifor at the forefront as Soloman. As with Michael Fassbender in his previous two films, the director brings out a greatly powerful from his lead. Ejoifor gives a quietly pained performance as a man that doesn’t let the situation defeat him but learns through the trials of how to survive and keep going.

In her first film role Lupita Nyong’o is the star of the show as Patsey, the slave girl that is the object of her masters affections. She starts out as a sweet minded girl that does her job better than others and makes light of the situation by making dolls from straw, this changes as her masters affections get serious. The actress goes through some tough scenes including rape and whipping scenes, through each you see the strength of a young innocent lady in a horrendous situation.

A criticism of the movie is that without the title I had very little indication on screen that Soloman had spent 12 years as a slave, there’s certain scenes of changing of the seasons but no major signs of how long he spent with his two owners.

VERDICT

A very good drama that brings strong performances from the cast and will leave you flinching or feeling anger in your seat at terrible scenes that other humans had to go through.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Delivery Man

Director – Ken Scott

Starring –  Vince Vaughan, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders 

Synopsis – An affable underachiever finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity.

REVIEW

This is a remake of Ken Scotts own film “Starbuck” and on hearing about this movie I was intrigued how it would play out. I’ve recently become more interested in the subject matter of this movie through friends experiences using sperm donors, so I wondered if it would play as a broad comedy or something deeper. Whilst there are laughs to be had the director also tries to explore emotional effects on being a sperm doner and being a child of one.

Since Swingers nearly 20 years ago, Vince Vaughan has always been an actor that i’ve enjoyed in my comedies. He has maybe not strayed too far away from the 30 something year old slacker but when the results are good then i’m not sure he has felt the need to change. In this movie he plays a slacker once again but with more heartwarming results and an internal struggle with the pressures of fathering all those children. When he starts to meet his “children” we start to see Vaughan take on the role of a caring father, leading to some caring scenes that you don’t often associate with him.

Another actor in the film is the soon to be huge star Chris Pratt. He plays Vaughan’s best friend and lawyer but steals the movie from all involved with his easy charm and spot on comic timing, but he’s been doing that now for years.

I enjoyed Delivery Man but if I have a real negative then its that we didn’t get to see any of the mothers/fathers side of the story. We hear from the children and its very sweet to see how they band together as they see themselves as siblings, maybe we could have got a mothers or fathers perspective to add another depth.

VERDICT

I recommend this film as its a good heartwarming tale that gives you laughs and leaves you feeling better than most big money flops that we’ve had lately.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – Last Vegas

 

Director – Jon Turtletaub

Starring –  Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas. Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Steenburgen.

Synopsis – Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline) have been best friends since childhood. So when Billy, the group’s sworn bachelor, finally proposes to his thirty-something girlfriend, the four head to Las Vegas with a plan to stop acting their age and relive their glory days.

REVIEW

One look at the A-list cast here should be more than enough for you to buy a cinema ticket but a lot of the taglines and other reviews for this movie have it as the “Hangover” for the mature person, but don’t let that put you off as its actually better than it sounds.

Over the last few years the actors have remained on the A-list despite not leading as many films as they would like but that is good for the audience as we are now able to get them all together in the same film. Its the cast that make the film as they seem to be up for a good laugh and more than comfortable with each other and playing their somewhat cliched roles. Michael Douglas is the old lethario that marries a younger lady (mirroring his own marriage to Catherine Zeta Jones) De Niro is now seen as an actor that is more quantity than quality when it comes to roles but he is good value in this film as the grumpy widower. In most films Kline and Freeman aren’t usually seen as the comic relief but in this film the majority of the jokes come from this pair, seeing them dance and hungover is a treat,

On going into the film I was worried it would be trying to stand with crazy films like “The Hangover” but luckily screenwriter Dan Fogelman has written a script that has a good heart and is all about longstanding friendship. There is the obvious jokes regarding age difference but the real treat here is the banter that the leads enjoy with each other, that’s a obvious sign of good friendship.

