Date: Wednesday 28th November
Film: Friends With Kids (2011)
Director: Jennifer Westfeldt
Starring: Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Maya Rudolph and Jon Hamm
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating 7.5/10
The commentary on this DVD box says 'funnier than Bridesmaids'. Not sure that's a fair comparison to make. Whilst Friends With Kids has a cast made up almost entirely of faces that popped up in Bridesmaids, the humour is totally different.
Don't go expecting this to be another Bridesmaids; the jokes aren't as brash, the characters aren't as 'caricature-y' and at no point does anyone defecate in the street. It is, however, as good as Bridesmaids, mainly due to the brilliant cast.
Friends With Kids is heartwarming, funny and has an exceptional cast, although Chris O'Dowd's accent upset me a little.
Challenge day: 66
Challenge time: 03 days, 06 hours, 10 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 42
Friday, 30 November 2012
This is not recess. Everyone is accountable.
Date: Monday 26th November
Film: Less Than Zero (1987)
Director: Marek Kanievska
Starring: Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz and Robert Downey Jr.
Running Time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating 7/10
I love the Bret Easton Ellis novel that this film is based on. I love 80's Andrew McCarthy and I believe that everything Robert Downey Jr. touches turns to gold, magical gold (I also believe that he should be my husband). There was so much potential for me to love this movie.
I think I set my sights to high.
This wasn't terrible, by no means, it just wasn't the film I was expecting, the plot line seemed watered down, compared to the book (my mistake, I really should have learned my lessons from One Day/The Time Traveler's Wife).
If I think of this as independent from the novel, then Less Than Zero is a well acted, solid film about the lives of excess lived by over-privileged LA teenagers. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing in his portrayal of an addict who will do anything to get his next fix. Andrew McCarthy plays the wide eyed dreamer role so well.
This is a great film. It just isn't entirely related to a great, great novel.
Challenge day: 34
Challenge running time: 03 days, 04 hours, 23 minutes
Challenge film total: 41
Film: Less Than Zero (1987)
Director: Marek Kanievska
Starring: Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz and Robert Downey Jr.
Running Time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating 7/10
I love the Bret Easton Ellis novel that this film is based on. I love 80's Andrew McCarthy and I believe that everything Robert Downey Jr. touches turns to gold, magical gold (I also believe that he should be my husband). There was so much potential for me to love this movie.
I think I set my sights to high.
This wasn't terrible, by no means, it just wasn't the film I was expecting, the plot line seemed watered down, compared to the book (my mistake, I really should have learned my lessons from One Day/The Time Traveler's Wife).
If I think of this as independent from the novel, then Less Than Zero is a well acted, solid film about the lives of excess lived by over-privileged LA teenagers. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing in his portrayal of an addict who will do anything to get his next fix. Andrew McCarthy plays the wide eyed dreamer role so well.
This is a great film. It just isn't entirely related to a great, great novel.
Challenge day: 34
Challenge running time: 03 days, 04 hours, 23 minutes
Challenge film total: 41
He has come into a handsome fortune and he has great expectations
Date: Monday 26th November
Film: Great Expectations (2012)
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane
Running Time: 2 hours, 08 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'll admit, I'm partial to a period drama, the bigger the frocks and hats, the better, and Great Expectations is one of my favourite stories. For the longest time (I think since I first read the book) I've been saying that there is no actress on Earth better suited to playing Miss Havisham than Helena Bonham Carter, and, as if they heard my calls, guess who rocks up in this new adaptation. My hopes were high, the only downside, as far as I could see, was my love for the BBC adaptation late last year, would this film match up?
With the exception of the, always excellent, Helena Bonham Carter, this could be any other adaptation of Great Expectations. It's not the best I've ever seen, but it is by no means the worst. It is faithful to the story (although the Mrs. Joe subplot does get a little sidelined), beautifully shot and has a great cast.
I'm undecided. I didn't love it, but I can't quite work out why.
Challenge Day: 64
Challenge Time: 03 days, 02 hours, 45 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 40
Film: Great Expectations (2012)
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane
Running Time: 2 hours, 08 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'll admit, I'm partial to a period drama, the bigger the frocks and hats, the better, and Great Expectations is one of my favourite stories. For the longest time (I think since I first read the book) I've been saying that there is no actress on Earth better suited to playing Miss Havisham than Helena Bonham Carter, and, as if they heard my calls, guess who rocks up in this new adaptation. My hopes were high, the only downside, as far as I could see, was my love for the BBC adaptation late last year, would this film match up?
With the exception of the, always excellent, Helena Bonham Carter, this could be any other adaptation of Great Expectations. It's not the best I've ever seen, but it is by no means the worst. It is faithful to the story (although the Mrs. Joe subplot does get a little sidelined), beautifully shot and has a great cast.
I'm undecided. I didn't love it, but I can't quite work out why.
Challenge Day: 64
Challenge Time: 03 days, 02 hours, 45 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 40
Monday, 26 November 2012
This is such a stone-cold pack of weirdos, and I am so proud!
