Actually, for what seemed to have been advertised as a 'serious drama', 'Gran Torino' turned out to be a very funny and touching film.
Despite being pretty clunky here and there - some of the acting, some of the story and some of the direction - all in all, it was a very enjoyable, Clint Eastwood directed film.
Clint plays recently widowed ex-Korean veteran Walt Kowalski, living in a rough neighbourhood in Detroit. His neighbours, a fatherless family of Koreans bring, through no fault of their own, trouble to his doorstep. With a family of his own to ultimately disappoint and annoy him, he slowly realises that the family next door mean more to him than his own kin. In parallel to the 'getting to know you' set up with the neighbours, where Walt slowly, and at first begrudgingly befriends and later rescues the son and daughter from a tough Korean gang of kids trying to initiate more members to their gang, the local 'padre' hangs around like a bad smell. Walt's wife had made it her dying wish for her husband to be taken into the church fold but the gruff old man at first insults then angers the young priest. With a mind to encouraging Walt to unburden his sins (primarily from the war), Walt battles on carrying a heavy soul. After many conversations and after finally getting to grips with his neighbours, he finally confesses all to the priest. However, the sins which burden him are not what we all may have thought. Family are, after all, one of the hardest things to accept.
I'm not sure if this is Clint's final foray into film in front of the camera but it certainly is one of his most heart-warming. Take almost any of his most famous on screen characters - silent gun-slinger, hard war veteran, tough cop, man of the world - and you will find elements all wrapped up in Walt. Clint may no longer be in his physical prime but he is in his element playing lost, angry, lonely Walt.
As mentioned, some elements of the film are a bit clunky but as a whole, the film is better for it. It's not a 'Hollywoodised' version of what could have been a less engaging film. The entire audience seemed to be swept away with the performance of Mr Eastwood. The humour too was unexpected. Although much of it was racist banter aimed at the other character's it was easy to get a sense of the world Walt was used to. Despite his hang-ups about the family next door, once taken in by the Korean community and in being able to assert himself as the man he saw himself as, Walt finally accepts both himself and those around him for what they really are. Which isn't bad. Much like the film.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Watchmen ~~~~
Let me begin by saying that this film totally overwhelmed me. In a good way.
Having not read the graphic novel, by the 'genius' Alan Moore, but knowing a little about the general idea - a society slowly turning against their super-heroes in an alternative universe to our own - I was intrigued to find out what all the hype was about.
It's a rough and ready, violent world where those in the masks and tights do their best to uphold some sense of order in a crumbling society. Unfortunately, the world is changing. Through clever editing and evocative flash-backs we are introduced to the original gang of heroes which included, amongst others, the lovely Silk Spectre, The Comedian, Mothman, Silhouette, Dr. Manhattan, Hooded Justice and Night Owl. We come to understand that many of the original Watchmen retired, eventually replaced by new men and women carrying on their character's mantles. Those, who themselves more recently gave up the job, included Silk Spectre II (daughter of former mentioned No. I) and Night Owl (the replacement.) Having left their alter-egos behind, a seemingly tragic event suddenly brings them together. The Comedian is murdered.
We are enveloped within this dark world with the help of Rorschach, a shady character, whose hidden face conceals a rage within. Through his film-noirish journal entry narration, we discover that things are not what they seem. Things are changing and a baddie must be punished.
I really don't want to give any of the story away. It is so beautifully revealed that to do so would be a great shame indeed. What I will say is that the cast is superb (no really big names and better for it (did you see 'The Spirit earlier this year? Shame on you, too)) as are the costumes, sound and direction. It really is a tight little film especially considering no one thought a success could be made in a live-action version of the now almost biblically revered graphic novel. The only down points were that some of the ageing make-up was a bit dodgy (ok for DVD?), it contained more graphic violence and sex than I had anticipated (but I'm a big girl now) and it ran over a little, just 20 minutes or so.
Rorschach was a superbly observed ultra-violent sadist yet, by the end of the film, the most sympathetic of all the characters. Both Silk Spectre I and II were gorgeous, kick-ass female super heroes gladly accepted within the fold to boost the otherwise pathetically female hero stable. Dr. Manhattan was, well blue and hung like a proverbial - the director of photography/special effects team were certainly able to frame a shot well, if you know what I mean?! And thank the casting stars for choosing such a lovely fella to play Night Owl II. Geek-chic is so in right now.
There are parts of the original story which, I have been informed, are not present in the film version. No matter, it all seemed to make perfect sense by the end and I was incredibly impressed with how it all came together regardless of the rather pedestrian ending. The feel and the look of the film was pretty wonderful - very noir, very 'this is how graphic novel films should look'.
I wasn't totally sold on the time/travel/space shifting of Dr. Manhattan or on his riddle-me-this type jibberings on how the future looks like its going to pan out, but I decided to let that ride. I wasn't too keen on the visit to Mars. Nevertheless, it all made sense in the end.
