Date: Thursday 24th January
Film: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Running time: 02 hours, 32 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Harry Potter has two camps. Those that love it, and those that don't. I'm one of those ones that absolutely loves it.
Yes, it may be primarily a children's story, but that doesn't stop both the books and the film series being amazing.
Philosopher's Stone is the first in the series and that is obvious from the outset. There is a lot of introduction to the characters and the environment, but this is not a bad thing. The film is very faithful to the book and is a great representation of the world that JK Rowling created.
This is a great jumping off point to a series of films that, in my opinion, got better and better with each installment.
Challenge day: 121
Challenge time: 07 days, 08 hours, 33 minutes
Challenge film total: 90
Friday, 25 January 2013
Every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call "The Prestige"."
Date: Thursday 24th January
Film: The Prestige (2006)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Caine
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 7/10
My love for Christopher Nolan is not a secret, but somehow I have never got round to seeing The Prestige. I've heard mixed reviews; Nolanites have told me it's amazing, other film fans have said it's not great. Being that I'm a borderline Nolanite, I thought I would fall into the amazing camp.
Turns out, I'm not sure where I sit.
There were parts I enjoyed; there is a great cast and the build up of the mystery is brilliant; but the ending left me perplexed and wondering 'is that it?'
All in all, a really good film let down but a slightly ridiculous ending.
Challenge day: 121
Challenge time: 07 days, 06 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 89
Film: The Prestige (2006)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Caine
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 7/10
My love for Christopher Nolan is not a secret, but somehow I have never got round to seeing The Prestige. I've heard mixed reviews; Nolanites have told me it's amazing, other film fans have said it's not great. Being that I'm a borderline Nolanite, I thought I would fall into the amazing camp.
Turns out, I'm not sure where I sit.
There were parts I enjoyed; there is a great cast and the build up of the mystery is brilliant; but the ending left me perplexed and wondering 'is that it?'
All in all, a really good film let down but a slightly ridiculous ending.
Challenge day: 121
Challenge time: 07 days, 06 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 89
What ever you think is helping you, I have a responsibility as your friend to tell you that it's not.
Date: Sunday 20th January
Film: Your Sister's Sister (2011)
Director: Lynn Shelton
Starring: Emily Blunt, Mark Duplass and Rosemarie DeWitt
Running time: 01 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Emily Blunt is wonderful, isn't she? Your Sister's Sister proves this yet again.
The film is a slow burning exploration of the relationships between siblings, friends and more. While some of the territory is a little familiar, the film feels fresh.
Challenge day: 117
Challenge time: 07 days, 03 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 88
Film: Your Sister's Sister (2011)
Director: Lynn Shelton
Starring: Emily Blunt, Mark Duplass and Rosemarie DeWitt
Running time: 01 hour, 30 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Emily Blunt is wonderful, isn't she? Your Sister's Sister proves this yet again.
The film is a slow burning exploration of the relationships between siblings, friends and more. While some of the territory is a little familiar, the film feels fresh.
Challenge day: 117
Challenge time: 07 days, 03 hours, 51 minutes
Challenge film total: 88
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
It seems I've created a monster. A strangely persuasive monster
Date: Sunday 20th January
Film: Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger and Michael Fassbender
Running time: 02 hours, 33 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Snow had put a dampener on my plans for the weekend, Luce was stuck in Southampton, so there was no Harry Potter Studio Tour and Sunday night's planned Gosfest, including a trip to see Gangster Squad, had been put on hold. There was only one thing that could make this day a little more pleasurable, wrapping up in my Sofa Duvet with a chocolate orange and Michael Fassbender's beautiful face...
Challenge day: 117
Challenge time: 07 days, 02 hours, 21 minutes
Challenge film total: 87
Film: Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent, Diane Kruger and Michael Fassbender
Running time: 02 hours, 33 minutes
Rating: 8/10
Snow had put a dampener on my plans for the weekend, Luce was stuck in Southampton, so there was no Harry Potter Studio Tour and Sunday night's planned Gosfest, including a trip to see Gangster Squad, had been put on hold. There was only one thing that could make this day a little more pleasurable, wrapping up in my Sofa Duvet with a chocolate orange and Michael Fassbender's beautiful face...