Date: Saturday 24th November
Film: Bridesmaids (2011)
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Chris O'Dowd and Maya Rudolph
Running Time: 2 hours, 05 minutes
Rating 9/10
After a long and adventurous day at Secret Cinema, all we wanted to do was settle down with a movie and, following Friday night's gossipy disaster (2 films started, neither finished, both stopped for slightly boring stories and superhero chats), we needed something that was going to hold our attention and stop us falling asleep on the sofa.
Two of us adore Bridesmaids and one of us hadn't seen it, so it seemed like a good choice. Something that I knew inside out so if I did feel myself getting a little too tired, I could take a 5 minute power nap and still know exactly what was going on.
This film gets better and better with every viewing; each time I watch there's something new to make me laugh. It probably helps that it is created by a bunch of people I adore, Paul Feig can do no wrong in my eyes (maybe it's because I'm a massive Freaks and Geeks fan), Kristen Wiig is hilarious and Chris O'Dowd is his usual charming self. Bridesmaids is always going to be one of my favourite comedies.
Chaellenge day: 62
Challenge time: 3 days, 00 hours, 37 minutes.
Challenge film total: 39
Film: Bridesmaids (2011)
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Chris O'Dowd and Maya Rudolph
Running Time: 2 hours, 05 minutes
Rating 9/10
After a long and adventurous day at Secret Cinema, all we wanted to do was settle down with a movie and, following Friday night's gossipy disaster (2 films started, neither finished, both stopped for slightly boring stories and superhero chats), we needed something that was going to hold our attention and stop us falling asleep on the sofa.
Two of us adore Bridesmaids and one of us hadn't seen it, so it seemed like a good choice. Something that I knew inside out so if I did feel myself getting a little too tired, I could take a 5 minute power nap and still know exactly what was going on.
This film gets better and better with every viewing; each time I watch there's something new to make me laugh. It probably helps that it is created by a bunch of people I adore, Paul Feig can do no wrong in my eyes (maybe it's because I'm a massive Freaks and Geeks fan), Kristen Wiig is hilarious and Chris O'Dowd is his usual charming self. Bridesmaids is always going to be one of my favourite comedies.
Chaellenge day: 62
Challenge time: 3 days, 00 hours, 37 minutes.
Challenge film total: 39
Tell No One
Date: Saturday 24th November
Film: TBA
Director: TBA
Starring: TBA
Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Rating 10/10
This is the post in which I tell you I went to see a film and proceed to tell you nothing about it.
Secret Cinema day has been and gone.
Secret Cinema, for the uninitiated, is an all encompassing, secret, theatrical, cinema experience. You buy tickets knowing nothing about what lies ahead of you. Leading up to the start of the Secret Cinema season (the same event runs for a few weeks, with performances every evening as well as weekend matinees) obscure, indirectly related, clues (songs, pictures, video clips) are uploaded to Secret Cinema's Facebook page.
A couple of weeks before the event you're given a dress code and a meeting place.
The day arrives, you get up and get organised and find yourself, as I did on Saturday morning, queueing outside a library with hundreds of others, all dressed in men's suits.
You are then led into a world where the film is recreated and you are encouraged to join in. For the last event, earlier this year, the film was Prometheus and we found ourselves, in our boiler suits, examining life forms from other planets and experiencing life aboard our space ship.
This time around, as the event is still taking place, I am to keep quiet about where I have been and what I have seen.
Once the season ends, I can tell you more, for now I can tell you the films I saw was 2 hours and 22 minutes long, it was a film I already loved and the experience was, as it was last time around, phenomenal.
Tell no one.
Challenge day: 62
Challenge time: 2 days, 22 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 38
Film: TBA
Director: TBA
Starring: TBA
Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes
Rating 10/10
This is the post in which I tell you I went to see a film and proceed to tell you nothing about it.
Secret Cinema day has been and gone.
Secret Cinema, for the uninitiated, is an all encompassing, secret, theatrical, cinema experience. You buy tickets knowing nothing about what lies ahead of you. Leading up to the start of the Secret Cinema season (the same event runs for a few weeks, with performances every evening as well as weekend matinees) obscure, indirectly related, clues (songs, pictures, video clips) are uploaded to Secret Cinema's Facebook page.
A couple of weeks before the event you're given a dress code and a meeting place.
The day arrives, you get up and get organised and find yourself, as I did on Saturday morning, queueing outside a library with hundreds of others, all dressed in men's suits.
You are then led into a world where the film is recreated and you are encouraged to join in. For the last event, earlier this year, the film was Prometheus and we found ourselves, in our boiler suits, examining life forms from other planets and experiencing life aboard our space ship.
This time around, as the event is still taking place, I am to keep quiet about where I have been and what I have seen.
Once the season ends, I can tell you more, for now I can tell you the films I saw was 2 hours and 22 minutes long, it was a film I already loved and the experience was, as it was last time around, phenomenal.
Tell no one.
Challenge day: 62
Challenge time: 2 days, 22 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 38
Friday, 23 November 2012
Her new boyfriend has an incredibly long neck. Just thinking about giraffes makes me angry.
Date: Sunday 18th November 2012
Film: Submarine (2010)
Director:Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Page and Sally Hawkins
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Sunday Night Film Club is back and this week we fancied a little bit of British comedy and where better to look than Richard Ayoade's directorial debut. Submarine is a dark and wickedly funny film about a socially awkward 15 year old growing up in 1980's Wales, dealing with family turmoil and his first love.