I was expecting this to be a bit hookie really but following on in the vein of 'V for Vendetta' (which I loved), I can now openly admit that, from a film viewer's point of view, I really do like (what others have interpreted to be) Alan Moore's scribblings. I am even considering borrowing some of his works from my fella's bookshelves... but I'll never give up the film!
Miss this, miss out on what could possibly one of 2009's better films.
Having not read the graphic novel, by the 'genius' Alan Moore, but knowing a little about the general idea - a society slowly turning against their super-heroes in an alternative universe to our own - I was intrigued to find out what all the hype was about.
It's a rough and ready, violent world where those in the masks and tights do their best to uphold some sense of order in a crumbling society. Unfortunately, the world is changing. Through clever editing and evocative flash-backs we are introduced to the original gang of heroes which included, amongst others, the lovely Silk Spectre, The Comedian, Mothman, Silhouette, Dr. Manhattan, Hooded Justice and Night Owl. We come to understand that many of the original Watchmen retired, eventually replaced by new men and women carrying on their character's mantles. Those, who themselves more recently gave up the job, included Silk Spectre II (daughter of former mentioned No. I) and Night Owl (the replacement.) Having left their alter-egos behind, a seemingly tragic event suddenly brings them together. The Comedian is murdered.
We are enveloped within this dark world with the help of Rorschach, a shady character, whose hidden face conceals a rage within. Through his film-noirish journal entry narration, we discover that things are not what they seem. Things are changing and a baddie must be punished.
I really don't want to give any of the story away. It is so beautifully revealed that to do so would be a great shame indeed. What I will say is that the cast is superb (no really big names and better for it (did you see 'The Spirit earlier this year? Shame on you, too)) as are the costumes, sound and direction. It really is a tight little film especially considering no one thought a success could be made in a live-action version of the now almost biblically revered graphic novel. The only down points were that some of the ageing make-up was a bit dodgy (ok for DVD?), it contained more graphic violence and sex than I had anticipated (but I'm a big girl now) and it ran over a little, just 20 minutes or so.
Rorschach was a superbly observed ultra-violent sadist yet, by the end of the film, the most sympathetic of all the characters. Both Silk Spectre I and II were gorgeous, kick-ass female super heroes gladly accepted within the fold to boost the otherwise pathetically female hero stable. Dr. Manhattan was, well blue and hung like a proverbial - the director of photography/special effects team were certainly able to frame a shot well, if you know what I mean?! And thank the casting stars for choosing such a lovely fella to play Night Owl II. Geek-chic is so in right now.
There are parts of the original story which, I have been informed, are not present in the film version. No matter, it all seemed to make perfect sense by the end and I was incredibly impressed with how it all came together regardless of the rather pedestrian ending. The feel and the look of the film was pretty wonderful - very noir, very 'this is how graphic novel films should look'.
I wasn't totally sold on the time/travel/space shifting of Dr. Manhattan or on his riddle-me-this type jibberings on how the future looks like its going to pan out, but I decided to let that ride. I wasn't too keen on the visit to Mars. Nevertheless, it all made sense in the end.
I was expecting this to be a bit hookie really but following on in the vein of 'V for Vendetta' (which I loved), I can now openly admit that, from a film viewer's point of view, I really do like (what others have interpreted to be) Alan Moore's scribblings. I am even considering borrowing some of his works from my fella's bookshelves... but I'll never give up the film!
Miss this, miss out on what could possibly one of 2009's better films.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
The International ~~~
A beautifully photographed thriller with the ever steady Clive Owen. Unfortunately, it's ultimately forgettable.
Aiming to present a modern take on the old-school type thriller (think The Conversation, Flight of the Concord etc) with a little bit of Bourne added in, this varied paced thriller-chase movie just doesn't make the grade in any area.
Not a bad film, just one which fails to reach its actual potential. A good modern example of what I think the producers were aiming for is Casino Royale. Much better.
Clive Owen is a growing legend, always putting in a solid and interesting performance, but if he doesn't make it into a 'good' film in the next couple of years, I'll be very disappointed!
Aiming to present a modern take on the old-school type thriller (think The Conversation, Flight of the Concord etc) with a little bit of Bourne added in, this varied paced thriller-chase movie just doesn't make the grade in any area.
Not a bad film, just one which fails to reach its actual potential. A good modern example of what I think the producers were aiming for is Casino Royale. Much better.
Clive Owen is a growing legend, always putting in a solid and interesting performance, but if he doesn't make it into a 'good' film in the next couple of years, I'll be very disappointed!
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Apologies!
Apologies for the brevity of some of the reviews, I'm in the middle of revising for some exams. Normal service will resume in the summer.