(Jesus, he's a handsome son of a gun)
We had a flat vote, and it was decided that we would watch Inglourious (it was between that and my second favourite Michael).
I'm no Tarantino expert, I've seen some films I've enjoyed and some I really haven't. IB is one of the ones I really, really like, even if it does completely rewrite history. Granted, I was rubbish at History at school, I don't remember much, but I'm pretty sure I'd remember if Brad Pitt and a french woman hell bent on revenge blew up Hitler in a cinema thus ending WW2.
Christoph Waltz is a revelation in this film. He somehow manages to make a horrendous character a little bit likeable, I think it's this little wiggle...
Yes, there is violence, I wouldn't expect anything less from QT, but it doesn't ever seem gratuitous. Yes, there is bad language, again it seems to fit well with the film. Yes, there is Eli Roth, but not everything can be perfect.
I managed to get a little too comfortable under that sofa duvet and sleep through all of Fassbender's on screen time. I'm blaming the duvet. I've banished it back under the bed.
All in all, apart from the nap in the middle, I again enjoyed this film. I've seen it a few times now and enjoy it a little more every time. I'm even warming toward Brad Pitt.
Challenge day: 117
Challenge time: 07 days, 02 hours, 21 minutes
Challenge film total: 87
The old dreams were good dreams; they didn't work out, but glad I had them.
Date: Saturday 19th January
Film: The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep
Running time: 02 hours, 15 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I haven't seen this for a while, and Oscar season is fast approaching which always leaves me with a hankering for a spot of Meryl. Plus, it's Clint. Who doesn't love Clint.
The premise is simple enough, Meryl is Francesca an unfulfilled housewife, plodding through life in the early 60s. One weekend while her husband and kids are away she meets a photographer, passing through her rural community to take pictures of the local bridges. They spend 4 days together, they fall in love, and she is left with the decision to uproot her life for the man she loves or stay in her dutiful role.
The story is told through flashbacks after Francesca's children find her journals when clearing her house following her death, therefore the ending, and Francesca decision, doesn't come as a massive surprise, however that doesn't stop this being a good film. How can it be bad, it's Meryl and Clint.
Although, I have to admit I was a little miffed when I finished watching and started cleaning my kitchen and at no point didn't an exceptionally tall mystery man come to save me from the boring parts of life.
Curse it, why isn't my life more like the movies?
Challenge day: 116
Challenge time: 06 days, 23 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 86
Film: The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep
Running time: 02 hours, 15 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I haven't seen this for a while, and Oscar season is fast approaching which always leaves me with a hankering for a spot of Meryl. Plus, it's Clint. Who doesn't love Clint.
The premise is simple enough, Meryl is Francesca an unfulfilled housewife, plodding through life in the early 60s. One weekend while her husband and kids are away she meets a photographer, passing through her rural community to take pictures of the local bridges. They spend 4 days together, they fall in love, and she is left with the decision to uproot her life for the man she loves or stay in her dutiful role.
The story is told through flashbacks after Francesca's children find her journals when clearing her house following her death, therefore the ending, and Francesca decision, doesn't come as a massive surprise, however that doesn't stop this being a good film. How can it be bad, it's Meryl and Clint.
Although, I have to admit I was a little miffed when I finished watching and started cleaning my kitchen and at no point didn't an exceptionally tall mystery man come to save me from the boring parts of life.
Curse it, why isn't my life more like the movies?
Challenge day: 116
Challenge time: 06 days, 23 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 86
Better a silly girl with a flower than a silly boy with a horse and a stick.
Date: Friday 18th January
Film: A Knight's Tale (2001)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon and Paul Bettany
Running Time: 02 hours, 12 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
A little cheesy,obvious jokes, nonsensical pairing of rock songs and medieval setting, Alan Tudyk's fluorescent hair. There is a lot of things that could make this film hateful but, Jesus, I love it.
It's Heath Ledger, in a smock, on a horse, with a ruddy great stick. What's not to love?