A film that I've seen more than once, yet still manages to surprise me. beautifully shot, full of incredibly dry jokes and a stellar soundtrack, Submarine is boosted by a strong supporting cast of some of the best of British, including Paddy Considine and Noah Taylor.
Not necessarily the jolliest of comedies, but a great Sunday night film none the less.
Challenge day: 56
Challenge time: 2 days 20 hours 10 minutes
Challenge film total: 37
Director:Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Page and Sally Hawkins
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Sunday Night Film Club is back and this week we fancied a little bit of British comedy and where better to look than Richard Ayoade's directorial debut. Submarine is a dark and wickedly funny film about a socially awkward 15 year old growing up in 1980's Wales, dealing with family turmoil and his first love.
A film that I've seen more than once, yet still manages to surprise me. beautifully shot, full of incredibly dry jokes and a stellar soundtrack, Submarine is boosted by a strong supporting cast of some of the best of British, including Paddy Considine and Noah Taylor.
Not necessarily the jolliest of comedies, but a great Sunday night film none the less.
Challenge day: 56
Challenge time: 2 days 20 hours 10 minutes
Challenge film total: 37
If you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining
Date: Sunday 18th November 2012
Film: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver
Running Time: 2 hour 02 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
From all the trailers and press I wasn't sure about this film, but a free screening is a free screening (even if it did involve trekking to Stratford first thing on a Sunday morning!) and I'm so glad I got up and went.
I already knew I loved Jennifer Lawrence, she's amazing in Winter's Bone, as well as The Hunger Games and X-Men: First Class, but this film gave me a whole different opinion on Bradley Cooper. With the exception of The Hangover, I struggle to think of a film he's been in, let alone one where he can prove that he's more than a pretty face. With Silver Linings he does exactly this, he plays vulnerable, needy, emotionally unstable and a little kooky, brilliantly.
The supporting cast is equally outstanding. This is the first solid performance I've seen Robert De Niro give in a long time and Jacki Weaver was, yet again, phenomenal.
The story isn't anything special, you can see the ending coming from a mile off, but the acting and dry script lift this away from a standard predictable rom-com.
Worth seeing if you get the chance.
Challenge day: 56
Challenge time: 2 days 18 hours 33 minutes
Challenge film total: 36
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver
Running Time: 2 hour 02 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
From all the trailers and press I wasn't sure about this film, but a free screening is a free screening (even if it did involve trekking to Stratford first thing on a Sunday morning!) and I'm so glad I got up and went.
I already knew I loved Jennifer Lawrence, she's amazing in Winter's Bone, as well as The Hunger Games and X-Men: First Class, but this film gave me a whole different opinion on Bradley Cooper. With the exception of The Hangover, I struggle to think of a film he's been in, let alone one where he can prove that he's more than a pretty face. With Silver Linings he does exactly this, he plays vulnerable, needy, emotionally unstable and a little kooky, brilliantly.
The supporting cast is equally outstanding. This is the first solid performance I've seen Robert De Niro give in a long time and Jacki Weaver was, yet again, phenomenal.
The story isn't anything special, you can see the ending coming from a mile off, but the acting and dry script lift this away from a standard predictable rom-com.
Worth seeing if you get the chance.
Challenge day: 56
Challenge time: 2 days 18 hours 33 minutes
Challenge film total: 36
Leave your worries for awhile, they will still be there you get back, and your memories aren't invited.
Date: Saturday 17th November 2012
Film: The Master (2012)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams
Running Time: 2 hour 24 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I went into this film expecting great things and that's exactly what I got. Phenomenal performances from all involved, special credit to Joaquin Phoenix, and beautiful cinematography. I can see why it's been getting a lot of Oscar hype.
I can also see why it's been the recipient of a number of less than favourable reviews. The Master does not have a traditional cinematic story line. It is, essentially, a snap shot of a relationship between two people. The journey of a lost young man and the confident older gentleman that helps him find his way, albeit through a seemingly bogus cult. There is no dramatic confrontation, there is no third act resolve, if anything this whole film is like an amicable break up. People expect a bit of drama but sometimes things just go along swimmingly.
The amazing acting and the stunning visuals distract from this lack of traditional plot, and I loved it.
Challenge day: 55
Challenge time: 2 days 16 hours 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 35
Film: The Master (2012)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams
Running Time: 2 hour 24 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I went into this film expecting great things and that's exactly what I got. Phenomenal performances from all involved, special credit to Joaquin Phoenix, and beautiful cinematography. I can see why it's been getting a lot of Oscar hype.
I can also see why it's been the recipient of a number of less than favourable reviews. The Master does not have a traditional cinematic story line. It is, essentially, a snap shot of a relationship between two people. The journey of a lost young man and the confident older gentleman that helps him find his way, albeit through a seemingly bogus cult. There is no dramatic confrontation, there is no third act resolve, if anything this whole film is like an amicable break up. People expect a bit of drama but sometimes things just go along swimmingly.
The amazing acting and the stunning visuals distract from this lack of traditional plot, and I loved it.