VERDICT

A good comedy that will provide you more laughs then you would expect for a film like this. The cast obviously enjoyed working together and all the banter feels natural. Worth watching for anyone seeking something light hearted in this Oscar season.

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

Film Review – 47 Ronin

 

 

Director – Carl Rinsch

Starring – Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibasaki

Synopsis – A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun

Review

If you are any sort of film fan then you would have heard about the production problems of this film, including two previous cancelled release dates, and the fact that Universal prior to release had already given a write down of a unspecified balance against this film. These are never good signs for a release of a film but ever the optimist I headed to the film but two hours later I wished I had sacrificed myself to save me the dishonour of watching it.

It’s the director Carl Rinschs first film and with it is the tough task of mixing the serious world of the Samurai with fantasy like Lord of the Rings. During the film I made a mental note of the film trying to be like the rings movies with long sweeping shots of them walking between glorious locations. Unfortunately this is the closest it made it in comparison to the Peter Jackson films as I found this film to be overlong and more importantly dull. The problem I had was the balance of the film not enough of the fantasy aspect, very little action and alot of the usual samurai material without the heart. Any action scenes were average at best but these were few and far between.

There isn’t too much positives to add regarding this film although the Japanese cast do earn points for effort. Keanu Reeves plays the same role that we are use to seeing with minimal personality oozing out from the screen, flat delivery of dialogue and  decent when it comes to any action scene.

Verdict

For the reported $170 million pounds it cost to make this film it was a poor outcome. If they put more fantasy in the film and less run time then this might have been a better film. As it stands this is a film that I would avoid wasting time in seeing this film.

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 HEADS = EXCELLENT

4 HEADS = VERY GOOD

3 HEADS = GOOD

2 HEADS= POOR

1 HEADS = TERRIBLE

Film Review – American Hustle

Director – David O’Russell

Starring – Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jeremy Renner.

Synopsis – American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld , who along with his partner Sydney Prosser is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso. DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that’s as dangerous as it is enchanting.

Review

After the average year at the cinema in 2013 i’m glad to now be able to start a year of new films, which is great because from January we get the Oscar season films, starting with this David O’Russell film.

Director O’Russell  has always been followed around by his on set rumors of arguments and fights but has always been known as talented. After years of struggling to get his films financed and into the cinema, this is now his third film in a row with a hat full of Oscar Nominations. In American Hustle we see the director influenced by the classic 70s and 80s films that we have all grown up on, the screen has that gritty smokey look that we don’t see often in the day of digital.

For this film O’russell has managed to get back with alot of his star names from his previous films and they are all on top form here. The film opens with a shot of a visibly overweight Christian Bale creating a beautifully crafted comb-over to keep up appearances. We have seen time and time again the lengths that Bale will go through to bring a character to life on screen and once again he is on top form. With a center piece like Bale in your film it always raises the game of fellow actors and its no coincidence that all the main actors have been oscar/bafta nominated. Adams and Cooper play against their usual roles with deep characterizations that shout for awards. It is though Jennifer Lawrence that once again shines on screen to prove what a talent she is and will continue to be with her deeply confused character Rosalyn able to make us laugh one minute and sympathy the next.

As the film weaves between the characters it keeps the audience engaged through the drama and comedy of their trials this does link up to the only qualms I have regarding this film as I struggled to feel any great tension when it came to later scenes involving the mafia or police.

VERDICT

A very good film that continues O’Russells relationship with the award shows. A great showing from the cast, including a cameo from De Niro that shows there’s still greatness there. I recommend this as a watch for all audiences.

RATING

Please feel free to comment below if you have any opinions regarding this review or film.

5 STARS = EXCELLENT

4 STARS = VERY GOOD

3 STARS = GOOD

2 STARS = POOR

1 STAR = TERRIBLE

My film review round up for 2013

SO HERE IT IS ……. For my first blog post I believe its perfect time to look back over the films ive seen at the cinema in 2013. I’ve looked over my list of new films seen at the Cinema this year and one word screams out at me …. Average. Its the first year that I can remember witnessing so many poor or average films on the big screen that I got bored of assessing them later at my fridge moment (the moment when putting the milk away you suddenly thought back to the film and thought of a plot hole that has sprung into your head) mostly the films didn’t last that long in my memory.

