Date: Sunday 28th April
Film: Sightseers (2012)
Director: Ben Wheatley
Starring: Alice Lowe and Steve Oram
Running Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Another day, another repeat viewing. Here's what I said before, and on the second viewing, it's safe to say I was laughing out loud all over again.
The humour is dark, the jokes are incredibly British, I think this may be one of my favourite films of the last year.
Challenge day:214
Challenge time: 13 days, 02 hours, 18 minutes
Challenge film total: 161
Sunday, 14 July 2013
You know, it's moments like these when I realize how much of a superhero I am.
Date: Saturday 27th April
Film: Iron Man 3 (2013)
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Ben Kingsley
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
A few days later and another chance to enjoy Iron Man 3. This time around, the Luce was in town and we were settled into our seats at the IMAX.
Did the IMAX make much difference to the viewing? Not hugely. The 3D seemed a little sharper, and seeing RDJ's face on a bigger screen will always make me happy, but overall, a great film wasn't massively enhanced by a second viewing in a better format, although there were a lot more things you notice on the second viewing.
Challenge day: 160
Challenge time: 13 days, 00 hours, 50 minutes
Challenge film total: 160
Film: Iron Man 3 (2013)
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Ben Kingsley
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
A few days later and another chance to enjoy Iron Man 3. This time around, the Luce was in town and we were settled into our seats at the IMAX.
Did the IMAX make much difference to the viewing? Not hugely. The 3D seemed a little sharper, and seeing RDJ's face on a bigger screen will always make me happy, but overall, a great film wasn't massively enhanced by a second viewing in a better format, although there were a lot more things you notice on the second viewing.
Challenge day: 160
Challenge time: 13 days, 00 hours, 50 minutes
Challenge film total: 160
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Mr Stark, today is the first day of what's left of your life.
Date: Thursday 18th April
Film: Iron Man 3 (2013)
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Ben Kingsley
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
My love of Superheroes is well documented. As is my love of all things Marvel and, worst of all, everyone knows exactly how I feel about the (beautiful) Tony Stark. So, going into Iron Man 3, my excitement levels were high. It wasn't helped when we sat down in the Sky advanced screening and they slipped these beauties into my hand and allowed us to watch 30 minutes of Robert Downey Jr. frolicking on a red carpet.
Iron Man 3 takes place after the Avengers, it's Tony adjusting to life knowing there are other realms out there, knowing about gods, monsters and aliens.In order to put this all into perspective the script focuses on taking Tony away from his comfort zone, taking away his suit, his machines, stripping him back to explore exactly where Tony Stark ends and Iron Man begins. And, boy, does it do that brilliantly.
The second Iron Man film was by no means a disappointment, but compared to the first film it was lacking something. I'm not sure what but it just didn't feel as comfortable as the first film. The third film, however, shines above both the second and, dare I say it, the first. There is more humour, there is more action, there are twists and turns that take you by surprise, there is further exploration of characters who previously were a little two dimensional and, most excitingly of all, this film is one of the few big movies of the year that actually passes the Bechdel test.
By no means am I saying this film was perfect, there was room for improvement in a few places, but overall it made me very happy. It had all the trademarks of a Shane Black film (Christmas, someone losing a finger), it had great action scenes, it had character development. Overwhelmingly, it made this superhero loving girl very happy indeed. And not ,just because the post credit sting made me squeal with pure joy.
Challenge day: 204
Challenge time:: 12 days, 22 hours, 40 minutes
Challenge film total: 159
Film: Iron Man 3 (2013)
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Ben Kingsley
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
My love of Superheroes is well documented. As is my love of all things Marvel and, worst of all, everyone knows exactly how I feel about the (beautiful) Tony Stark. So, going into Iron Man 3, my excitement levels were high. It wasn't helped when we sat down in the Sky advanced screening and they slipped these beauties into my hand and allowed us to watch 30 minutes of Robert Downey Jr. frolicking on a red carpet.
I want to say lots of things about IM3. I won't though. Instead I'll say look at my snazzy 3D glasses. pic.twitter.com/rkcJITjIGjOpening with the subtle sounds of Eiffel 65's Blue (Da Ba Dee), Shane Black ensured the audience were giggling before we even had the chance to see a single character. Something that he kept up throughout the film.
— Jenni Block (@evilnoodle) April 18, 2013
Iron Man 3 takes place after the Avengers, it's Tony adjusting to life knowing there are other realms out there, knowing about gods, monsters and aliens.In order to put this all into perspective the script focuses on taking Tony away from his comfort zone, taking away his suit, his machines, stripping him back to explore exactly where Tony Stark ends and Iron Man begins. And, boy, does it do that brilliantly.
The second Iron Man film was by no means a disappointment, but compared to the first film it was lacking something. I'm not sure what but it just didn't feel as comfortable as the first film. The third film, however, shines above both the second and, dare I say it, the first. There is more humour, there is more action, there are twists and turns that take you by surprise, there is further exploration of characters who previously were a little two dimensional and, most excitingly of all, this film is one of the few big movies of the year that actually passes the Bechdel test.
By no means am I saying this film was perfect, there was room for improvement in a few places, but overall it made me very happy. It had all the trademarks of a Shane Black film (Christmas, someone losing a finger), it had great action scenes, it had character development. Overwhelmingly, it made this superhero loving girl very happy indeed. And not ,just because the post credit sting made me squeal with pure joy.
Challenge day: 204
Challenge time:: 12 days, 22 hours, 40 minutes
Challenge film total: 159
I guess everything comes back around. Like your goddamn ties.
Date: Monday 15th April
Another day, another trip to The PCC (are we surprised? I bloody love it there), and this time I am introducing my sister to a double bill of films (again with a Q&A) by a writer/director that I love. A writer/director who is tirelessly working on making new and innovative films, or at least films that don't rely on the same old story telling techniques we see a thousand times over. First up...
Film: Brick (2005)
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lukas Haas and Emilie de Ravin
Running time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I adore this film. I've seen it more times than is healthy. It is a fabulous noir thriller, harping back to classic detective thrillers that we haven't seen since the early days of cinema. It is modernised, taking from the mysteries of old, it tells the story of high school student searching in the shadows to find out what has happened to his ex-girlfriend. he has a couple of clues that make no sense, red herrings throwing him off and
an impenetrable group who know more than they are willing to tell.
I don't want to tell more, the brilliance of this film is all in the mystery. With a fabulous cast and an awesome script, it's hard to believe that this was Rian Johnson's debut. A near perfect film.
After a brief break for supper and a quick Q&A with the man of the hour, in which we learnt a lot more about how Rian Johnson works and what he aims to achieve with his films, it was time to settle down for the second movie of the night and, in comparison to Brick, Rian's big money gamble. A mind-bending time travel film with a decent budget, a big name cast and the chance for Rian to prove that he can do action as well as he can do drama...
Film: Looper (2012)
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels
Running Time : 1 hour 59 minutes
Rating: 9.5/10
I've gushed about this film before, and I have nothing to add. With each viewing I feel like I learn a little more about the ,story, about the characters, about the future.
Yes, the time travel logic is a little flawed but if you are looking that deeply into the timeline of a film, you don't deserve nice things.
Challenge day: 201
Challenge time: 12 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes
Challenge film total: 158
Another day, another trip to The PCC (are we surprised? I bloody love it there), and this time I am introducing my sister to a double bill of films (again with a Q&A) by a writer/director that I love. A writer/director who is tirelessly working on making new and innovative films, or at least films that don't rely on the same old story telling techniques we see a thousand times over. First up...
Film: Brick (2005)
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lukas Haas and Emilie de Ravin
Running time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I adore this film. I've seen it more times than is healthy. It is a fabulous noir thriller, harping back to classic detective thrillers that we haven't seen since the early days of cinema. It is modernised, taking from the mysteries of old, it tells the story of high school student searching in the shadows to find out what has happened to his ex-girlfriend. he has a couple of clues that make no sense, red herrings throwing him off and
an impenetrable group who know more than they are willing to tell.
I don't want to tell more, the brilliance of this film is all in the mystery. With a fabulous cast and an awesome script, it's hard to believe that this was Rian Johnson's debut. A near perfect film.
After a brief break for supper and a quick Q&A with the man of the hour, in which we learnt a lot more about how Rian Johnson works and what he aims to achieve with his films, it was time to settle down for the second movie of the night and, in comparison to Brick, Rian's big money gamble. A mind-bending time travel film with a decent budget, a big name cast and the chance for Rian to prove that he can do action as well as he can do drama...
Film: Looper (2012)
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt and Jeff Daniels
Running Time : 1 hour 59 minutes
Rating: 9.5/10
I've gushed about this film before, and I have nothing to add. With each viewing I feel like I learn a little more about the ,story, about the characters, about the future.
Yes, the time travel logic is a little flawed but if you are looking that deeply into the timeline of a film, you don't deserve nice things.
Challenge day: 201
Challenge time: 12 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes
Challenge film total: 158
L'ordre et la morale
Date: Sunday 14th April
Film: Rebellion (2013)
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Starring: Mathieu Kassovitz, Iabe Lapacas and Malik Zidi
Running time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 8/10
After two trips the day before, both featuring films I wasn't entirely enamoured by, it was back to Hackney Picturehouse, this time for a little bit of foreign cinema and a director Q&A.
This is where I am entirely honest with you, CW and I may have booked tickets purely on the basis that we would be in the same room as Mathieu Kassovitz. Can't imagine why...
The fact that he has an excellent track record when it comes to films was merely an added bonus.
It's been a long time since I've turned up at the cinema to see a film that has slipped completely under my radar. It made a refreshing change. I had heard no reviews, I had no clue about the plot and my expectations weren't too high (I mean they were pretty high, I've seen La Haine enough times to know that Kassovitz is a talented filmmaker).
Set in the late 80's, Rebellion tells the story of the Ouvea cave hostage taking, where New Caledonia fought for independence from France. Told from the perspective of the French negotiators, Rebellion doesn't fight for either side of the conversation. It focuses on what happened, without taking sides or painting one side as the right and the other as being in the wrong.
A clever and intense drama that focuses on an area of history in which I have limited knowledge (a bit like all areas of history, it isn't exactly my strong point!), if you're into foreign cinema and recent history I would suggest checking this one out.
If you're anti-subtitles then please go away, we can't be friends. You're missing too many good films with that point of view.
Challenge day: 200
Challenge time: 12 days, 16 hours, 41 minutes
Challenge film total: 156
Film: Rebellion (2013)
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Starring: Mathieu Kassovitz, Iabe Lapacas and Malik Zidi
Running time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 8/10
After two trips the day before, both featuring films I wasn't entirely enamoured by, it was back to Hackney Picturehouse, this time for a little bit of foreign cinema and a director Q&A.
This is where I am entirely honest with you, CW and I may have booked tickets purely on the basis that we would be in the same room as Mathieu Kassovitz. Can't imagine why...
The fact that he has an excellent track record when it comes to films was merely an added bonus.
It's been a long time since I've turned up at the cinema to see a film that has slipped completely under my radar. It made a refreshing change. I had heard no reviews, I had no clue about the plot and my expectations weren't too high (I mean they were pretty high, I've seen La Haine enough times to know that Kassovitz is a talented filmmaker).
Set in the late 80's, Rebellion tells the story of the Ouvea cave hostage taking, where New Caledonia fought for independence from France. Told from the perspective of the French negotiators, Rebellion doesn't fight for either side of the conversation. It focuses on what happened, without taking sides or painting one side as the right and the other as being in the wrong.
A clever and intense drama that focuses on an area of history in which I have limited knowledge (a bit like all areas of history, it isn't exactly my strong point!), if you're into foreign cinema and recent history I would suggest checking this one out.
If you're anti-subtitles then please go away, we can't be friends. You're missing too many good films with that point of view.
Challenge day: 200
Challenge time: 12 days, 16 hours, 41 minutes
Challenge film total: 156
Bikini's and big booties - that's what it's all about.