Challenge day: 55
Challenge time: 2 days 16 hours 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 35
Where are his glasses? He can't see without his glasses!
Date: Saturday 17th November 2012
Film: My Girl (1991)
Director: Howard Zieff
Starring: Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis
Running Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Rating: 8/10
My Girl is one of those films that, even as I get older and realise it's a little bit terrible, I am always going to love. Even if it does leave me crying like a small child, every single time. Curse you Macaulay, why did you have to go back to the beehive?
Challenge day: 55
Challenge time: 2 days 14 hours 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 34
Film: My Girl (1991)
Director: Howard Zieff
Starring: Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis
Running Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Rating: 8/10
My Girl is one of those films that, even as I get older and realise it's a little bit terrible, I am always going to love. Even if it does leave me crying like a small child, every single time. Curse you Macaulay, why did you have to go back to the beehive?
Challenge day: 55
Challenge time: 2 days 14 hours 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 34
De rouille et d'os
Date: Friday 16th November 2012
Film: Rust and Bone (2012)
Director: Jacques Audiard
Starring: Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: 6/10
I've spent the last week processing my thoughts on this film and I'm still at an impasse.
This might be, again, a case of being advertised wildly wrong. All the press on Rust and Bone made me believe that the film was about Marion Cotillard's character coming to terms with an accident that cost her her legs and her career as a whale trainer and, whilst this is touched upon in the film, this is not the case.
Rust and Bone focuses on Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts), a man that has just taken responsibility for his young son, and has moved in with his sister to try and get some sort of control over his life; to find a job, stop being a playboy and to become a father to a child he barely knows.
Marion Cotillard's character, Stephanie, is a the lead support, but she is a support none the less. Her story is merely background to explain why she acts the way she does and how this in turn affects Ali as their friendship develops.
Ultimately, I think my issue with the film is that as beautifully shot as it is, I felt Ali, as a character, was unlikable He did not, in my opinion, have a single redeeming quality which made it hard for me to relate to a film that focused on him.
I have a feeling I'm alone in this, so many people have told me how much they adored Rust and Bone. See it and decide for yourself.
Challenge day: 54
Challenge time: 2 days 12 hours 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 33
Film: Rust and Bone (2012)
Director: Jacques Audiard
Starring: Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: 6/10
I've spent the last week processing my thoughts on this film and I'm still at an impasse.
This might be, again, a case of being advertised wildly wrong. All the press on Rust and Bone made me believe that the film was about Marion Cotillard's character coming to terms with an accident that cost her her legs and her career as a whale trainer and, whilst this is touched upon in the film, this is not the case.
Rust and Bone focuses on Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts), a man that has just taken responsibility for his young son, and has moved in with his sister to try and get some sort of control over his life; to find a job, stop being a playboy and to become a father to a child he barely knows.
Marion Cotillard's character, Stephanie, is a the lead support, but she is a support none the less. Her story is merely background to explain why she acts the way she does and how this in turn affects Ali as their friendship develops.
Ultimately, I think my issue with the film is that as beautifully shot as it is, I felt Ali, as a character, was unlikable He did not, in my opinion, have a single redeeming quality which made it hard for me to relate to a film that focused on him.
I have a feeling I'm alone in this, so many people have told me how much they adored Rust and Bone. See it and decide for yourself.
Challenge day: 54
Challenge time: 2 days 12 hours 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 33
Friday, 16 November 2012
I like to dissect girls. Did you know I'm utterly insane?
Date: Friday 16th November
Film: American Psycho (2000)
Director: Mary Harron
Running Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Like any sensible person, when I find myself waking up 2 hours before my alarm I always think 'no, don't go back to sleep. Watch this film about serial killers instead.' and that's how I found myself watching American Psycho at 6am on a Friday.
Not a film I've seen before, as I've mentioned before I'm not a fan of films that involve a lot of killing. But, having recently developed a soft spot for Christian Bale and working hard on being less of a wuss, this film found it's way onto my LoveFilm list.
Having read a few Bret Easton Ellis novels and with a basic knowledge of the plot, I knew what I was getting into; drugs, excess, anger, sex and pretty rich people; American Psycho had it all, with some murder on the side.
With a strong supporting cast and an intense lead, American Psycho was watchable. Not the horrendous murder spree I was expecting, all in all a good film.
Challenge day: 54
Challenge time: 2 days 10 hours 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 32
He's not a person Tina, he's a Daily Mail reader.
Date: Wednesday 14th November
Film: Sightseers (2012)
Director: Ben Wheatley
Starring: Alice Lowe and Steve Oram
Running Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Wednesday night, through the power of Twitter, the boy flatmate and I found ourselves at a screening of Ben Wheatley's new British comedy, Sightseers (thanks Grolsch Film Works). Having both heard great things about Wheatley's previous directorial outing, Kill List, and enjoyed the trailer immensely we were expecting great things.
We were not let down. Sightseers had us laughing out loud from start to finish, sometimes with discomfort as we realised, uncomfortably, that we were on Chris' side as he murdered people for disrespecting him and the area around him (littering, rudeness, etc.).
A genuinely funny British film, that touches a nerve. Worth seeing if you get the chance.