I have seen 100 films at the cinema this year and have a few noticeable absentees, I will show these later. I know of film journalists that watch triple that amount and lets be honest there’s regulars at my local cinema that watch a great deal more than 100, but I have other commitments that get in the way. I will always attempt to get to the Cinema though as there’s nothing like watching a new film on the big screen, that magic will never be lost on me.

At the start of the year we were able to look out at the upcoming films like a great feast on a menu at the restaurant. We had the return of Guillermo Del Toro but this time with a huge budget to match his imagination, there was alot of talk from the filmmakers letting fans know they will be happy with the new versions of Wolverine and the Man of Steel, big stars like Will Smith and Tom Cruise returning to big blockbuster films and the promise of many much loved franchises.

Notable Absentees from my viewing list

• The Great Gatsby
• The Butler
• Blue Jasmin
• Blue is the warmest color
• Evil Dead
• Only God Forgives
• Before Midnight
• Philomena
• Nebraska
• Behind the Candelabra
• Frances Ha

MY TEN BEST FILMS OF 2013 (In no particular order)

THE HOBBIT – THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Director Peter Jackson returns with the second installment of the Hobbit series and gives the viewers everything they would possibly want from a film. The film length is just under 3 hours but you would never notice as there’s so much going on to keep you glued to your seat (I should know I’ve now watched it 3 times).

TRANCE

This was shot on a budget of £20 million by Danny Boyle in a break of his Olympic preperations and easily makes my list of best films this year. This has a great storyline to compliment great performances especially James Mcavoy, in a diverse role we don’t usually associate with him but want to see more of. Each shot by Boyle is a delight to watch and in a year of expensive disappointing film it makes you wish for more like this.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

Tarantino returns with another great film full of his trademark dialogue and humor. By far not one of his best films as its too long for my liking but even a lesser QT film is better than alot of other films out there.

THE IMPOSSIBLE

This film opened during the awards season but was largely overlooked in the big catagories leaving me disappointed. From the moment the giant tsnami hits the shore the viewers get hit for six in the emotional stakes as the family get pulled apart in dangerous times. Another film with a modest £20million budget but uses it to great effect accompanied by some wonderful acting.

IRON MAN 3

Easily the best summer blockbuster of the year, and possibly the best in the Iron Man series. They tried to take it away from the usual template of superhero films and definitely worked. It got more personal by stripping now the film to see more of the Tony Stark persona, using his own skills to survive. It had some of the best action set pieces of the year (although I didn’t care so much for the ending)

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2

In a year listed with the sequels of Monsters Inc and Despicable Me, it comes with a great surprise that Cloudy beat them to make my best films of the year. Cloudy improves upon the original by creating a film that gives more laughs than alot of live action comedies.

PRISONERS

This year felt like there wasn’t many dramatic thrillers out there so when this one came along, with various actors on top of their game, it was lapped right up by audiences including me.

RUSH

Ron Howard returned with this great recreation of the F1 rivaly between Nikki Lauder and James Hunt. The action is thrilling as Howard doesn’t miss a chance to amp up the tension and excitement. Both lead actors show exactly why they are regarded as future stars, especially Daniel Bruhl, who I can see Oscar nominated for his performance.

THE WAY WAY BACK

A few years ago I really enjoyed a film called “Adventureland” and this I found to be similar, with the same enjoyable result. Its a film that dares to have Steve Carrell as a villian but he pulls it off instantly. Sam Rockwell is so much fun that its really unfair that audiences don’t see more of him. A great first film from Oscar winning screenwriters turned directors Jim Rash and Nat Faxon

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Tom Hanks on top form with Paul Greengrass calling the (handheld) shots, what more could we want. Well we also got tension filled action scenes, we got one of the best musical scores this year and a cracking emotional ending scene that tells everyone we should have a Tom Hanks film every year.