Date: Saturday 13th April
Film: Spring Breakers (2013)
Director: Harmony Korine
Starring: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and James Franco
Running time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 2/10
So, it's now mid-July and I'm catching up where I left off. I have various reasons for leaving the blog alone for a bit; moving house, lots of work, family matters, and much more, but the main reason is a lack of inspiration to write.Well, not a lack of inspiration, merely a struggle to write about Spring Breakers without releasing a string of profanities. I want to be objective, I want to be fair, I want to give this film credit in the areas it is due, but overwhelmingly I want to scream from the rooftops 'why did I waste my evening watching this self-indulgent pile of tripe?' which isn't very constructive. For anyone.
Let's talk about the good points in Spring Breakers. Visually, this film was pretty clever. I could see what Korine was trying to achieve, every scene either shone in bright neon colours or had the subtle hue of an image that had been run through a few Instagram filters. I'm not one to judge, I Instagram my pictures all the time and in this instance it was very cleverly used to give you an idea of the target audience for the film. This film was all about the youth at the exact time this film was shot. This film was for the people at the same age as the main characters, the college generation, the young adults who aren't quite sure if they should be acting as adults yet but, at the same time, want a level of independence.
The film was sound tracked brilliantly. As someone who wouldn't know a Skrillex song if it punched me in the face, the mix of EDM, dubstep and other similar music styles (not only am I a rock girl, but I am now proving I know nothing about the youth. I'm only 28, I promise, even if I do sound middle-aged!) worked perfectly to set the scenes.
The issue I had with Spring Breakers was that I didn't find one single character likeable, I couldn't relate to any of their issues. I struggled to understand the decisions they made. This coupled with the constant repetition of scenes, and the insistence of carrying scenes on longer than necessary, made this film feel three times longer than it's running time.
I wanted to enjoy this, I really did, but it was hard work.
I'm glad I watched it, but I don't think I'll be rushing out to see it again.
Challenge day: 199
Challenge time: 12 days, 14 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 155
Film: Spring Breakers (2013)
Director: Harmony Korine
Starring: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and James Franco
Running time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 2/10
So, it's now mid-July and I'm catching up where I left off. I have various reasons for leaving the blog alone for a bit; moving house, lots of work, family matters, and much more, but the main reason is a lack of inspiration to write.Well, not a lack of inspiration, merely a struggle to write about Spring Breakers without releasing a string of profanities. I want to be objective, I want to be fair, I want to give this film credit in the areas it is due, but overwhelmingly I want to scream from the rooftops 'why did I waste my evening watching this self-indulgent pile of tripe?' which isn't very constructive. For anyone.
Let's talk about the good points in Spring Breakers. Visually, this film was pretty clever. I could see what Korine was trying to achieve, every scene either shone in bright neon colours or had the subtle hue of an image that had been run through a few Instagram filters. I'm not one to judge, I Instagram my pictures all the time and in this instance it was very cleverly used to give you an idea of the target audience for the film. This film was all about the youth at the exact time this film was shot. This film was for the people at the same age as the main characters, the college generation, the young adults who aren't quite sure if they should be acting as adults yet but, at the same time, want a level of independence.
The film was sound tracked brilliantly. As someone who wouldn't know a Skrillex song if it punched me in the face, the mix of EDM, dubstep and other similar music styles (not only am I a rock girl, but I am now proving I know nothing about the youth. I'm only 28, I promise, even if I do sound middle-aged!) worked perfectly to set the scenes.
The issue I had with Spring Breakers was that I didn't find one single character likeable, I couldn't relate to any of their issues. I struggled to understand the decisions they made. This coupled with the constant repetition of scenes, and the insistence of carrying scenes on longer than necessary, made this film feel three times longer than it's running time.
I wanted to enjoy this, I really did, but it was hard work.
I'm glad I watched it, but I don't think I'll be rushing out to see it again.
Challenge day: 199
Challenge time: 12 days, 14 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge Film Total: 155
Monday, 29 April 2013
Not since Hall and Oates has there been such a team
Date: Saturday 13th April
Film: The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes and Dane DeHaan
Running time: 02 hours, 20 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Having loved the first collaboration between Derek Cianfrance and Ryan Gosling, I'd been waiting some time to see this film. I had expectations, based on the trailer and their previous work, and my hopes were high.
I thought this was going to be a small scale, slightly broody, highly emotional, look at family life. What it ended up being was something different entirely.
The Place Beyond the Pines is essentially three overlapping stories. Each one impacting on the next story in the sequence; The Ryan Gosling story, the Bradley Cooper story and the Dane DeHaan story.
This first sequence, the Ryan Gosling section, was exactly what I expected, an intense sequence exploring the emotions and consequences of the decisions people make. Gosling, as is expected, stole every scene he was in, equal parts brooding, intense and warmhearted, he knew what he needed to do to make things work for the people he cared about, he just didn't know the best way in which to achieve this.
Once this character came into contact with Bradley Cooper's character, the entire story changed. The focus shifted to another character, dealing with the same emotional issues, but dealing with them in an entirely different way.
Once the Cooper section reached a point of 'resolve' the action shifted 15 years into the future and looked at the impact of the choices made by both characters on their young offspring. This is the point that, I felt, the whole film went slightly off kilter.
What started out as an extremely strong story, slowly dropped in quality, and intensity, as the film progressed. My only wish was for the opening section to be a little longer, the middle section to have a little more flesh to the characters and the story and the ending to be cut down to a simple synopsis.
What started out as a great film, with heaps of potential, slowly shifted to become overly extended, plodding and, if anything, a little too ridiculous.
Although this film did give us Ryan Gosling, in a vest, dancing, with a dog, to Bruce Springsteen. It was like all my favourite things collided.
If anyone can send a gif of this my way, I will be eternally grateful.
Challenge day: 199
Challenge time: 12 days, 13 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 154
Film: The Place Beyond the Pines (2013)
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes and Dane DeHaan
Running time: 02 hours, 20 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Having loved the first collaboration between Derek Cianfrance and Ryan Gosling, I'd been waiting some time to see this film. I had expectations, based on the trailer and their previous work, and my hopes were high.
I thought this was going to be a small scale, slightly broody, highly emotional, look at family life. What it ended up being was something different entirely.
The Place Beyond the Pines is essentially three overlapping stories. Each one impacting on the next story in the sequence; The Ryan Gosling story, the Bradley Cooper story and the Dane DeHaan story.
This first sequence, the Ryan Gosling section, was exactly what I expected, an intense sequence exploring the emotions and consequences of the decisions people make. Gosling, as is expected, stole every scene he was in, equal parts brooding, intense and warmhearted, he knew what he needed to do to make things work for the people he cared about, he just didn't know the best way in which to achieve this.
Once this character came into contact with Bradley Cooper's character, the entire story changed. The focus shifted to another character, dealing with the same emotional issues, but dealing with them in an entirely different way.
Once the Cooper section reached a point of 'resolve' the action shifted 15 years into the future and looked at the impact of the choices made by both characters on their young offspring. This is the point that, I felt, the whole film went slightly off kilter.
What started out as an extremely strong story, slowly dropped in quality, and intensity, as the film progressed. My only wish was for the opening section to be a little longer, the middle section to have a little more flesh to the characters and the story and the ending to be cut down to a simple synopsis.
What started out as a great film, with heaps of potential, slowly shifted to become overly extended, plodding and, if anything, a little too ridiculous.
Although this film did give us Ryan Gosling, in a vest, dancing, with a dog, to Bruce Springsteen. It was like all my favourite things collided.
If anyone can send a gif of this my way, I will be eternally grateful.
Challenge day: 199
Challenge time: 12 days, 13 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 154
People just do the strangest things when they believe they're entitled.
Date: Friday 12th April
Film: Red State (2011)
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Michael Angarano, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks and John Goodman
Running time: 01 hour, 28 minutes
Rating: 5/10
I'm a huge fan of Kevin Smith's early output, I've watched Clerks, Mallrats and Chasing Amy more times than I care to admit, so this was a film, as Smith's first foray into 'serious' film making ,was one I'd been wanting to see for a while.
The CW and I had our expectations. We thought it was going to be, as advertised, a film about teenagers being kidnapped by an extreme religious cult (think Westboro), and to start this was exactly what we got.
However, after a while, the plot pulled a complete 180 and went from an interesting look at religious extremists and youth culture and became a free for all, shoot 'em up, police face off.
There seemed to be no consistency in the tone of the film, there was no real message, it seemed to be aiming only to shock.
If anything, this just made me want to venture back into the early View Askewniverse films I know and love.
Not great. At all.
Challenge day: 198
Challenge time: 12 days, 10 hours, 41 minutes
Challenge film total: 153
Film: Red State (2011)
Director: Kevin Smith
Starring: Michael Angarano, Melissa Leo, Michael Parks and John Goodman
Running time: 01 hour, 28 minutes
Rating: 5/10
I'm a huge fan of Kevin Smith's early output, I've watched Clerks, Mallrats and Chasing Amy more times than I care to admit, so this was a film, as Smith's first foray into 'serious' film making ,was one I'd been wanting to see for a while.
The CW and I had our expectations. We thought it was going to be, as advertised, a film about teenagers being kidnapped by an extreme religious cult (think Westboro), and to start this was exactly what we got.
However, after a while, the plot pulled a complete 180 and went from an interesting look at religious extremists and youth culture and became a free for all, shoot 'em up, police face off.
There seemed to be no consistency in the tone of the film, there was no real message, it seemed to be aiming only to shock.
If anything, this just made me want to venture back into the early View Askewniverse films I know and love.
Not great. At all.
Challenge day: 198
Challenge time: 12 days, 10 hours, 41 minutes
Challenge film total: 153
Or maybe you just didn't figure out what it was.
Date: Tuesday 11th April
Film: Take This Waltz (2011)
Director: Sarah Polley
Starring: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby and Sarah Silverman
Running time: 01 hour, 56 minutes
Rating: 3/10
I wanted to love this. I really did. It stars actors I adore, it is written and directed by someone I admire, I was fascinated by the story. I went in full of optimism.
I'm sad to say, I did not like it at all.
I did not like any of the characters, half of whom felt under explored and the other half were just unpleasant. I also felt like the ending wasn't a great fit.
I don't want this to become a bash on this film. I'm sure other people have enjoyed it, it just didn't mesh for me.
Challenge day: 197
Challenge time: 12 days, 09 hours, 13 minutes
Challenge film total: 152
Film: Take This Waltz (2011)
Director: Sarah Polley
Starring: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby and Sarah Silverman
Running time: 01 hour, 56 minutes
Rating: 3/10
I wanted to love this. I really did. It stars actors I adore, it is written and directed by someone I admire, I was fascinated by the story. I went in full of optimism.
I'm sad to say, I did not like it at all.
I did not like any of the characters, half of whom felt under explored and the other half were just unpleasant. I also felt like the ending wasn't a great fit.
I don't want this to become a bash on this film. I'm sure other people have enjoyed it, it just didn't mesh for me.
Challenge day: 197
Challenge time: 12 days, 09 hours, 13 minutes
Challenge film total: 152
You don't have a customer... I want you to clean, clean, clean!
Date: Tuesday 2nd April
Film: Compliance (2013)
Director: Craig Zobel
Starring: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker and Pat Healy
Running time: 01 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Tuesday evening and I find myself running straight from work to one of my favourite cinemas with one of my favourite people.
Tonight's film, Compliance. Something I'd been interested to see for some time, since seeing an article on the crime that inspired the movie. The CW and I knew going in that this was going to be a little heavier than your standard midweek fodder, I just don't think we were fully prepared for the way the film was going to go. Every time you felt like it was going to slow down a little, another dark incident would occur, the victim would be pushed a little further along.
When the film came to an end, it took us a while to say anything, it was a little hard to digest. It's easy to watch films like this, and theorise on how you would react to these situations, but it is another thing entirely to watch things pan out on screen.
An incredibly tough film to watch.