Plus, we got given one of these, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was a kid. I need to find somewhere awesome for him to live.
Film: Sightseers (2012)
Director: Ben Wheatley
Starring: Alice Lowe and Steve Oram
Running Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Wednesday night, through the power of Twitter, the boy flatmate and I found ourselves at a screening of Ben Wheatley's new British comedy, Sightseers (thanks Grolsch Film Works). Having both heard great things about Wheatley's previous directorial outing, Kill List, and enjoyed the trailer immensely we were expecting great things.
We were not let down. Sightseers had us laughing out loud from start to finish, sometimes with discomfort as we realised, uncomfortably, that we were on Chris' side as he murdered people for disrespecting him and the area around him (littering, rudeness, etc.).
A genuinely funny British film, that touches a nerve. Worth seeing if you get the chance.
Plus, we got given one of these, the likes of which I haven't seen since I was a kid. I need to find somewhere awesome for him to live.
Challenge day: 52
Challenge time: 2 days 8 hours 43 minutes
Challenge film total: 31
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Don't you blame the movies. Movies don't create psychos. Movies make psychos more creative!
Following the spate of news stories surrounding cinema etiquette, off the back of the Empire Cinemas etiquette guide, and a conversation I had with Nev Pierce from Empire Magazine on Twitter this morning, I've decided it's time to lay out the rules, as I see them, for cinema goers.
There are probably more, there are always special circumstances and I might just be irrational but here goes;
1. Don't be late.
If you are seeing a new film in a chain cinema or similar you are guaranteed to have a fair few adverts and previews between the advertised start time and the actual start time. Some people don't want to see these (not sure why, previews are amazing) and therefore turn up well after the advertised start time. That's fine, that's your prerogative, but don't turn up 10 minutes into the film. Not only are you ruining it for yourself, missing the character introductions, plot setups, etc. but you are also disrupting the other patrons when trying to find your seat, taking off your coat, getting settled, etc.
2. Be prepared
Everyone likes a snack and a drink in the cinema, it's practically the law of going to see a film, but please try to get everything ready before the title card. If you've got a bottle of fizzy drink, break the seal to get rid of that initial pop and fizz sound, if you're tucking into some sweets open and rustle the bag as soon as you are settled. It's a little thing but it makes everything a bit nicer for the other people around.
3. Be a little anti-social
There is no need to check emails, Facebook, Twitter, text messages and so forth when you are watching a film. You may think it's a harmless glance at your phone, but for other people in the darkened room it's a bloody great beacon of light, catching our eye and distracting us from what is happening on the screen.
4. Whisper
Surely, this is an obvious one? There are times in any film that you have a comment to make, or a question to ask. That's fine, lean over and whisper it to your viewing companion. Don't use your outdoor voices. Don't even use your indoor voices.
5. Posing is unnecessary.
At least 4 times this year I have seen people take pictures in the cinema. That's fine, if the film hasn't started, or has already finished. I'll put my hands up and say I've done it myself, many at time, at cinematic events (PJ Parties, Secret Cinema, any PCC event) but the second the BBFC rating card appears on the screen, those things stop. It's quite distracting when people are moving about in their seats to get a good angle for a photo, or setting off flashes in the dark.
6. Try and stay still.
I'll admit, I am a little guilty of this. I'm a fidget. Always have been. Sitting in the same position for 2 hours is not something my body reacts well to, but when I move in the cinema I try to do it as gently and quietly as possible, so as not to distract other people. If you've sat down and your skirt is all bunched up underneath you (we've all been there) then get used to it, don't stand up in the middle of the film to smooth yourself down, then sit back down again. It's annoying.
7. Know the atmosphere.
All of the above rules apply in most cinematic situations, but there are times when things change a little. If you're at a sing-along, quote-along, marathon, PJ Party, Classic film screening, etc. there might be new rules.
If you've been encouraged to shout out, sing, dance, comment, Kermit flail, etc. then by all means break the rules and join in. Don't be that person that goes to a quote-along event and complains that other people shouting things out ruined the film for you. There is no sympathy here.
Rant over. Sit back and enjoy the film. Just please don't do anything that will stop other people enjoying it!
There are probably more, there are always special circumstances and I might just be irrational but here goes;
1. Don't be late.
If you are seeing a new film in a chain cinema or similar you are guaranteed to have a fair few adverts and previews between the advertised start time and the actual start time. Some people don't want to see these (not sure why, previews are amazing) and therefore turn up well after the advertised start time. That's fine, that's your prerogative, but don't turn up 10 minutes into the film. Not only are you ruining it for yourself, missing the character introductions, plot setups, etc. but you are also disrupting the other patrons when trying to find your seat, taking off your coat, getting settled, etc.
2. Be prepared
Everyone likes a snack and a drink in the cinema, it's practically the law of going to see a film, but please try to get everything ready before the title card. If you've got a bottle of fizzy drink, break the seal to get rid of that initial pop and fizz sound, if you're tucking into some sweets open and rustle the bag as soon as you are settled. It's a little thing but it makes everything a bit nicer for the other people around.