THE MOVIE THAT SURPRISED ME BY BEING BETTER THAN I THOUGHT THEY WOULD

THE LONE RANGER

In the UK we got “The Lone Ranger” later than the states, this led to a tidal wave of negative press hitting us, letting us know its a giant flop and a terrible film. My expectations werent high anyway due to the other stories of rewrites and reshoots but all this proved to be nosense as the film nearly finished on my best movies of the year list.

The Lone Ranger was a very good film with a template of the first Pirate of the carribean film. Yes it has faults as its too long (origin stories for everything!), feels like there was cuts deleting other interesting stories (supernatural aspect gone) and the museum part with old toto telling a flash back wasn’t great but after this summer we had other blockbusters with much more faults.

THE WORST FILMS OF THE YEAR

PAIN & GAIN

I admit I don’t have the same hatred for Michael Bay that others do and I love both The Rock and Mark Walhberg but I really didn’t like this film. Inside the first 10 minutes I found myself bored as the film struggled to find its tone, it was only downhill from there.

AFTER EARTH

Will Smith is one of the most charasmatic actors on this planet and I understand actors like to try new things, but damn he was dull in this. This was a film that had alot of promise but delivered on none of it.

DIE HARD 5: A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD

So with Christmas 2013 just behind us I couldn’t help but catch up with the original Die Hard on television. I think all in all I sat down on 4 different occasions and watched most of it but thats a testament to how great the film is. Unfortuantely we are now upto instalment five where nothing from the original has survived. John has gone from a ‘wrong place, wrong time” cop to some sort of rambo figure. The action pieces were dull, Bruce Willis is now devoid of any personality on screen and I don’t ever want to hear the words “I’m supposed to be on vacation” again after the character John says it about 10 times, even worse I’m not sure he was actually on vacation.

RED 2

Another Bruce Willis film joins the list and deservedly so. He is joined in the film by a cast of Oscar winners and highly regarded actors, although I can only assume it was for a good pay day because this film didn’t have any redeeming features.

RIPD

Just like Will Smith in After Earth, Ryan Reynolds is known for having a great personality that shines on screen but opts not to show any during this film. Its all special effects and very little anything else.

HOMEFRONT

Written by Oscar Winner Silvester Stallone, this film is your usual Jason Statham action film but with

SPRING BREAKERS

This is one of those films that alot of filmmakers and critics like but inside my screen the audience were nodding off to sleep or looking bored whilst loudly sighing.

Also on the list of worst films are:

• ENDERS GAME
• DEAD MAN DOWN
• THE COUNCILOR
• HANSEL AND GRETEL WITCH HUNTERS
• ANCHORMAN 2

MOST DISAPPOINTING FILMS OF THE YEAR

At the start of the year I would never have thought that PACIFIC RIM would have been a disappointment but it was. A film from the mind of Guillermo Del Toro was always going to have positive aspects such as looking beautiful on the screen with his usual flair for artistry but this was let down by poor dialogue and script, disappointing action scenes and lackluster acting (this doesn’t belong to Idris Elba or Ron Pearlman, both could do no wrong)

Then we come to the long awaited reboot of Superman with MAN OF STEEL. I watched this on an IMAX Screen that showed off the glorious looking film and one of the best soundtrack scores of the year. The film unfortunately desended into repetitous fighting scenes, that quickly lost my interest and a by the book ‘smash everything in sight’ finale that would have been more tension filled if they slimmed it down and actually put citizans in peril.

I will state up front that i’m a massive fan of both Steve Carrell and Will Ferrell, both haven’t put a foot wrong in my opinion until ANCHORMAN 2. The problem with this film was they took the funny things from the original, cranked them to 10 and forced them down the audiences throat.

I don’t normally watch trailers but THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ caught my eye in IMAX, switching from a old style black and white video to a beautifully coloured picture of OZ. The Director Sam Rami puts a great amount of his visual flair into each frame but the film appears so rushed and quite so dull that no neat camera tricks would change a thing,

Well that sums up the end of my first post and review of the year. If you have any opinions of the year then please feel free to leave a comment below.