Challenge day: 188
Challenge time: 12 days, 07 hours, 17 minutes
Challenge film total: 151
Film: Compliance (2013)
Director: Craig Zobel
Starring: Ann Dowd, Dreama Walker and Pat Healy
Running time: 01 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Tuesday evening and I find myself running straight from work to one of my favourite cinemas with one of my favourite people.
Tonight's film, Compliance. Something I'd been interested to see for some time, since seeing an article on the crime that inspired the movie. The CW and I knew going in that this was going to be a little heavier than your standard midweek fodder, I just don't think we were fully prepared for the way the film was going to go. Every time you felt like it was going to slow down a little, another dark incident would occur, the victim would be pushed a little further along.
When the film came to an end, it took us a while to say anything, it was a little hard to digest. It's easy to watch films like this, and theorise on how you would react to these situations, but it is another thing entirely to watch things pan out on screen.
An incredibly tough film to watch.
Challenge day: 188
Challenge time: 12 days, 07 hours, 17 minutes
Challenge film total: 151
Is this about the Avengers? Which I know nothing about.
Date: Sunday 31st March
Film: Avengers Assemble (2012)
Director: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hiddleston, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth
Running time: 02 hours, 23 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Easter Sunday and I find myself indulging in a little brother-sister bonding, lazing on my Mum's sofa watching a film we, apparently, both adore. I've gushed about this movie before, and with every viewing I find myself smiling along.
Plus, it's nice to have a conversation about how dull Captain America is with the one person you'd least expect to be discussing superheroes with.
Challenge day: 186
Challenge time: 12 days, 05 hours, 47 minutes
Challenge film total: 150
you certainly keep some strange company.
Date: Sunday 31st March
Film: X2 (2003)
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellan
Running time: 02 hours, 13 minutes
Rating: 8/10
A final film before The Luce heads out of London and we are back to the superheroes. After being disappointed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it was time to watch a film in which Wolverine shines, and there are a few more superheroes that we know well to back him up along the way.
Until First Class came along, X2 was, in my opinion, the best of the X-Men series. There was little in the way of character introduction, which with large ensembles can slow the film down a little, so this film feels like it moves a little quicker than the first movie in the series. Alongside the action, there is a little more exploration into the background of the characters, which makes the film, and the X-Men universe, seem a lot more well rounded.
All in, a great superhero action film.
Challenge day: 149
Challenge time: 12 days, 03 hours, 24 minutes
Challenge film total: 149
Film: X2 (2003)
Director: Bryan Singer
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellan
Running time: 02 hours, 13 minutes
Rating: 8/10
A final film before The Luce heads out of London and we are back to the superheroes. After being disappointed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it was time to watch a film in which Wolverine shines, and there are a few more superheroes that we know well to back him up along the way.
Until First Class came along, X2 was, in my opinion, the best of the X-Men series. There was little in the way of character introduction, which with large ensembles can slow the film down a little, so this film feels like it moves a little quicker than the first movie in the series. Alongside the action, there is a little more exploration into the background of the characters, which makes the film, and the X-Men universe, seem a lot more well rounded.
All in, a great superhero action film.
Challenge day: 149
Challenge time: 12 days, 03 hours, 24 minutes
Challenge film total: 149
It's beyond anything we ever imagined Charlie.
Date: Sunday 31st March
Film: Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
Director: Burr Steers
Starring: Zac Efron, Amanda Crew and Charlie Tahan
Running time: 01 hour, 39 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Sunday morning and The Luce and I decided all we needed to start the day off with a smile, was to laze on the sofa, in our pyjamas, watching Zac Efron frolic about on a boat.
Can't imagine why.
Charlie St. Cloud is in a similar vein to a lot of Nicholas Sparks adaptations. It tells a tale of romance in a small town by a lake. The thing that changes it a little from Nicholas Sparks and other stories of this ilk, is this story focuses on grief, and how Charlie comes to terms with the loss of his younger brother and the impact this has had on his life.
Charlie St. Cloud is by no means perfect, it is predictable, it's a little corny, not all the characters are likeable, but there is something about it that makes it enjoyable (and it's not just Zac Efron brooding, I promise).
Challenge day: 186
Challenge time: 12 days, 01 hour, 11 minutes
Film: Charlie St. Cloud (2010)
Director: Burr Steers
Starring: Zac Efron, Amanda Crew and Charlie Tahan
Running time: 01 hour, 39 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Sunday morning and The Luce and I decided all we needed to start the day off with a smile, was to laze on the sofa, in our pyjamas, watching Zac Efron frolic about on a boat.
Can't imagine why.
Jesus, he's handsome.
Charlie St. Cloud is by no means perfect, it is predictable, it's a little corny, not all the characters are likeable, but there is something about it that makes it enjoyable (and it's not just Zac Efron brooding, I promise).
Challenge day: 186
Challenge time: 12 days, 01 hour, 11 minutes
Harry is the best hope we have. Trust him.
Date: Saturday 30th March
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 26 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Back from visiting the Harry Potter Studio tour, the Luce and I, full of Butterbeer, settled down on the sofa to double bill the final, and best, two of the Harry Potter series.
This is where it all comes to an end, there is action, emotion, growth, tragedy and romance. Having watched the cast grow and mature, it's great to feel a sense of completion with their stories.
The only fault I can find with these films is the terrible epilogue to finish the entire series off. This is through no fault of the filmmakers, I found this cringe-inducing to read so seeing it brought to life on screen wasn't going to change my feelings all that much.
Challenge day: 185
Challenge time: 11 days, 23 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 147
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 26 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Back from visiting the Harry Potter Studio tour, the Luce and I, full of Butterbeer, settled down on the sofa to double bill the final, and best, two of the Harry Potter series.
This is where it all comes to an end, there is action, emotion, growth, tragedy and romance. Having watched the cast grow and mature, it's great to feel a sense of completion with their stories.
The only fault I can find with these films is the terrible epilogue to finish the entire series off. This is through no fault of the filmmakers, I found this cringe-inducing to read so seeing it brought to life on screen wasn't going to change my feelings all that much.
Challenge day: 185
Challenge time: 11 days, 23 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 147
Logan isn't the only piece of this puzzle.
Date: Friday 29th March
Film: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Director: Gavin Hood
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber and Danny Huston
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 5/10
My love for superheroes is well known to all who've met me, and the X-Men franchise is no exception to this rule. Which makes it surprising that I hadn't got round to watching this origin tale before (even more surprising when you learn I have it in my X-Men box set), but I had little desire to watch a film that focused on the creation of one hero. I felt that there was enough covered in the X-Men stories to leave Wolverine with that air of mystery and I just wasn't all that inclined to learn much more about him. Plus, I'd heard it was terrible.
The Luce was over for the weekend, I gave her free reign of the DVD racks and it was decided that I should, finally, get round to watching this one. I went in with little knowledge, the film hadn't interested me and, for all my love of comic book movies, I'm not an expert on the background material. I was genuinely surprised with the faces that popped up. If I'd have known going in that Liev Schreiber, Taylor Kitsch and Ryan Reynolds all had roles (albeit varying in length) it would have been watched a lot sooner.
Unfortunately, for all the great talent that appeared, there was still a role for Will.I.Am, a sign, for me, that this film wasn't going to be great.
The problem I had with Wolverine was that the characters that brought the most to the film were incredibly underdeveloped (particularly Deadpool and Gambit). There was a lot of focus on things that weren't all that relevant to the plot and, overall, I was left feeling a little deflated by the film.
As origin films go, I'd much rather watch First Class a few more times.
Challenge day: 184
Challenge time: 11 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 145
Film: X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Director: Gavin Hood
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber and Danny Huston
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 5/10
My love for superheroes is well known to all who've met me, and the X-Men franchise is no exception to this rule. Which makes it surprising that I hadn't got round to watching this origin tale before (even more surprising when you learn I have it in my X-Men box set), but I had little desire to watch a film that focused on the creation of one hero. I felt that there was enough covered in the X-Men stories to leave Wolverine with that air of mystery and I just wasn't all that inclined to learn much more about him. Plus, I'd heard it was terrible.
The Luce was over for the weekend, I gave her free reign of the DVD racks and it was decided that I should, finally, get round to watching this one. I went in with little knowledge, the film hadn't interested me and, for all my love of comic book movies, I'm not an expert on the background material. I was genuinely surprised with the faces that popped up. If I'd have known going in that Liev Schreiber, Taylor Kitsch and Ryan Reynolds all had roles (albeit varying in length) it would have been watched a lot sooner.
Unfortunately, for all the great talent that appeared, there was still a role for Will.I.Am, a sign, for me, that this film wasn't going to be great.
The problem I had with Wolverine was that the characters that brought the most to the film were incredibly underdeveloped (particularly Deadpool and Gambit). There was a lot of focus on things that weren't all that relevant to the plot and, overall, I was left feeling a little deflated by the film.
As origin films go, I'd much rather watch First Class a few more times.
Challenge day: 184
Challenge time: 11 days, 18 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 145
How grand it must be, to be the chosen one.
Date: Wednesday 27th March
Film: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 33 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I can't really say much more than I've said in the last few posts on this subject. Things are getting darker, risks are getting bigger. The films are growing alongside the characters.
Challenge day: 183
Challenge time: 11 days, 16 hours, 59 minutes
Challenge film total: 144
Film: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 33 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I can't really say much more than I've said in the last few posts on this subject. Things are getting darker, risks are getting bigger. The films are growing alongside the characters.
Challenge day: 183
Challenge time: 11 days, 16 hours, 59 minutes
Challenge film total: 144
Just because you can use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything.
Date: Tuesday 26th March
Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 9/10
A little more Harry Potter. A little more joy.
Everything is a little darker, characters you've grown to love are put in danger, the battles are getting fiercer and there is much more at stake.
Challenge day: 182
Challenge time: 11 days, 14 hours, 26 minutes
Challenge film total: 143
Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Director: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 18 minutes
Rating: 9/10
A little more Harry Potter. A little more joy.
Everything is a little darker, characters you've grown to love are put in danger, the battles are getting fiercer and there is much more at stake.
Challenge day: 182
Challenge time: 11 days, 14 hours, 26 minutes
Challenge film total: 143
You need to know what you're up against. You need to be prepared...
Date: Monday 25th March
Film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Still pushing through Harry Potter films, ahead of the upcoming visit to the studios, so I retired to bed with the fourth in the series. It's at this point that things really start to get good. The point at which Voldemort is reaching enough strength to really wreak havoc.
The films get darker, the action amps up and they become about a lot more than a boy wizard.
Sheer escapist fun.
Challenge day: 181
Challenge time: 11 days, 12 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 142
Film: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Still pushing through Harry Potter films, ahead of the upcoming visit to the studios, so I retired to bed with the fourth in the series. It's at this point that things really start to get good. The point at which Voldemort is reaching enough strength to really wreak havoc.
The films get darker, the action amps up and they become about a lot more than a boy wizard.
Sheer escapist fun.
Challenge day: 181
Challenge time: 11 days, 12 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 142
For in dreams, we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let him swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud.
Date: Sunday 24th March
Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running Time: 02 hours, 21 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Back to the Harry Potter Series and this time around, the action picks up. We meet Sirius, we learn a little more about Harry's background, and whilst there isn't as much action as we see in future films, this one does introduce key characters and plot points that help the story along.
Challenge day: 180
Challenge time: 11 days, 9 hours, 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 141
Film: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running Time: 02 hours, 21 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Back to the Harry Potter Series and this time around, the action picks up. We meet Sirius, we learn a little more about Harry's background, and whilst there isn't as much action as we see in future films, this one does introduce key characters and plot points that help the story along.
Challenge day: 180
Challenge time: 11 days, 9 hours, 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 141
It's all going to be fine. It always is. Just follow the plan.
Date: Sunday 24th March
Film: Arbitrage (2013)
Director: Nicholas Jarecki
Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth
Running time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm putting it out there, I love Richard Gere, and his stupidly twinkly eyes. I jump at the chance to see any film he pops up in.
Arbitrage tells the story of the potential demise of a wealthy hedge fund manager. It looks at mistakes he has made in his personal life, his business dealings and his relationships and what happens when people become aware of these mistakes.