3. Be a little anti-social
There is no need to check emails, Facebook, Twitter, text messages and so forth when you are watching a film. You may think it's a harmless glance at your phone, but for other people in the darkened room it's a bloody great beacon of light, catching our eye and distracting us from what is happening on the screen.
4. Whisper
Surely, this is an obvious one? There are times in any film that you have a comment to make, or a question to ask. That's fine, lean over and whisper it to your viewing companion. Don't use your outdoor voices. Don't even use your indoor voices.
5. Posing is unnecessary.
At least 4 times this year I have seen people take pictures in the cinema. That's fine, if the film hasn't started, or has already finished. I'll put my hands up and say I've done it myself, many at time, at cinematic events (PJ Parties, Secret Cinema, any PCC event) but the second the BBFC rating card appears on the screen, those things stop. It's quite distracting when people are moving about in their seats to get a good angle for a photo, or setting off flashes in the dark.
6. Try and stay still.
I'll admit, I am a little guilty of this. I'm a fidget. Always have been. Sitting in the same position for 2 hours is not something my body reacts well to, but when I move in the cinema I try to do it as gently and quietly as possible, so as not to distract other people. If you've sat down and your skirt is all bunched up underneath you (we've all been there) then get used to it, don't stand up in the middle of the film to smooth yourself down, then sit back down again. It's annoying.
7. Know the atmosphere.
All of the above rules apply in most cinematic situations, but there are times when things change a little. If you're at a sing-along, quote-along, marathon, PJ Party, Classic film screening, etc. there might be new rules.
If you've been encouraged to shout out, sing, dance, comment, Kermit flail, etc. then by all means break the rules and join in. Don't be that person that goes to a quote-along event and complains that other people shouting things out ruined the film for you. There is no sympathy here.
Rant over. Sit back and enjoy the film. Just please don't do anything that will stop other people enjoying it!
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Now, what we got here is a little game of show and tell. You don't wanna show me nothing but you're telling me everything.
Date: Monday 12th November
Film: True Romance (1993)
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette and Dennis Hopper
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: 8/10
In all the wonderful tributes and obituaries that appeared shortly after the passing of Tony Scott, there was an awful lot of love for True Romance. Love that reminded me that I haven't seen this film in years. It was only sensible that I added it to my LoveFilm list and settled down for another evening with 90s Christian Slater (my favourite of all the Christian Slaters).
It was a delight; True Romance is a brilliant film. There is violence, drugs, sex and an awful lot of talking, all trademarks of a great Tarantino script. With a solid supporting cast and lots of familiar faces popping up, True Romance is a love story with a difference.
Also, I think it managed to cure me of my old man crush on Gary Oldman...
Challenge Day: 50
Challenge Time: 2 days 7 hours 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 30
Film: True Romance (1993)
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette and Dennis Hopper
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: 8/10
In all the wonderful tributes and obituaries that appeared shortly after the passing of Tony Scott, there was an awful lot of love for True Romance. Love that reminded me that I haven't seen this film in years. It was only sensible that I added it to my LoveFilm list and settled down for another evening with 90s Christian Slater (my favourite of all the Christian Slaters).
It was a delight; True Romance is a brilliant film. There is violence, drugs, sex and an awful lot of talking, all trademarks of a great Tarantino script. With a solid supporting cast and lots of familiar faces popping up, True Romance is a love story with a difference.
Also, I think it managed to cure me of my old man crush on Gary Oldman...
Challenge Day: 50
Challenge Time: 2 days 7 hours 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 30
The brave men stay and watch it happen. They don't run.
Date: Friday 9th October
Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis and Dwight Henry
Running Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Beasts of the Southern Wild is the first feature length film from Benh Zeitlin, and has leads played by two newcomers to the acting game. A bit of a gamble, some might say, but they have worked together to make a film that is emotional, raw and visually stunning.
Told from the point of view of a wildly imaginative 5 year old, Hushpuppy, who lives with her father in The Bathtub, a community in the Louisiana bayou; Beasts tells the story of the fight for survival when the community are faced with a devastating storm and it's lasting aftermath.
The scenes of devastation, cut alongside the fantasy creatures from Hushpuppy's mind, are beautifully shot and give the whole film a sense of place. You come out feeling like you know what it is like to live in The Bathtub, to exist in a place that can be flooded in one night.
The heavy emotion, combined with the gorgeous visuals and wonderful acting combine to make a film that will stick with you for a long while.
Challenge Day: 47
Challenge Time: 2 days, 5 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 30
Film: Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Director: Benh Zeitlin
Starring: Quvenzhane Wallis and Dwight Henry
Running Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Beasts of the Southern Wild is the first feature length film from Benh Zeitlin, and has leads played by two newcomers to the acting game. A bit of a gamble, some might say, but they have worked together to make a film that is emotional, raw and visually stunning.
Told from the point of view of a wildly imaginative 5 year old, Hushpuppy, who lives with her father in The Bathtub, a community in the Louisiana bayou; Beasts tells the story of the fight for survival when the community are faced with a devastating storm and it's lasting aftermath.
The scenes of devastation, cut alongside the fantasy creatures from Hushpuppy's mind, are beautifully shot and give the whole film a sense of place. You come out feeling like you know what it is like to live in The Bathtub, to exist in a place that can be flooded in one night.