Slumdog Millionaire ~~~1/2
Let me begin by confessing that I really didn't want to go and see this film. Shame on me, I should have realised that Danny Boyle could deliver both a gritty and funny film all at the same time.
The story, delivered in the style of a PARABLE, is pretty simple. Dev Patel's character wins the jackpot on India's 'Who Wants to be Millionaire' despite the pitiful and violent upbringing he's had to survive. How do we know this? Before he can go on to win the final prize, the cops take him in, torture him and get him to explain how he's known all the answers thus far. Let me tell you, it's been a grim and tough existence for this young lad growing up in Mumbai.
Through the explanations, the audience discovers how he knows the answers to the quiz show questions. On his quest to find his lost true love, Patel travels the country, often with his streetwise and manipulative older brother, to find the girl he loves.
Without giving anything further away, I can only commend this film, as the Academy Awards and Bafta did, for being a richly observed, very funny and heart-achingly wrenching film. The young actors who portrayed the main characters throughout were both gorgeous and immensely watchable whilst Dev Patel is bound to become a big star in the footsteps of Jamie Bell et al. A final mention must go to the music - modern, political and extremely fitting.
Whilst I recognise why the argument rages as to whether the slums of Mumbai are glamorised or not in this film, regardless of the answer, it's portrayed as both a city alive with possibility and tragedy all at the same time.
A greatly entertaining and visually stunning picture.
The story, delivered in the style of a PARABLE, is pretty simple. Dev Patel's character wins the jackpot on India's 'Who Wants to be Millionaire' despite the pitiful and violent upbringing he's had to survive. How do we know this? Before he can go on to win the final prize, the cops take him in, torture him and get him to explain how he's known all the answers thus far. Let me tell you, it's been a grim and tough existence for this young lad growing up in Mumbai.
Through the explanations, the audience discovers how he knows the answers to the quiz show questions. On his quest to find his lost true love, Patel travels the country, often with his streetwise and manipulative older brother, to find the girl he loves.
Without giving anything further away, I can only commend this film, as the Academy Awards and Bafta did, for being a richly observed, very funny and heart-achingly wrenching film. The young actors who portrayed the main characters throughout were both gorgeous and immensely watchable whilst Dev Patel is bound to become a big star in the footsteps of Jamie Bell et al. A final mention must go to the music - modern, political and extremely fitting.
Whilst I recognise why the argument rages as to whether the slums of Mumbai are glamorised or not in this film, regardless of the answer, it's portrayed as both a city alive with possibility and tragedy all at the same time.
A greatly entertaining and visually stunning picture.
Valkyrie ~~~
Tom Cruise star vehicle or more? Well, definitely more thanks to the solid and mostly British supporting cast with the likes of Tom Hollander, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Izzard and Bill Nighy, amongst others.
A real 'Boys Own' adventure set in the Second World War where members of the German Army plot to take out Adolf Hitler. As you can imagine, secrets abound and violence ensues. Who do you trust when Hitler's the target?
It's not a particularly cerebral film just a high quality, hold your breath and cheer for the goodies type picture. As mentioned, the cast is great (just a shame there are never enough roles for women in war films), the script wasn't too shoddy and the scenery and costumes were fantastic.
Are there any gripes to this film? No, not really. I suppose the only thing I could have done with a little more of was a slightly more definite time scale to everything. I didn't care about the minutes ticking by, I was more concerned with what blinking year and month it was. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see this romping WWII flick when it comes out on DVD.
As much as I want to hate Cruise, I just never can. He is truly a great actor and star and hats off to him for being able to rise above the hype to just get on with delivering another solid part. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which the Brits had 'act-offs' with Cruise - who can enunciate and spit the furthest??? And who can argue with the eye-patch?
More please!
(Seen on 08/02/09)
A real 'Boys Own' adventure set in the Second World War where members of the German Army plot to take out Adolf Hitler. As you can imagine, secrets abound and violence ensues. Who do you trust when Hitler's the target?
It's not a particularly cerebral film just a high quality, hold your breath and cheer for the goodies type picture. As mentioned, the cast is great (just a shame there are never enough roles for women in war films), the script wasn't too shoddy and the scenery and costumes were fantastic.
Are there any gripes to this film? No, not really. I suppose the only thing I could have done with a little more of was a slightly more definite time scale to everything. I didn't care about the minutes ticking by, I was more concerned with what blinking year and month it was. Nevertheless, I can't wait to see this romping WWII flick when it comes out on DVD.
As much as I want to hate Cruise, I just never can. He is truly a great actor and star and hats off to him for being able to rise above the hype to just get on with delivering another solid part. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which the Brits had 'act-offs' with Cruise - who can enunciate and spit the furthest??? And who can argue with the eye-patch?
More please!
(Seen on 08/02/09)
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