This film is a thriller, however instead of fast paced action, it is all tense conversations, whispered dealings in blacked out cars, and sneaking around.
Maybe not your style if you aren't into wordy dramas, but overall, a good tense drama.
Challenge day: 180
Challenge time: 11 days, 07 hours, 10 minutes
Challenge film total: 140
Film: Arbitrage (2013)
Director: Nicholas Jarecki
Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth
Running time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm putting it out there, I love Richard Gere, and his stupidly twinkly eyes. I jump at the chance to see any film he pops up in.
(this is where I tried to find a gif of those twinkly eyes, instead I found this gem)
This film is a thriller, however instead of fast paced action, it is all tense conversations, whispered dealings in blacked out cars, and sneaking around.
Maybe not your style if you aren't into wordy dramas, but overall, a good tense drama.
Challenge day: 180
Challenge time: 11 days, 07 hours, 10 minutes
Challenge film total: 140
The human brain, a lovely piece of hardware.
Date: Tuesday 19th March
Film: Robot & Frank (2013)
Director: Jake Schreier
Starring: Frank Langella, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon and Peter Sarsgaard
Running Time: 01 hour, 29 minutes
Rating: 9/10
After a rubbish day, there is nothing that relaxes me more than taking myself off to the movies. There's something about sitting in the dark, watching other people's stories that calms me to the core.
So, after a pretty tough Tuesday, I popped round the corner from my office to see what was on at the local Vue. The next film showing; Robot & Frank, a film I'd read great things about, with a cast of actors I admire and an interesting concept. Had to be worth checking out.
This film tells the story of Frank, a former cat burglar who, as old age fast approaches, is bought a robot butler by his concerned son. The film goes on to tell the story of the relationship between this cantankerous old man, struggling to deal with the limitations of his advanced age, and Robot, his faithfully programmed electronic home help.
This film is a beautiful story about finding love and companionship in the most unexpected places.
Challenge day: 175
Challenge time: 11 days, 05 hours, 23 minutes
Challenge film total: 139
Film: Robot & Frank (2013)
Director: Jake Schreier
Starring: Frank Langella, James Marsden, Susan Sarandon and Peter Sarsgaard
Running Time: 01 hour, 29 minutes
Rating: 9/10
After a rubbish day, there is nothing that relaxes me more than taking myself off to the movies. There's something about sitting in the dark, watching other people's stories that calms me to the core.
So, after a pretty tough Tuesday, I popped round the corner from my office to see what was on at the local Vue. The next film showing; Robot & Frank, a film I'd read great things about, with a cast of actors I admire and an interesting concept. Had to be worth checking out.
This film tells the story of Frank, a former cat burglar who, as old age fast approaches, is bought a robot butler by his concerned son. The film goes on to tell the story of the relationship between this cantankerous old man, struggling to deal with the limitations of his advanced age, and Robot, his faithfully programmed electronic home help.
This film is a beautiful story about finding love and companionship in the most unexpected places.
Challenge day: 175
Challenge time: 11 days, 05 hours, 23 minutes
Challenge film total: 139
Do you ever think, that if people knew how crazy you really were that no one would ever talk to you?
Date: Monday 18th March
Film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Mae Whitman
Running Time: 01 hour, 42 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I haven't exactly been quiet in the past when it comes to my opinion on film adaptations of books I like, and I went into Perks with low expectations. Published when I was 15, I remember reading Perks at just the right time. The time where I was discovering music, making new friends and working out who I was and where I fit in the World. My biggest fear was that the film adaptation would take that all away from me.
Over Christmas I picked up my (well-thumbed) copy and read the book for the trillionth time. I needed to get a feel for the characters with actors in mind, impressions taken from snippets I'd seen in trailers and articles I'd read in film magazines. After this reading, I went into a bit of a panic. It's hard to find a book that you relate to, a book that, to you, is symbolic of your youth. That perfectly encapsulates your emotions, your feelings, and it's worse when these are butchered by filmmakers.
The one thing that was swaying me toward seeing this adaptation, instead of ignoring it to avoid disappointment (as experienced before with the god-awful adaptations of The Time Traveler's Wife and One Day), was that not only did the original author write the screenplay, but also took up directing duties. Combined with a great cast (I have been a little obsessed with Ezra Miller since seeing We Need to Talk About Kevin - another rare example of book adaptations done well), I almost got my hopes up.
Turns out, my layer of negativity was unnecessary. Yes, there are cuts made to the story,. but these are background stories, things that, in the grand scheme of things, don't make a massive difference to the story.
The film tells the story of Charlie, a 'wallflower' who is starting high school. He has few friends, and spends his days on the fringes, looking in. Soon enough he finds himself taken under the wing of Sam and Patrick, a pair of step-siblings who, like Charlie, are on the fringes of the social spectrum but have made themselves a home and a community amongst the 'misfits'.
Dealing with a spectrum of difficult subjects, including mental health, suicide, sexual abuse and coming to terms with sexuality, Perks does a great job of presenting all the issues sensitively, without ever speaking down to the audience or minimising the effect of these struggles.
Yes, there are some bits of the book that didn't make it to the film, but these were all minimal character developments with smaller characters, and not having them included didn't change the story at all.
All in all, this is a well made adaptation of a great book. It has a fabulous cast, all of whom act their hearts out, and a killer soundtrack. Worth watching, whether you've read the book or otherwise.
Challenge day: 174
Challenge time: 11 days, 03 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 138
Film: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Mae Whitman
Running Time: 01 hour, 42 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I haven't exactly been quiet in the past when it comes to my opinion on film adaptations of books I like, and I went into Perks with low expectations. Published when I was 15, I remember reading Perks at just the right time. The time where I was discovering music, making new friends and working out who I was and where I fit in the World. My biggest fear was that the film adaptation would take that all away from me.
Over Christmas I picked up my (well-thumbed) copy and read the book for the trillionth time. I needed to get a feel for the characters with actors in mind, impressions taken from snippets I'd seen in trailers and articles I'd read in film magazines. After this reading, I went into a bit of a panic. It's hard to find a book that you relate to, a book that, to you, is symbolic of your youth. That perfectly encapsulates your emotions, your feelings, and it's worse when these are butchered by filmmakers.
The one thing that was swaying me toward seeing this adaptation, instead of ignoring it to avoid disappointment (as experienced before with the god-awful adaptations of The Time Traveler's Wife and One Day), was that not only did the original author write the screenplay, but also took up directing duties. Combined with a great cast (I have been a little obsessed with Ezra Miller since seeing We Need to Talk About Kevin - another rare example of book adaptations done well), I almost got my hopes up.
Turns out, my layer of negativity was unnecessary. Yes, there are cuts made to the story,. but these are background stories, things that, in the grand scheme of things, don't make a massive difference to the story.
The film tells the story of Charlie, a 'wallflower' who is starting high school. He has few friends, and spends his days on the fringes, looking in. Soon enough he finds himself taken under the wing of Sam and Patrick, a pair of step-siblings who, like Charlie, are on the fringes of the social spectrum but have made themselves a home and a community amongst the 'misfits'.
Dealing with a spectrum of difficult subjects, including mental health, suicide, sexual abuse and coming to terms with sexuality, Perks does a great job of presenting all the issues sensitively, without ever speaking down to the audience or minimising the effect of these struggles.
Yes, there are some bits of the book that didn't make it to the film, but these were all minimal character developments with smaller characters, and not having them included didn't change the story at all.
All in all, this is a well made adaptation of a great book. It has a fabulous cast, all of whom act their hearts out, and a killer soundtrack. Worth watching, whether you've read the book or otherwise.
Challenge day: 174
Challenge time: 11 days, 03 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 138
Monday, 15 April 2013
I like this ship! You know, it's exciting!
Date: Monday 18th March
Film: Star Trek (2009)
Director: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban and Simon Pegg
Running time: 02 hours, 02 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I can watch this film a trillion times and I still find it ridiculously exciting so when the flatmate told me his plan for the evening was to settle on the sofa and watch it, I did a little jig of glee.
I've said everything I have to say on this before. It's wonderful, it makes me happy. Watch it. Now.
Challenge day: 174
Challenge time: 11 days, 02 hours, 12 minutes
Challenge film total: 137
Film: Star Trek (2009)
Director: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban and Simon Pegg
Running time: 02 hours, 02 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I can watch this film a trillion times and I still find it ridiculously exciting so when the flatmate told me his plan for the evening was to settle on the sofa and watch it, I did a little jig of glee.
I've said everything I have to say on this before. It's wonderful, it makes me happy. Watch it. Now.
Challenge day: 174
Challenge time: 11 days, 02 hours, 12 minutes
Challenge film total: 137
Vampires pretending to be humans, pretending to be vampires.
Date: Saturday 16th March
Film: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
Director: Neil Jordan
Starring: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas
Running Time: 02 hours, 03 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Another film about vampires and one I love, surprisingly.
I have some pretty strong opinions on Tom Cruise, namely that prior to 1997 he made some brilliant films, then he went a little bit weird and it became impossible to watch any film without thinking of the whole Tom Cruise persona. I also don't get the whole Brad Pitt thing. Yet, somehow, there's something about Interview with the Vampire that I adore. I can put these feelings aside, I believe in Tom Cruise's character.
I've seen this movie plenty of times in my life and I always find it enjoyable. It seems aware that it is a bit over the top and ridiculous yet embraces this and runs with it. Plus, it has Christian Slater in it, and I love him.
In fact, my exact thoughts on this film, at the time of watching were:
Challenge day: 192
Challenge time: 11 days, 00 hours, 05 minutes
Challenge film total: 136
Film: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
Director: Neil Jordan
Starring: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst and Antonio Banderas
Running Time: 02 hours, 03 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Another film about vampires and one I love, surprisingly.
I have some pretty strong opinions on Tom Cruise, namely that prior to 1997 he made some brilliant films, then he went a little bit weird and it became impossible to watch any film without thinking of the whole Tom Cruise persona. I also don't get the whole Brad Pitt thing. Yet, somehow, there's something about Interview with the Vampire that I adore. I can put these feelings aside, I believe in Tom Cruise's character.
I've seen this movie plenty of times in my life and I always find it enjoyable. It seems aware that it is a bit over the top and ridiculous yet embraces this and runs with it. Plus, it has Christian Slater in it, and I love him.
In fact, my exact thoughts on this film, at the time of watching were:
I hereby appoint myself chairwoman of the campaign to revive Christian Slater's movie career. I miss seeing him in the mainstream.
— Jenni Block (@evilnoodle) March 16, 2013
How have I only just realised it's Interview With THE Vampire, not Interview With A Vampire? How many times have I seen this film?So, there you go. Vampires can be fun and I miss the 90's.
— Jenni Block (@evilnoodle) March 16, 2013
Challenge day: 192
Challenge time: 11 days, 00 hours, 05 minutes
Challenge film total: 136
I wish I had a good excuse, but i have a curiosity.
Date: Saturday 16th March
Film: Safe Haven (2013)
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders and David Lyons
Running time: 01 hour, 55 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Saturday afternoon and The Luce and I had already seen one film but we were in the West End, the weather was a bit rubbish and we had time to kill so we took advantage of an overflow of Nectar points and indulged in a little guilty pleasure.
As this is based on a Nicholas Sparks book, I knew what I was getting into and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, it was corny, predictable, a little contrived. There was, as expected, a body of water, a person in danger, a hero and a nemesis. There was a big love story, a couple destined to be together kept apart by something bigger.
The difference being Safe Haven has a twist on the traditional Nicholas Sparks stories, a 'shock' ending that is surprisingly obvious from around 10 minutes in.
As films of this ilk go, Safe Haven isn't the worst I've seen, but there are so many better.
Challenge day: 172
Challenge time: 10 days, 22 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 135
Film: Safe Haven (2013)
Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel, Cobie Smulders and David Lyons
Running time: 01 hour, 55 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Saturday afternoon and The Luce and I had already seen one film but we were in the West End, the weather was a bit rubbish and we had time to kill so we took advantage of an overflow of Nectar points and indulged in a little guilty pleasure.