The heavy emotion, combined with the gorgeous visuals and wonderful acting combine to make a film that will stick with you for a long while.
Challenge Day: 47
Challenge Time: 2 days, 5 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 30
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear.
Date: Sunday 4th November
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Laim Hemsworth
Running Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After reading the books earlier this year, I was a little torn on whether I would like the first movie in The Hunger Games trilogy, mainly because whilst I enjoyed the premise of the books, I found the Katniss character to be weak and whiny, something I struggled to tolerate.
However, friends who had seen the film but hadn't read the books advised me that Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss differently to how she is written. Instead of being this girl who puts herself into situations then complains that she doesn't like the way things are going, in the film Katniss is a strong girl who fights for the people she cares about.
The subject matter is dark, in the future Panem (the remains of North America) is controlled by The Capitol, who suppress the 12 poorer districts. Annually, in an effort to exert their control, the Capitol run the Hunger Games, a nationally televised event in which a male and female tribute, aged between 12 and 18, from each district must go into an arena and fight until only one person remains standing, having helped kill the other 23 tributes.
As with all book adaptations, I had ideas in my mind of what I expected characters, scene and environments to look like and, ever since the soul crushing disappointment of the adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife (way to ruin a great book), I went into this with low expectations. I was pleased to be proved wrong.
Considering that for a large section of the story Katniss is alone, the filmmakers have worked well to show her struggle without resorting to cheesy voice overs. Considering the manner in which some tributes meet their demise, the fight scenes weren't overly graphic and were balanced well with the relationships forming in the arena and views of the nation outside watching the games.
Backed by a strong supporting cast, made up of many a familiar face, The Hunger Games is a great film.
Challenge Day: 42
Challenge Time: 2 days, 3 hours, 42 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 29
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Laim Hemsworth
Running Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After reading the books earlier this year, I was a little torn on whether I would like the first movie in The Hunger Games trilogy, mainly because whilst I enjoyed the premise of the books, I found the Katniss character to be weak and whiny, something I struggled to tolerate.
However, friends who had seen the film but hadn't read the books advised me that Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss differently to how she is written. Instead of being this girl who puts herself into situations then complains that she doesn't like the way things are going, in the film Katniss is a strong girl who fights for the people she cares about.
The subject matter is dark, in the future Panem (the remains of North America) is controlled by The Capitol, who suppress the 12 poorer districts. Annually, in an effort to exert their control, the Capitol run the Hunger Games, a nationally televised event in which a male and female tribute, aged between 12 and 18, from each district must go into an arena and fight until only one person remains standing, having helped kill the other 23 tributes.
As with all book adaptations, I had ideas in my mind of what I expected characters, scene and environments to look like and, ever since the soul crushing disappointment of the adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife (way to ruin a great book), I went into this with low expectations. I was pleased to be proved wrong.
Considering that for a large section of the story Katniss is alone, the filmmakers have worked well to show her struggle without resorting to cheesy voice overs. Considering the manner in which some tributes meet their demise, the fight scenes weren't overly graphic and were balanced well with the relationships forming in the arena and views of the nation outside watching the games.
Backed by a strong supporting cast, made up of many a familiar face, The Hunger Games is a great film.
Challenge Day: 42
Challenge Time: 2 days, 3 hours, 42 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 29
Every now and then a trigger has to be pulled.
Date: Sunday 4th November
Film: Skyfall (2012)
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Naomie Harris
Running Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
Rating 9.5/10
It's time to let you in on a little secret. Although I consider myself a bit of a cinephile, before Sunday I had never seen a Bond film. It's something I've considered rectifying many times over the years, but my view was that I couldn't just jump in willy-nilly and if I was going to watch them, then I would have to watch them all and watch them in order.
That, however, takes time. It also relies heavily on knowing people who own the films and are willing to lend them to me. The combination of my new Daniel Craig crush and the trailer and hype surrounding Skyfall meant that this plan was put by the wayside for a later date.
As my first Bond film, I had certain expectations, based on what I had seen, read and heard about the franchise to date. I was expecting it to be a little corny; this overly sexed man acting as a spy in some slightly over the top scenarios, although this didn't quite marry with my view of Daniel Craig.
Was Skyfall like this? No, not at all. There were some tongue in cheek moments and one liners that made most of the cinema chuckle, but mainly this came across as a serious spy film. A film that seemed wholly believable, that married more, in my mind, with the Bourne films than it did with my preconceived ideas about Bond.
I've seen and heard a lot of talk about this being the best Bond film. Is this something I agree with? I'm not sure. I can tell you this though, it's the best Bond film I've ever seen.
Challenge Day: 42
Challenge Time: 2 days, 1 hour, 20 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 28
Film: Skyfall (2012)
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem and Naomie Harris
Running Time: 2 hours, 23 minutes
Rating 9.5/10
It's time to let you in on a little secret. Although I consider myself a bit of a cinephile, before Sunday I had never seen a Bond film. It's something I've considered rectifying many times over the years, but my view was that I couldn't just jump in willy-nilly and if I was going to watch them, then I would have to watch them all and watch them in order.
