A very interesting, low-budget, psychological, post-apocalyptic thriller starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey and directed by Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie (irrelevant point, as it happens!)
Nearing the end of his three year stint harvesting energy on the dark side of the Moon, Sam lives and works alone in a space station accompanied only by the slightly creepy, and in no way reminiscent of any other space odysseys electronic character, base robot.
We follow Sam's last few days on the job awaiting pick up from Earth until something extraordinary occurs rendering both Sam and his robotic pal at odds with both the ever nearing rescue team and each other. Yes, this is a riddle for I cannot divulge the rest of the plot without ruining the entire film.
The actual story is quite simple as are the sets and script but this does not belie the clarity and deftness of its presentation.
Jones is a superb director on all levels whilst Sam Rockwell is given the opportunity to outshine even himself. The use of Spacey's voice, within the context of an historical nod to space films of past is quite amazing. If you know anything about absolutely any other films set in outer space (many of which undeniably borrow from films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey) you will, by the end, have picked up on the reason why he was cast. Unsettled? Oh, yes!
This is a really beautiful film. Not one for guns and bombs and blood and guts but still requiring an element of thriller, mystery and action - choose 'Moon'. It also provides subtle but sympathetic characters, a great script and fabulous moon buggies which can only be described as one up from school-made space projects but lovely, nonetheless.
Actually, a film for the entire family. A bit of a tear jerker on the side with lots of love and laughs in between.
A must see of 2009.
(Pity I had to travel 20 miles to go and see it - my local mega multiplexes are seriously missing out on a potentially big hit of the year. More fool them for regurgitating the same, usual blockbusting crap.)
Viewed: 11th August 2009
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince ~~~
Penultimate book, 6th of 8 total films and possibly least interesting to date.
Everyone was much improved in the acting stakes (the kids, that is) but the story (yes, it's different to the book in areas - get over it!) is rather plodding with little or no emotional core.
I haven't the heart to discuss the story so I will instead mention that I would appreciate more Luna Lovegood in future films.
Yes, characters die. Yes, there's snogging. Yes, there's wicked magic involved. Everything looks wonderful. The FX are great, as usual. Jim Broadbent was smashing as the new Hogwart's teacher.
I can't wait until the last two instalments - let's hope they're not as dull as HP No. 6!
Viewed: 5th August 2009
Everyone was much improved in the acting stakes (the kids, that is) but the story (yes, it's different to the book in areas - get over it!) is rather plodding with little or no emotional core.
I haven't the heart to discuss the story so I will instead mention that I would appreciate more Luna Lovegood in future films.
Yes, characters die. Yes, there's snogging. Yes, there's wicked magic involved. Everything looks wonderful. The FX are great, as usual. Jim Broadbent was smashing as the new Hogwart's teacher.
I can't wait until the last two instalments - let's hope they're not as dull as HP No. 6!
Viewed: 5th August 2009
The Proposal ~~
Passable rom-com with Sandra Bullock.
Bullock is the uber up-tight, over-achieving boss of a publishing company. (Although I hate it when it's suggested that a successful woman in business is anything but pushy and aggressive and not in a nice, male-acceptable way...) She's told she's being deported back to Canada and whilst thinking on her feet claims all will be well because she's due to marry her assistant, ably played by Ryan Reynolds. Snazzy switch of the usual gender role portrayal! They do not get on at all (in fact he really rather despises her) but he accepts that his future in publishing depends on his agreement with the lie.
The beginning of the film scores highly for laughs but once Bullock and Reynolds head to Alaska to get married, the script, pace and use of a Grandma undermine the biting, bitchy and funnier start of the film. The star of the film from this point on for me was the use of a beautiful Alaskan town on the coast.
I don't feel the need to go on other than to say I am sure you can guess the outcome...
I really love Sandra Bullock but feel her talent is really beginning to miss out on the more meatier parts I know she could handle. What's wrong with more scripts and films for women. Women over 30, too!!??!! There are some great comediennes out there. Why do studios insist on over looking the talents of actresses like Bullock for less competent but younger women - or not even women at all - just men!!?
Viewed: 29th July 2009
Bullock is the uber up-tight, over-achieving boss of a publishing company. (Although I hate it when it's suggested that a successful woman in business is anything but pushy and aggressive and not in a nice, male-acceptable way...) She's told she's being deported back to Canada and whilst thinking on her feet claims all will be well because she's due to marry her assistant, ably played by Ryan Reynolds. Snazzy switch of the usual gender role portrayal! They do not get on at all (in fact he really rather despises her) but he accepts that his future in publishing depends on his agreement with the lie.
The beginning of the film scores highly for laughs but once Bullock and Reynolds head to Alaska to get married, the script, pace and use of a Grandma undermine the biting, bitchy and funnier start of the film. The star of the film from this point on for me was the use of a beautiful Alaskan town on the coast.
I don't feel the need to go on other than to say I am sure you can guess the outcome...
I really love Sandra Bullock but feel her talent is really beginning to miss out on the more meatier parts I know she could handle. What's wrong with more scripts and films for women. Women over 30, too!!??!! There are some great comediennes out there. Why do studios insist on over looking the talents of actresses like Bullock for less competent but younger women - or not even women at all - just men!!?
Viewed: 29th July 2009
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