As this is based on a Nicholas Sparks book, I knew what I was getting into and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, it was corny, predictable, a little contrived. There was, as expected, a body of water, a person in danger, a hero and a nemesis. There was a big love story, a couple destined to be together kept apart by something bigger.
The difference being Safe Haven has a twist on the traditional Nicholas Sparks stories, a 'shock' ending that is surprisingly obvious from around 10 minutes in.
As films of this ilk go, Safe Haven isn't the worst I've seen, but there are so many better.
Challenge day: 172
Challenge time: 10 days, 22 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 135
Friday, 12 April 2013
The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. That's guaranteed. I can't begin to explain that.
Date: Saturday 16th March
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
I've seen this before, and my feelings haven't changed. It's still brilliant and I'm still a little bit in love with Jennifer Lawrence, so when I knew The Luce was going to be in town and we saw that this was showing at The PCC, we couldn't pass up the chance to see it. In fact, I even ran across Leicester Square to make sure I didn't miss any of the film.
What a joyous movie.
Challenge day: 172
Challenge time: 10 days, 20 hours, 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 134
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
I've seen this before, and my feelings haven't changed. It's still brilliant and I'm still a little bit in love with Jennifer Lawrence, so when I knew The Luce was going to be in town and we saw that this was showing at The PCC, we couldn't pass up the chance to see it. In fact, I even ran across Leicester Square to make sure I didn't miss any of the film.
What a joyous movie.
Challenge day: 172
Challenge time: 10 days, 20 hours, 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 134
Dude we're living Call of Duty... It sucks.
Date: Friday 15th March
Film: Red Dawn (2013)
Director: Dan Bradley
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki and Josh Peck
Running Time: 01 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: 2/10
Friday night and some quality time with The CW.We met early, had some dinner, had some wine, went to another bar and had some more wine, then settled down to see Red Dawn. A remake of a 1984 film starring Patrick Swayze.
My love for Swayze isn't a secret, but the original Red Dawn isn't a film I've seen and, after seeing the remake, I'm a bit nervous about seeking it out.
Friday night is a busy time at Islington Vue, there were quite a few people milling about in the foyer, very few of them made it into our screen. In fact, other than us, there were three other people in the cinema. They weren't together. Three men, all sat separately. Possibly the emptiest cinema I'd ever been in. A sign that what were about to watch may not be good.
Not good is an understatement. Red Dawn really was terrible. A mixed bag of a cast, some an awful lot stronger than others, and a nonsense plot make for a film that has little in the way of redeeming qualities. Even a mid-film pop up from a man I adore couldn't save this.
All I could take away from Red Dawn was the overwhelming sense that most remakes are terrible and unnecessary, and the knowledge that if a film takes years to be released following filming, it isn't always going to be a gem.
Challenge day: 171
Challenge time: 10 days, 18 hours, 05 minutes
Challenge film total: 133
Film: Red Dawn (2013)
Director: Dan Bradley
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki and Josh Peck
Running Time: 01 hour, 33 minutes
Rating: 2/10
Friday night and some quality time with The CW.We met early, had some dinner, had some wine, went to another bar and had some more wine, then settled down to see Red Dawn. A remake of a 1984 film starring Patrick Swayze.
My love for Swayze isn't a secret, but the original Red Dawn isn't a film I've seen and, after seeing the remake, I'm a bit nervous about seeking it out.
Friday night is a busy time at Islington Vue, there were quite a few people milling about in the foyer, very few of them made it into our screen. In fact, other than us, there were three other people in the cinema. They weren't together. Three men, all sat separately. Possibly the emptiest cinema I'd ever been in. A sign that what were about to watch may not be good.
Not good is an understatement. Red Dawn really was terrible. A mixed bag of a cast, some an awful lot stronger than others, and a nonsense plot make for a film that has little in the way of redeeming qualities. Even a mid-film pop up from a man I adore couldn't save this.
All I could take away from Red Dawn was the overwhelming sense that most remakes are terrible and unnecessary, and the knowledge that if a film takes years to be released following filming, it isn't always going to be a gem.
Challenge day: 171
Challenge time: 10 days, 18 hours, 05 minutes
Challenge film total: 133
Thursday, 11 April 2013
I promise you, you'll be dead by dawn.
Date: Wednesday 13th March
Film: Blade (1998)
Director: Stephen Norrington
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff and Kris Kristofferson
Running time: 02 hours
Rating: 7/10
An in depth conversation about vampire films led to the realisation that I had only seen Blade II, something I knew I had to fix.
Although, Blade isn't really a vampire movie, Blade is more of a vampire slayer movie. It's no The Lost Boys (my favourite film about vampires), but it is nonetheless a great film. It has a strong cast and an interesting premise. Having not read the source comics, I cannot comment on how true to the origins it is, but I can say that it is a lot better than most vampire films around at the moment, *ahem*.
Visually, Blade is incredibly well made, one of the opening scenes, a rave in which the sprinklers spray blood on the revellers, is particularly memorable.
All in all, an enjoyable film that I am surprised I haven't seen before.
Challenge day: 169
Challenge time: 10 days, 16 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 132
Film: Blade (1998)
Director: Stephen Norrington
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff and Kris Kristofferson
Running time: 02 hours
Rating: 7/10
An in depth conversation about vampire films led to the realisation that I had only seen Blade II, something I knew I had to fix.
Although, Blade isn't really a vampire movie, Blade is more of a vampire slayer movie. It's no The Lost Boys (my favourite film about vampires), but it is nonetheless a great film. It has a strong cast and an interesting premise. Having not read the source comics, I cannot comment on how true to the origins it is, but I can say that it is a lot better than most vampire films around at the moment, *ahem*.
Visually, Blade is incredibly well made, one of the opening scenes, a rave in which the sprinklers spray blood on the revellers, is particularly memorable.
All in all, an enjoyable film that I am surprised I haven't seen before.
Challenge day: 169
Challenge time: 10 days, 16 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 132
Depression is the inability to construct a future.
Date: Wednesday 13th March
Film: Side Effects (2013)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum
Running Time: 01 hour, 46 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Side Effects starts out innocently enough, as a film about the effects of mental health and the medication used to treat mental illness, but as the film progresses it becomes so much more than that.
As he has done many times before, Steven Soderbergh, has created a film on many levels. Just like Magic Mike is about more than strippers, Side Effects is about more than mental health and it's effects.
Essentially, this is a film about greed, about what people will do to get exactly what they want. It is a slow building, tense, talky drama. The cast excel, particularly Rooney Mara as the mentally exhausted Emily and Jude Law as her psychiatrist.
Side Effects does go a bit off track in the final act, becoming a little soap opera-y, but that doesn't take away from the excellent, tension building opening.
Worth seeing, if you get a chance.
Challenge day: 169
Challenge time: 10 days, 14 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 131
Film: Side Effects (2013)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum
Running Time: 01 hour, 46 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Side Effects starts out innocently enough, as a film about the effects of mental health and the medication used to treat mental illness, but as the film progresses it becomes so much more than that.
As he has done many times before, Steven Soderbergh, has created a film on many levels. Just like Magic Mike is about more than strippers, Side Effects is about more than mental health and it's effects.
Essentially, this is a film about greed, about what people will do to get exactly what they want. It is a slow building, tense, talky drama. The cast excel, particularly Rooney Mara as the mentally exhausted Emily and Jude Law as her psychiatrist.
Side Effects does go a bit off track in the final act, becoming a little soap opera-y, but that doesn't take away from the excellent, tension building opening.
Worth seeing, if you get a chance.
Challenge day: 169
Challenge time: 10 days, 14 hours, 32 minutes
Challenge film total: 131
Friday, 15 March 2013
Why don't we just let off some fireworks while we're at it.
Date: Tuesday 12th March
Film: Welcome to the Punch (2013)
Director: Eran Creevy
Starring: James McAvoy, Mark Strong, Andrea Riseborough and David Morrissey
Running time: 01 hour, 39 minutes
Rating: 4/10
Another day, another Sky screening, another film that is all visuals and no trousers.
With a cast I admire, and Ridley Scott's name plastered all over the advertising, I had high hopes for Welcome to the Punch. Sadly, I felt incredibly let down.
This felt like all style over substance. London looked stunning but the plot was thin, bordering on the ridiculous and it started to feel like the actors were treading water.
Plus, it would be really nice if there wasn't a whole scene set in the front room of an old lady with a fondness for clown memorabilia. Those things are scary.
Challenge day: 168
Challenge time: 10 days, 12 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 130
Film: Welcome to the Punch (2013)
Director: Eran Creevy
Starring: James McAvoy, Mark Strong, Andrea Riseborough and David Morrissey
Running time: 01 hour, 39 minutes
Rating: 4/10
Another day, another Sky screening, another film that is all visuals and no trousers.
With a cast I admire, and Ridley Scott's name plastered all over the advertising, I had high hopes for Welcome to the Punch. Sadly, I felt incredibly let down.
This felt like all style over substance. London looked stunning but the plot was thin, bordering on the ridiculous and it started to feel like the actors were treading water.
Plus, it would be really nice if there wasn't a whole scene set in the front room of an old lady with a fondness for clown memorabilia. Those things are scary.
Challenge day: 168
Challenge time: 10 days, 12 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 130
sometimes you need to do something bad to stop you from doing something worse.
Date: Tuesday 12th March
Film: Stoker (2013)
Director: Chan-wook Park
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I'll be honest, I had little desire to see this film - the trailer didn't appeal to me and the posters left me cold - but the reviews were so strong, so convincing that I felt like I had to give it a go, even if it was being described as horror, a genre I'm never that keen on.
Stoker is so much more than that, in fact, I would be hard pressed to call this horror. It is not a slasher film, it is not gratuitous with it's violence, it is not about ghost and ghouls, it is a slow burning thriller. A coming of age story of a young girl living in unusual circumstances.
Stoker is visually mesmerising, the film has an authentic gothic feel to it, if they didn't specify that it was set in modern day, you could almost believe it was a period piece. The cast are phenomenal, Mia Wasikowska especially, carrying the piece as she discovers exactly who India Stoker is, what she wants from life, how she's going to get these things. Matthew Goode plays sinister and creepy incredibly well.
I don't want to give away what this is all about, the publicity has been ambiguous, which I think is fitting with the film, but I will recommend checking it out. Don't be put off by the horror tag. Stoker isn't horror. It is wonderful.
Challenge day: 168
Challenge time: 10 days, 11 hours, 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 130
Film: Stoker (2013)
Director: Chan-wook Park
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I'll be honest, I had little desire to see this film - the trailer didn't appeal to me and the posters left me cold - but the reviews were so strong, so convincing that I felt like I had to give it a go, even if it was being described as horror, a genre I'm never that keen on.
Stoker is so much more than that, in fact, I would be hard pressed to call this horror. It is not a slasher film, it is not gratuitous with it's violence, it is not about ghost and ghouls, it is a slow burning thriller. A coming of age story of a young girl living in unusual circumstances.
Stoker is visually mesmerising, the film has an authentic gothic feel to it, if they didn't specify that it was set in modern day, you could almost believe it was a period piece. The cast are phenomenal, Mia Wasikowska especially, carrying the piece as she discovers exactly who India Stoker is, what she wants from life, how she's going to get these things. Matthew Goode plays sinister and creepy incredibly well.
I don't want to give away what this is all about, the publicity has been ambiguous, which I think is fitting with the film, but I will recommend checking it out. Don't be put off by the horror tag. Stoker isn't horror. It is wonderful.
Challenge day: 168
Challenge time: 10 days, 11 hours, 07 minutes
Challenge film total: 130
Somebody's coming up. Somebody serious.
Sunday 10th March
Sunday night and time for a spot of Sunday Night Film Club. Up first, a film we had planned to watch once before...
Film: Wild Bill (2011)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Charlie Creed-Miles, Will Poulter and Sammy Williams
Running Time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Honestly, I don't know why we put it off. Wild Bill is a great little British film, the storyline is strong, the acting is brilliant and the views of East London are stunning.