That, however, takes time. It also relies heavily on knowing people who own the films and are willing to lend them to me. The combination of my new Daniel Craig crush and the trailer and hype surrounding Skyfall meant that this plan was put by the wayside for a later date.
As my first Bond film, I had certain expectations, based on what I had seen, read and heard about the franchise to date. I was expecting it to be a little corny; this overly sexed man acting as a spy in some slightly over the top scenarios, although this didn't quite marry with my view of Daniel Craig.
Was Skyfall like this? No, not at all. There were some tongue in cheek moments and one liners that made most of the cinema chuckle, but mainly this came across as a serious spy film. A film that seemed wholly believable, that married more, in my mind, with the Bourne films than it did with my preconceived ideas about Bond.
I've seen and heard a lot of talk about this being the best Bond film. Is this something I agree with? I'm not sure. I can tell you this though, it's the best Bond film I've ever seen.
Challenge Day: 42
Challenge Time: 2 days, 1 hour, 20 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 28
Monday, 5 November 2012
Oh my gosh, you got me a gift! And it's pink!
Date: Friday 2nd November
Film: For A Good Time, Call...
Director: Jamie Travis
Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller and Justin Long
Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Rating: 8/10
In an attempt to avoid Bond, and still maintain our semi regular dinner and a movie date, JC and I decided to check out For A Good Time, Call....
A low-budget comedy, this is the story of two women who, after a falling out on the day they met in college, find themselves, ten years down the line, moving in together after a little matchmaking from a mutual friend (the excellent Justin Long) and once they start to become friends, setting up their own phone sex line out of their living room.
Considering the premise, this film could have been all about sex jokes, but the phone sex is an side and the story focused more on the relationship between these two polar opposites than it did on the business they set up.
Ari Graynor excels, reminding me why I'm a big fan of hers (she has some of the best scenes in Nick and Norah's). Lauren Miller has moved from a bit part actress (and Mrs. Seth Rogen) and does a great job of her first lead role.
All-in-all a warm, funny, story about letting go of misconceptions and getting to know the people around you.
Recommended.
Challenge day: 40
Challenge time: 1 day 22 hours 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 27
Film: For A Good Time, Call...
Director: Jamie Travis
Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller and Justin Long
Running Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Rating: 8/10
In an attempt to avoid Bond, and still maintain our semi regular dinner and a movie date, JC and I decided to check out For A Good Time, Call....
A low-budget comedy, this is the story of two women who, after a falling out on the day they met in college, find themselves, ten years down the line, moving in together after a little matchmaking from a mutual friend (the excellent Justin Long) and once they start to become friends, setting up their own phone sex line out of their living room.
Considering the premise, this film could have been all about sex jokes, but the phone sex is an side and the story focused more on the relationship between these two polar opposites than it did on the business they set up.
Ari Graynor excels, reminding me why I'm a big fan of hers (she has some of the best scenes in Nick and Norah's). Lauren Miller has moved from a bit part actress (and Mrs. Seth Rogen) and does a great job of her first lead role.
All-in-all a warm, funny, story about letting go of misconceptions and getting to know the people around you.
Recommended.
Challenge day: 40
Challenge time: 1 day 22 hours 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 27
Friday, 2 November 2012
Rule Number Two: the living usually won't see the dead
Date: Wednesday 31st October
Film: Beetlejuice (1988)
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis and Michael Keaton
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Rating 9/10
It's Hallowe'en therefore it is only appropriate that the movie choice is something a little bit spoooooky.
After finding myself bereft at discovering (more than halfway through) that Film 4 was showing the The Addams Family (which, as an aside, I am really miffed that I cannot seem to find on DVD in any region), I reached for my staple Hallowe'en movie; Beetlejuice, another example of Tim Burton being brilliant.I did intend to double bill this with the other great Hallowe'en movie, Hocus Pocus, but time ran away from me - I should have picked a quicker dinner.
Beetlejuice is brilliant. Yes, it is a little dated, but the bright colours and brilliant stop motion and puppetry do add a sense of fantasy to the story.
I will admit that I have a really big soft spot for Tim Burton's early films, and this is just another example why, when working with great material, Burton can excel as a filmmaker.
Challenge Day: 38
Challenge Time: 1 day 22 hours 04 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 26
Film: Beetlejuice (1988)
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis and Michael Keaton
Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Rating 9/10
It's Hallowe'en therefore it is only appropriate that the movie choice is something a little bit spoooooky.
After finding myself bereft at discovering (more than halfway through) that Film 4 was showing the The Addams Family (which, as an aside, I am really miffed that I cannot seem to find on DVD in any region), I reached for my staple Hallowe'en movie; Beetlejuice, another example of Tim Burton being brilliant.I did intend to double bill this with the other great Hallowe'en movie, Hocus Pocus, but time ran away from me - I should have picked a quicker dinner.
Beetlejuice is brilliant. Yes, it is a little dated, but the bright colours and brilliant stop motion and puppetry do add a sense of fantasy to the story.
I will admit that I have a really big soft spot for Tim Burton's early films, and this is just another example why, when working with great material, Burton can excel as a filmmaker.
Challenge Day: 38
Challenge Time: 1 day 22 hours 04 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 26
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