A story of loyalty, redemption and love. This is worth seeing if you get the chance.
Film: Leon Director's Cut (1994)
Director: Luc Besson
Starring: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman
Running Time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Up next, a movie we both adore. Considering it is close to 20 years old, this film doesn't seem to have aged - Natalie Portman definitely hasn't aged, She's just grown taller - Leon is a wonderful film about finding someone to care for in the most unusual circumstances, how far you will go for that person and how friendship can help you mould a future from an unpleasant upbringing.
Yes, it is about a hit-man, a young girl, corrupt cops, drugs, and violence but, most importantly, it's about love.
Challenge day: 166
Challenge time: 10 days, 09 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 129
Sunday night and time for a spot of Sunday Night Film Club. Up first, a film we had planned to watch once before...
Film: Wild Bill (2011)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Charlie Creed-Miles, Will Poulter and Sammy Williams
Running Time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Honestly, I don't know why we put it off. Wild Bill is a great little British film, the storyline is strong, the acting is brilliant and the views of East London are stunning.
A story of loyalty, redemption and love. This is worth seeing if you get the chance.
Film: Leon Director's Cut (1994)
Director: Luc Besson
Starring: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman and Gary Oldman
Running Time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Up next, a movie we both adore. Considering it is close to 20 years old, this film doesn't seem to have aged - Natalie Portman definitely hasn't aged, She's just grown taller - Leon is a wonderful film about finding someone to care for in the most unusual circumstances, how far you will go for that person and how friendship can help you mould a future from an unpleasant upbringing.
Yes, it is about a hit-man, a young girl, corrupt cops, drugs, and violence but, most importantly, it's about love.
Challenge day: 166
Challenge time: 10 days, 09 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 129
He don't like strangers peeing on him.
Date: Sunday 10th March
Film: The Paperboy (2013)
Director: Lee Daniels
Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman and John Cusack
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Sunday morning, up and out for an advance screening of a film we had been trying to see for a while. I'd read mixed reviews, but the cast was strong and the trailer was enticing, plus the screening was free. Who would turn that down?
When the film finished, I turned to HM and very eloquently asked 'what the hell have we just watched?'. I still don't know the answer to the question.
The Paperboy is not a bad film, the acting is first class, Nicole Kidman exudes sex, Zac Efron is putting his all into the wide-eyed innocent act and John Cusack managed to creep me out within two minutes of being on screen. It is a visually stunning film, every scene seems to have a haziness upon it, reflective of the extreme heat that is often referred to. There was just something I couldn't quite connect with.
I think the only word I can use to describe The Paperboy is odd. I don't know why, I can't put my finger on it, but the characters seemed too extreme, the storyline seemed to waver into the bizarre and there was just something that unsettled me.
Incredibly well acted, just not my cup of tea.
Challenge day: 166
Challenge time: 10 days, 05 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge film total: 127
Film: The Paperboy (2013)
Director: Lee Daniels
Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman and John Cusack
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Sunday morning, up and out for an advance screening of a film we had been trying to see for a while. I'd read mixed reviews, but the cast was strong and the trailer was enticing, plus the screening was free. Who would turn that down?
When the film finished, I turned to HM and very eloquently asked 'what the hell have we just watched?'. I still don't know the answer to the question.
The Paperboy is not a bad film, the acting is first class, Nicole Kidman exudes sex, Zac Efron is putting his all into the wide-eyed innocent act and John Cusack managed to creep me out within two minutes of being on screen. It is a visually stunning film, every scene seems to have a haziness upon it, reflective of the extreme heat that is often referred to. There was just something I couldn't quite connect with.
I think the only word I can use to describe The Paperboy is odd. I don't know why, I can't put my finger on it, but the characters seemed too extreme, the storyline seemed to waver into the bizarre and there was just something that unsettled me.
Incredibly well acted, just not my cup of tea.
Challenge day: 166
Challenge time: 10 days, 05 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge film total: 127
Much better than hanging around here with you dorks.
Date: Saturday 9th March
Saturday night, Wales is visiting, the BFF is in town and, for the first time in a long time, I am spending quality time with both the best friends. Whilst London is a big old place, and there are plenty of things we could be doing with our Saturday evening, we know what we like, and it's been a while since we had a chance to do this.
After a quick adventure out of the house to get some food, we were back on the sofa and in our pyjamas for a night of trashy movies. Up first, one of our favourites...
Saturday night, Wales is visiting, the BFF is in town and, for the first time in a long time, I am spending quality time with both the best friends. Whilst London is a big old place, and there are plenty of things we could be doing with our Saturday evening, we know what we like, and it's been a while since we had a chance to do this.
After a quick adventure out of the house to get some food, we were back on the sofa and in our pyjamas for a night of trashy movies. Up first, one of our favourites...
Film Empire Records Remix! Special Fan Edition (1995)
Director: Allan Moyle
Starring: Rory Cochrane, Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Rating 10/10
I've written about this film before, and anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore this. I've seen it more times than is ever necessary and always enjoy it. This was no exception.
As we were watching the DVD, it had all the extra bits I love (and, I'll be honest, miss a little bit when they don't show up in theatrical screenings) and watching it with the one person that probably has seen it as often I have was a real treat. We may have spent the majority of the evening quoting the upcoming scenes.
As always, this is a film that never lets me down.
Film: Grease (1978)
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Stockard Channing
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Another classic film of our youth and one I hadn't seen in a while. If you don't know Grease, you've been living under a rock.
We might have sung, we didn't dance, none of us under went a dramatic make over (although we did all paint our nails).
All in all, a near perfect way to spend an evening with my favourite people.
Challenge day: 165
Challenge Time: 10 days, 03 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 126
Director: Allan Moyle
Starring: Rory Cochrane, Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger
Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Rating 10/10
I've written about this film before, and anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore this. I've seen it more times than is ever necessary and always enjoy it. This was no exception.
As we were watching the DVD, it had all the extra bits I love (and, I'll be honest, miss a little bit when they don't show up in theatrical screenings) and watching it with the one person that probably has seen it as often I have was a real treat. We may have spent the majority of the evening quoting the upcoming scenes.
As always, this is a film that never lets me down.
Film: Grease (1978)
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and Stockard Channing
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Another classic film of our youth and one I hadn't seen in a while. If you don't know Grease, you've been living under a rock.
We might have sung, we didn't dance, none of us under went a dramatic make over (although we did all paint our nails).
All in all, a near perfect way to spend an evening with my favourite people.
Challenge day: 165
Challenge Time: 10 days, 03 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 126
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
That was not the easy way
Date: Tuesday 5th March
Film: Identity Thief (2013)
Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy and Eric Stonestreet
Running Time: 01 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: 3/10
Another day, another Sky preview. This time, Identity Thief. A film that, having seen the trailers, I wasn't all that fussed about seeing. It looked awful, but I believe that occasionally Jason Bateman can make the right choice and excel in film (we all know he can be fabulous on TV). I then found out that this was directed by the man who bought us Horrible Bosses - one of the times Bateman is great in a movie - I'll admit, my hopes raised slightly.
Alas, Identity Thief is every bit as terrible as the trailer. There were occasional sniggers, and one dead pan line that did make me giggle to the point of hysteria (although, this trick was repeated later when I saw a shop called 'Hot Nuts', I think that says a lot about my incredibly juvenile sense of humour), but this is not a funny film.
There seemed to be a mean streak running through it; there were unnecessary characters that added little to the film, bar the big third act revelation, the humour was obvious and, as great as Melissa McCarthy can be, I did feel like she was hamming up for the cameras.
I just did not enjoy this. I tried, but it just didn't click.
Challenge day: 161
Challenge time: 10 days, 00 hours, 11 minutes
Challenge film total: 124
Film: Identity Thief (2013)
Director: Seth Gordon
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy and Eric Stonestreet
Running Time: 01 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: 3/10
Another day, another Sky preview. This time, Identity Thief. A film that, having seen the trailers, I wasn't all that fussed about seeing. It looked awful, but I believe that occasionally Jason Bateman can make the right choice and excel in film (we all know he can be fabulous on TV). I then found out that this was directed by the man who bought us Horrible Bosses - one of the times Bateman is great in a movie - I'll admit, my hopes raised slightly.
Alas, Identity Thief is every bit as terrible as the trailer. There were occasional sniggers, and one dead pan line that did make me giggle to the point of hysteria (although, this trick was repeated later when I saw a shop called 'Hot Nuts', I think that says a lot about my incredibly juvenile sense of humour), but this is not a funny film.
There seemed to be a mean streak running through it; there were unnecessary characters that added little to the film, bar the big third act revelation, the humour was obvious and, as great as Melissa McCarthy can be, I did feel like she was hamming up for the cameras.
I just did not enjoy this. I tried, but it just didn't click.
Challenge day: 161
Challenge time: 10 days, 00 hours, 11 minutes
Challenge film total: 124
This is very, very difficult. But sometimes children are bad people, too.
Date: Monday 4th March
Film: Hanna (2011)
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Saorise Ronan, Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana
Running time: 01 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I've had this movie from LoveFilm for a while and have been waiting for the mood to strike to watch it. Monday night, an early dinner with the girls and I was home and ready for bed by 9pm (rock and roll). There wasn't much on the telly, I couldn't be bothered to venture into the living room for a movie, my internet was being a little rubbish so streaming was out the window. Hanna it was.
I think it's safe to say my watching of this film wasn't borne from a desire to see it, more an overwhelming sense of laziness. I wanted to see it, I had been the one to add it to my LoveFilm list, at a high priority. I just wasn't 100% convinced it was what I wanted to watch at that moment.
For me, Hanna was a revelation. I wasn't aware this was a Joe Wright film, I'm not sure how that information passed me by, I adore the look of Joe Wright films, Atonement will always be stunning, and Hanna is no exception. Every scene is framed beautifully.
As far as I am aware, Wright has not directed anything like Hanna before, an action film, a thriller film, a chase film. Hanna is 16, she has lived in isolation with her father all her life, training as an assassin, learning her identity. The film tells of the mission he sends her on, across Europe, trailed by the CIA.
Saorise Ronan is fabulous, as always, playing the lead. A girl that has had limited interaction with the world, discovering things for the first time. Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett head up a strong supporting cast but, in every scene she is in, your eyes are on Ronan.
Overall, Hanna is a really great film. One worth checking out.
Challenge day: 160
Challenge time: 09 days, 22 hours, 20 minutes
Challenge film total: 123
Film: Hanna (2011)
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Saorise Ronan, Cate Blanchett and Eric Bana
Running time: 01 hour, 51 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I've had this movie from LoveFilm for a while and have been waiting for the mood to strike to watch it. Monday night, an early dinner with the girls and I was home and ready for bed by 9pm (rock and roll). There wasn't much on the telly, I couldn't be bothered to venture into the living room for a movie, my internet was being a little rubbish so streaming was out the window. Hanna it was.
I think it's safe to say my watching of this film wasn't borne from a desire to see it, more an overwhelming sense of laziness. I wanted to see it, I had been the one to add it to my LoveFilm list, at a high priority. I just wasn't 100% convinced it was what I wanted to watch at that moment.
For me, Hanna was a revelation. I wasn't aware this was a Joe Wright film, I'm not sure how that information passed me by, I adore the look of Joe Wright films, Atonement will always be stunning, and Hanna is no exception. Every scene is framed beautifully.
As far as I am aware, Wright has not directed anything like Hanna before, an action film, a thriller film, a chase film. Hanna is 16, she has lived in isolation with her father all her life, training as an assassin, learning her identity. The film tells of the mission he sends her on, across Europe, trailed by the CIA.
Saorise Ronan is fabulous, as always, playing the lead. A girl that has had limited interaction with the world, discovering things for the first time. Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett head up a strong supporting cast but, in every scene she is in, your eyes are on Ronan.
Overall, Hanna is a really great film. One worth checking out.
Challenge day: 160
Challenge time: 09 days, 22 hours, 20 minutes
Challenge film total: 123
Monday, 4 March 2013
It's like no place I've ever seen.
Date: Saturday 2nd March
Film: Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis
Running Time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
The second this film started, I was entranced. Oz the Great and Powerful has the best opening credits I've seen in a very long time. They might just be the best I've ever seen. Playing on the traditions of Oz stories, the opening is a small black and white world.
The second Oz travels into Oz the screen widens, the colours burst off the screen and you are bombarded with beauty upon beauty.
I don't want to spoil this film for anyone, it is released on March 8 and I think everyone should go and see it, if only to see how stunning a film can really be. This is escapism in it's purest form.
This is one of the times 3D works and works well.
The only thing stopping this from being a straight up 10/10 is the action of the film. I felt Franco was out-acted by the entire cast. I felt the witch reveal was a little ridiculous. I felt the ending was all a bit too much. However, that doesn't stop this being over 2 hours of stunning imagery.
I didn't think it was possible to make an Oz that people would appreciate. I didn't think you could follow the original cinematic Oz. I was wrong. Raimi's Oz is mesmerising.
I think I might be a little in love with the Emerald City. And Michelle Williams (but that's nothing new, that woman is nothing short of phenomenal).
Challenge day: 158
Challenge time: 09 days, 20 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 122
Film: Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)
Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis
Running Time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 9/10
The second this film started, I was entranced. Oz the Great and Powerful has the best opening credits I've seen in a very long time. They might just be the best I've ever seen. Playing on the traditions of Oz stories, the opening is a small black and white world.
The second Oz travels into Oz the screen widens, the colours burst off the screen and you are bombarded with beauty upon beauty.
I don't want to spoil this film for anyone, it is released on March 8 and I think everyone should go and see it, if only to see how stunning a film can really be. This is escapism in it's purest form.
This is one of the times 3D works and works well.
The only thing stopping this from being a straight up 10/10 is the action of the film. I felt Franco was out-acted by the entire cast. I felt the witch reveal was a little ridiculous. I felt the ending was all a bit too much. However, that doesn't stop this being over 2 hours of stunning imagery.
I didn't think it was possible to make an Oz that people would appreciate. I didn't think you could follow the original cinematic Oz. I was wrong. Raimi's Oz is mesmerising.
I think I might be a little in love with the Emerald City. And Michelle Williams (but that's nothing new, that woman is nothing short of phenomenal).
Challenge day: 158
Challenge time: 09 days, 20 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 122
Some people will say that not all witches are evil, that their powers could be used for good. I say burn them all!
Date: Thursday 28th February
Film: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Director: Tommy Wirkola
Running time: 01 hour, 28 minutes
Rating: 4/10
As much as I wanted to like this, even though the trailer held little appeal to me, I almost knew that I was going to be disappointed as soon as I sat down.
I want to blame it all on the 3D. I'm not a fan of 3D, I try to avoid it as much as possible. With a few notable exceptions (Dredd, things showing on the BFI IMAX screen), I struggle to see the benefit. Like films I've seen previously, there were strange bits dangling off the edge of the screen, seemingly unattached to what we were seeing, that caused no end of distraction. There were things flying toward your face - I've said it before, I'm a jumpy person. I know there's nothing flying toward me, doesn't mean I won't startle myself. There was something amiss about the visuals of the whole film. However, I don't think the 3D was the issue with Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The problem was the absurdity of the whole thing. Was it a comedy, was it gore, was it fantasy? It never appeared to pick a genre and stick with it. It could have mashed up the genres but it didn't even do that well. Each scene seemed to be straight from a different movie.
I couldn't relate to the characters in any way, the storyline was tedious, the 3D was terrible. Overall, not the best film I've seen recently. Not one I would recommend.
As much as I wanted to like this, even though the trailer held little appeal to me, I almost knew that I was going to be disappointed as soon as I sat down.
I want to blame it all on the 3D. I'm not a fan of 3D, I try to avoid it as much as possible. With a few notable exceptions (Dredd, things showing on the BFI IMAX screen), I struggle to see the benefit. Like films I've seen previously, there were strange bits dangling off the edge of the screen, seemingly unattached to what we were seeing, that caused no end of distraction. There were things flying toward your face - I've said it before, I'm a jumpy person. I know there's nothing flying toward me, doesn't mean I won't startle myself. There was something amiss about the visuals of the whole film. However, I don't think the 3D was the issue with Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.
The problem was the absurdity of the whole thing. Was it a comedy, was it gore, was it fantasy? It never appeared to pick a genre and stick with it. It could have mashed up the genres but it didn't even do that well. Each scene seemed to be straight from a different movie.
I couldn't relate to the characters in any way, the storyline was tedious, the 3D was terrible. Overall, not the best film I've seen recently. Not one I would recommend.
Challenge day: 156
Challenge time: 09 days, 18 hours, 19 minutes
Challenge film total: 121
There's some wars you fight, and some wars you walk away from.
Date: Monday 25th February
Film: Broken City (2013)
Director: Allen Hughes
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Running Time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Monday night, post Oscar party. The CW and I are exhausted, but it's a free screening and we have nothing better to do (apart from catching up on sleep, perhaps) so off to The O2 we schlep for Broken City.
We'd watched the trailer but, at this point, hadn't seen any reviews or comments on the film - other than that Graham Norton Show appearance - so we were going in a little blind. We knew the basics of the plot - Mark Wahlberg plays a private investigator hired by Russell Crowe's mayor to look into his wife's (Catherine Zeta-Jones) affair and things don't go all that smoothly.
But, that synopsis isn't really what Broken City is about. Yes, that is the basic storyline but within 5 minutes of watching it becomes clear that this film wants to show more than that. It wants to show corruption of politicians, officials, and public figures. It wants to investigate the humanity of those living and working alongside these figures. It wants to be a slick psychological thriller.
The problem with Broken City is that, as hard as they try to create a back story you don't really get a feel for any of the characters. I don't think I particularly liked any of them. There are scenes that make no sense to the film, at times they don't seem to fit with what you are seeing. As if they were exposition scenes for plot lines that were cut away in editing.
Mark Wahlberg plays his part very well, providing his role is to play Mark Wahlberg. There doesn't appear to be much of a distance from other thriller/action films he has made before.
It was watchable but, like Contraband it just didn't engage. It tried to hard to be slick and meaningful, and lost something along the way.
Challenge day: 153
Challenge time: 09 days, 16 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 120
Film: Broken City (2013)
Director: Allen Hughes
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Running Time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Monday night, post Oscar party. The CW and I are exhausted, but it's a free screening and we have nothing better to do (apart from catching up on sleep, perhaps) so off to The O2 we schlep for Broken City.
We'd watched the trailer but, at this point, hadn't seen any reviews or comments on the film - other than that Graham Norton Show appearance - so we were going in a little blind. We knew the basics of the plot - Mark Wahlberg plays a private investigator hired by Russell Crowe's mayor to look into his wife's (Catherine Zeta-Jones) affair and things don't go all that smoothly.
But, that synopsis isn't really what Broken City is about. Yes, that is the basic storyline but within 5 minutes of watching it becomes clear that this film wants to show more than that. It wants to show corruption of politicians, officials, and public figures. It wants to investigate the humanity of those living and working alongside these figures. It wants to be a slick psychological thriller.
The problem with Broken City is that, as hard as they try to create a back story you don't really get a feel for any of the characters. I don't think I particularly liked any of them. There are scenes that make no sense to the film, at times they don't seem to fit with what you are seeing. As if they were exposition scenes for plot lines that were cut away in editing.
Mark Wahlberg plays his part very well, providing his role is to play Mark Wahlberg. There doesn't appear to be much of a distance from other thriller/action films he has made before.
It was watchable but, like Contraband it just didn't engage. It tried to hard to be slick and meaningful, and lost something along the way.
Challenge day: 153
Challenge time: 09 days, 16 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 120
Friday, 1 March 2013
I don't sit in while you're running it down. I don't carry a gun. I drive.
Date: Sunday 24th February
Film: Drive (2011)
Director: Nicholas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston
Running Time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Brutal violence, underground crime organisations, fast cars, Ryan Gosling and Christina Hendricks. Drive is a list of things I love in cinema. The exquisitely told story of a mysterious man (we never learn his name), who is hired to drive, the one thing he does well, and after a liaison with his neighbour, and an interaction with her ex-con husband, ends up mixed up with a criminal gang and things go downhill from there.
Drive is intense. From beginning to end. In the doomed love affair, in the violence, in the car scenes. It's this intensity that, in my eyes, makes it such a great film.
One of, in my opinion, the best films to come out in the last few of years. I have so much love for Drive.
Challenge day: 153
Challenge time: 09 days, 15 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 119
Film: Drive (2011)
Director: Nicholas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston
Running Time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Brutal violence, underground crime organisations, fast cars, Ryan Gosling and Christina Hendricks. Drive is a list of things I love in cinema. The exquisitely told story of a mysterious man (we never learn his name), who is hired to drive, the one thing he does well, and after a liaison with his neighbour, and an interaction with her ex-con husband, ends up mixed up with a criminal gang and things go downhill from there.
Drive is intense. From beginning to end. In the doomed love affair, in the violence, in the car scenes. It's this intensity that, in my eyes, makes it such a great film.
One of, in my opinion, the best films to come out in the last few of years. I have so much love for Drive.
Challenge day: 153
Challenge time: 09 days, 15 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 119
How do you explain something that you can't even understand yourself?
Date: Saturday 23rd February
Saturday night, I'm back at home and visiting the oldest friend for an evening of good wine, junk food and trashy movies. First up
Film: What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)
Director: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Kendrick and Matthew Morrison
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 4/10
A film I hadn't seen before. Mainly because I despair of multi-thread ensemble films. With the exception of Love Actually, I've yet to see one that works well.
What to Expect... is another one that falls short of the mark. I don't remember laughing, I didn't like the majority of the characters. This could have been truly horrendous, if it wasn't for two saving graces;
Film: The Lucky One (2012)
Director: Scott Hicks
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner
Running Time: 01 hour, 41 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Now, I have no excuse on this one. I've seen it before. I knew I didn't enjoy it. I still chose for us to watch it. Mainly because sometimes I can be incredibly shallow, and I just want to watch Zac Efron run around with dogs.
This is not a good film. It is, like most Nicholas Sparks adaptations, predictable, a little cheesy and a repeat of tried and tested characters.
This is a trash film. Something you know you shouldn't watch. Something you feel guilty about afterwards. Something that, at the time, seems to work.
Challenge day: 151
Challenge time: 09 days, 13 hours, 22 minutes
Challenge film total: 118
Saturday night, I'm back at home and visiting the oldest friend for an evening of good wine, junk food and trashy movies. First up
Film: What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012)
Director: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Kendrick and Matthew Morrison
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 4/10
A film I hadn't seen before. Mainly because I despair of multi-thread ensemble films. With the exception of Love Actually, I've yet to see one that works well.
What to Expect... is another one that falls short of the mark. I don't remember laughing, I didn't like the majority of the characters. This could have been truly horrendous, if it wasn't for two saving graces;
1) The always awesome Anna Kendrick
2) Joe Manganiello. Shirtless. Doing one armed pull ups.
I don't think I'll be rushing out to see this again. Still, it was better than Valentine's Day. Just.
Film: The Lucky One (2012)
Director: Scott Hicks
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner
Running Time: 01 hour, 41 minutes
Rating: 5/10
Now, I have no excuse on this one. I've seen it before. I knew I didn't enjoy it. I still chose for us to watch it. Mainly because sometimes I can be incredibly shallow, and I just want to watch Zac Efron run around with dogs.
This is not a good film. It is, like most Nicholas Sparks adaptations, predictable, a little cheesy and a repeat of tried and tested characters.
This is a trash film. Something you know you shouldn't watch. Something you feel guilty about afterwards. Something that, at the time, seems to work.
Challenge day: 151
Challenge time: 09 days, 13 hours, 22 minutes
Challenge film total: 118
Listen, why don't you relax. Why don't you take a pill, bake a cake, go read the encyclopedia.
Date: Tuesday 19th February
Film: Moon (2009)
Director: Duncan Jones
Starring: Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey
Running Time: 01 hour 37 minutes
Rating: 10/10
So many people have told me I will adore this film. It's set in space, it stars Sam Rockwell, it's basically right up my street. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get round to watching it. I missed out on watching Moon's BBC preview at the end of last year, but I knew that the first time I watched this, I wanted to look back over some of the director and production team's tweets I caught that night. A quick query in the twittersphere and I was helpfully pointed to a Storify of all the fun stuff.
Pillows plumped up, laptop in hand and I was ready to go.
Within five minutes I was so involved in the film I forget that the tweets were there. It says an awful lot for Sam Rockwell's talent that he can command your attention throughout a film where his main interactions are with a computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey) and himself.
It's hard to describe Moon, not without giving things away. If you haven't seen it, seek it out. This is a wonderful piece of film-making.
Challenge day: 147
Challenge time: 09 days, 09 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 116
Film: Moon (2009)
Director: Duncan Jones
Starring: Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey
Running Time: 01 hour 37 minutes
Rating: 10/10
So many people have told me I will adore this film. It's set in space, it stars Sam Rockwell, it's basically right up my street. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to get round to watching it. I missed out on watching Moon's BBC preview at the end of last year, but I knew that the first time I watched this, I wanted to look back over some of the director and production team's tweets I caught that night. A quick query in the twittersphere and I was helpfully pointed to a Storify of all the fun stuff.
Pillows plumped up, laptop in hand and I was ready to go.
Within five minutes I was so involved in the film I forget that the tweets were there. It says an awful lot for Sam Rockwell's talent that he can command your attention throughout a film where his main interactions are with a computer (voiced by Kevin Spacey) and himself.
It's hard to describe Moon, not without giving things away. If you haven't seen it, seek it out. This is a wonderful piece of film-making.
Challenge day: 147
Challenge time: 09 days, 09 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 116
This girl's dead. That guy's dead... That guy in the corner is definitely dead.
Date: Monday 18th February
Film: Warm Bodies (2013)
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Theresa Palmer, John Malkovich and Dave Franco
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 7/10
It's really hard to assess this film without going off on a rant about the modern cinema audience (sit down and shut up please) and select major chain staff (whispers would be nice, thanks), all I know is that I was 100% engaged in this film, and I think it may be because of all the distractions, for what I saw of the film was delightful.
Yes, this is another 'cash in on the Twilight audience with a teen paranormal rom-com', and the storyline is glaringly obvious, however Warm Bodies seems to present it all with a fresh new twist. Perhaps it's because we don't often see teen zombie films or maybe because these zombies aren't stereotypical Hollywood zombies, either way it works for me.
Not every joke was a success, not every aspect seemed to fit. Warm Bodies may be flawed, however it doesn't aim to be anything more than an entertaining film. As paranormal teen romances go I've seen a lot worse.
Challenge day: 146
Challenge time: 09 days, 08 hours, 14 minutes
Challenge film total: 115
Film: Warm Bodies (2013)
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Theresa Palmer, John Malkovich and Dave Franco
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating: 7/10
It's really hard to assess this film without going off on a rant about the modern cinema audience (sit down and shut up please) and select major chain staff (whispers would be nice, thanks), all I know is that I was 100% engaged in this film, and I think it may be because of all the distractions, for what I saw of the film was delightful.
Yes, this is another 'cash in on the Twilight audience with a teen paranormal rom-com', and the storyline is glaringly obvious, however Warm Bodies seems to present it all with a fresh new twist. Perhaps it's because we don't often see teen zombie films or maybe because these zombies aren't stereotypical Hollywood zombies, either way it works for me.
Not every joke was a success, not every aspect seemed to fit. Warm Bodies may be flawed, however it doesn't aim to be anything more than an entertaining film. As paranormal teen romances go I've seen a lot worse.
Challenge day: 146
Challenge time: 09 days, 08 hours, 14 minutes
Challenge film total: 115
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
It wasn't brains that brought me here; I assure you that.
Date: Sunday 17th February
Film: Margin Call (2011)
Director: J C Chandor
Starring: Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey and Penn Badgley
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 7/10
In the least eloquent way possible, I will describe this film as thus: a group of beautiful people, wearing shiny suits, sit around a large table and talk about finance for almost two hours.
Somehow, I really enjoyed it. I think it was the solid cast of actors I like watching, who managed to make the dullest of all financial talk a little easier to understand.
Challenge day: 145
Challenge time: 09 days, 06 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 114
Film: Margin Call (2011)
Director: J C Chandor
Starring: Zachary Quinto, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey and Penn Badgley
Running Time: 01 hour, 47 minutes
Rating: 7/10
In the least eloquent way possible, I will describe this film as thus: a group of beautiful people, wearing shiny suits, sit around a large table and talk about finance for almost two hours.
Somehow, I really enjoyed it. I think it was the solid cast of actors I like watching, who managed to make the dullest of all financial talk a little easier to understand.
Challenge day: 145
Challenge time: 09 days, 06 hours, 36 minutes
Challenge film total: 114
We cross and re-cross our old paths like figure-skaters.
Date: Monday 11th February
Film: Cloud Atlas (2013)
Director: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and Hugh Grant
Running Time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Rating: 6/10
I haven't read the book, I didn't know what to expect. I've had over a week to mull it over and I'm still not sure what I watched. I only know it looked pretty.
Challenge day: 139
Challenge time: 09 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 113
Film: Cloud Atlas (2013)
Director: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and Hugh Grant
Running Time: 2 hours, 52 minutes
Rating: 6/10
I haven't read the book, I didn't know what to expect. I've had over a week to mull it over and I'm still not sure what I watched. I only know it looked pretty.
Challenge day: 139
Challenge time: 09 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 113
That was a highly inappropriate series of comments and I apologize.
Date: Sunday 10th February
Film: Friends with Benefits (2011)
Director: Will Gluck
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 7/10
As modern rom-coms go, this one is pretty good. I think that can be contributed to Mila Kunis. Why isn't she in more things?
Plus, Justin Timberlake isn't terrible. I don't know why this surprises me - I have a real soft spot for Alpha Dog.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 01 hours, 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 112
Film: Friends with Benefits (2011)
Director: Will Gluck
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson and Woody Harrelson
Running time: 01 hour, 49 minutes
Rating: 7/10
As modern rom-coms go, this one is pretty good. I think that can be contributed to Mila Kunis. Why isn't she in more things?
Plus, Justin Timberlake isn't terrible. I don't know why this surprises me - I have a real soft spot for Alpha Dog.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 01 hours, 57 minutes
Challenge film total: 112
You're born into a family. You do not join them like you do the Marines.
Date: Sunday 10th February
Film: While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Director: Jon Turtletaub
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher
Running time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Sunday afternoon and a little bit of rain means a day in front of the telly. Channel 5 were showing While You Were Sleeping, a film I hadn't seen in forever. The Luce stopped over just as it started and we settled down to enjoy a spot of Sandra Bullock.
I watched the opening credits in awe, not realising how many familiar names were in the film. The Luce very kindly pointed out that a large percentage of the supporting cast were no longer with us, and I came to the conclusion that I have not watched this film at any point in this century. Now I know why. While You Were Sleeping is not a bad film, it just isn't a good film either. I often found my attention wandering - not the greatest of signs.
Considering how much of this seemed new to me, this film was predictable, and not all that interesting. Either I've matured, or it hasn't aged well. Or both.
I think it will be another 15 years before I watch this again.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 00 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 111
Film: While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Director: Jon Turtletaub
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher
Running time: 01 hour, 43 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
Sunday afternoon and a little bit of rain means a day in front of the telly. Channel 5 were showing While You Were Sleeping, a film I hadn't seen in forever. The Luce stopped over just as it started and we settled down to enjoy a spot of Sandra Bullock.
I watched the opening credits in awe, not realising how many familiar names were in the film. The Luce very kindly pointed out that a large percentage of the supporting cast were no longer with us, and I came to the conclusion that I have not watched this film at any point in this century. Now I know why. While You Were Sleeping is not a bad film, it just isn't a good film either. I often found my attention wandering - not the greatest of signs.
Considering how much of this seemed new to me, this film was predictable, and not all that interesting. Either I've matured, or it hasn't aged well. Or both.
I think it will be another 15 years before I watch this again.
Challenge day: 138
Challenge time: 09 days, 00 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 111
You are the husband they never had! You are that dreamboat guy that never came along!
Date: Friday 8th February
Film: Magic Mike (2012)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and Cody Horn
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After almost getting stuck in Barnes, The Luce and I finally made it home and planned to follow up Gangster Squad with a little more Gosling. Then The Luce got a glimpse at the post-Christmas updates to my movie collection and, somehow, I was introducing her to Magic Mike.
I know what you're thinking, we are perverts that want to watch Channing Tatum dance around with no pants on. That couldn't be further from the truth. I want to watch Joe Manganiello dance around with no pants on.
The reality of it is this, Magic Mike is much more than a film about strippers. In fact, the dance scenes make me cringe, a lot. The beauty of Magic Mike is in the story, it has a heart. You believe in the characters and their attempts to make a life for themselves.
This film makes fun of itself, it mixes the drama with comedy and ultimately is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Don't write this off as a stripping film
Challenge day: 136
Challenge time: 08 days, 19 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 108
Film: Magic Mike (2012)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and Cody Horn
Running Time: 01 hour, 50 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
After almost getting stuck in Barnes, The Luce and I finally made it home and planned to follow up Gangster Squad with a little more Gosling. Then The Luce got a glimpse at the post-Christmas updates to my movie collection and, somehow, I was introducing her to Magic Mike.
I know what you're thinking, we are perverts that want to watch Channing Tatum dance around with no pants on. That couldn't be further from the truth. I want to watch Joe Manganiello dance around with no pants on.
The reality of it is this, Magic Mike is much more than a film about strippers. In fact, the dance scenes make me cringe, a lot. The beauty of Magic Mike is in the story, it has a heart. You believe in the characters and their attempts to make a life for themselves.
This film makes fun of itself, it mixes the drama with comedy and ultimately is a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Don't write this off as a stripping film
Challenge day: 136
Challenge time: 08 days, 19 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 108
They're the dance people. They're here to keep the, uh, guests happy.
Date: Saturday 9th February
Film: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I have seen this film more times than I can count. I can't explain why I love it so much, most memories of my childhood are of me, the sister and the not quite sister waltzing around the house in our nighties, on our tiptoes, channelling Baby.
For the longest time, the majority of the plot was lost on me. I knew Penny got knocked up by Robbie the creep, I just didn't know what knocked up was. I knew that it was bad for Baby to be in Johnny's room all night, I just didn't know why. All I knew was that I needed to find a man that could wear a mullet and a leather jacket, move his hips to the rhythm and sweep me off my feet, possibly in a lake.
Dirty Dancing is my feel good film. One of my go to happy places. A film that I will always watch if it is on the telly, a DVD I will dig out any chance I get.
It may not be the greatest film ever made, but to me it is perfection.
Just don't call it a musical.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 110
Film: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey and Jerry Orbach
Running time: 01 hour, 40 minutes
Rating: 10/10
I have seen this film more times than I can count. I can't explain why I love it so much, most memories of my childhood are of me, the sister and the not quite sister waltzing around the house in our nighties, on our tiptoes, channelling Baby.
For the longest time, the majority of the plot was lost on me. I knew Penny got knocked up by Robbie the creep, I just didn't know what knocked up was. I knew that it was bad for Baby to be in Johnny's room all night, I just didn't know why. All I knew was that I needed to find a man that could wear a mullet and a leather jacket, move his hips to the rhythm and sweep me off my feet, possibly in a lake.
Dirty Dancing is my feel good film. One of my go to happy places. A film that I will always watch if it is on the telly, a DVD I will dig out any chance I get.
It may not be the greatest film ever made, but to me it is perfection.
Just don't call it a musical.
Challenge day: 137
Challenge time: 08 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 110
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