Challenge day: 115
Challenge time: 06 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes
Challenge film total: 85
Film: A Knight's Tale (2001)
Director: Brian Helgeland
Starring: Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell, Shannyn Sossamon and Paul Bettany
Running Time: 02 hours, 12 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
A little cheesy,obvious jokes, nonsensical pairing of rock songs and medieval setting, Alan Tudyk's fluorescent hair. There is a lot of things that could make this film hateful but, Jesus, I love it.
It's Heath Ledger, in a smock, on a horse, with a ruddy great stick. What's not to love?
Challenge day: 115
Challenge time: 06 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes
Challenge film total: 85
I can see the pieces. How they should fit. How I want them to fit.
Date: Thursday 17th January
Film: Hollywoodland (2006)
Director: Allen Coulter
Starring: Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane and Bob Hoskins
Running Time: 02 hours, 06 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
I've had this sitting on top of my DVD player for about a month, and for someone with an unlimited monthly cap on LoveFilm rentals, that's a little frustrating, but I just couldn't seem to get into the mood to watch it.
I watched the opening 5 minutes more than once (is there anything more frustrating than a DVD without a start menu?), and I never seemed to be in the frame of mind to carry on. Thursday night, however, the mood struck. I fancied watching something I hadn't seen before, something that I knew little about and, following the joy of Armaggedon, I needed a little more Ben Affleck in my life.
Hollywoodland tells the mystery surrounding the death of TV Superman George Reeves. Adrien Brody is a private investigator looking into the circumstances surrounding George's death and, with the help of flashbacks, the audience get a feel for George's life, his acting career and his relationships, as well as some ideas as to how he lost his life.
This film is beautifully shot, you really get a sense of 1950's LA, the acting cannot be faulted and the script is sublime. I can see why there has been a lot of love for Hollywoodland. The problem is, I just didn't enjoy it. I could appreciate it, I could see why others loved it, but I just didn't seem to connect with it.
Challenge day: 114
Challenge time: 06 days, 19 hours, 21 minutes
Challenge film total: 84
Film: Hollywoodland (2006)
Director: Allen Coulter
Starring: Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane and Bob Hoskins
Running Time: 02 hours, 06 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
I've had this sitting on top of my DVD player for about a month, and for someone with an unlimited monthly cap on LoveFilm rentals, that's a little frustrating, but I just couldn't seem to get into the mood to watch it.
I watched the opening 5 minutes more than once (is there anything more frustrating than a DVD without a start menu?), and I never seemed to be in the frame of mind to carry on. Thursday night, however, the mood struck. I fancied watching something I hadn't seen before, something that I knew little about and, following the joy of Armaggedon, I needed a little more Ben Affleck in my life.
Hollywoodland tells the mystery surrounding the death of TV Superman George Reeves. Adrien Brody is a private investigator looking into the circumstances surrounding George's death and, with the help of flashbacks, the audience get a feel for George's life, his acting career and his relationships, as well as some ideas as to how he lost his life.
This film is beautifully shot, you really get a sense of 1950's LA, the acting cannot be faulted and the script is sublime. I can see why there has been a lot of love for Hollywoodland. The problem is, I just didn't enjoy it. I could appreciate it, I could see why others loved it, but I just didn't seem to connect with it.
Challenge day: 114
Challenge time: 06 days, 19 hours, 21 minutes
Challenge film total: 84
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I'm living!
Date: Monday 14th January
Film: Les Miserables (2012)
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway
Running time: 2 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Going into this I really wasn't sure if I it would be something I'd enjoy. I love the novel and have actively avoided the musical for fear of it ruining something I adore (and because my Mum told me she hated it, normally a sign that I will hate it too). I knew a couple of songs, one because it featured in a pretty key scene in season one of Dawson's Creek and the other because it's I Dreamed A Dream, and everyone knows that song, right?
To start off with, I wasn't sure what to think. Hugh Jackman seemed to sing the opener in an almost northern accent and the second Russell Crowe started warbling I did get the giggles, but within five minutes I was totally entranced.
Anne Hathaway managed to steal the entire film, despite having an on screen time that could not have been longer than 30 minutes and Hugh Jackman seemed to bring a real sense of emotion to every song, without slipping towards the musical theatre interpretation that could have been a downfall for so many of the cast.
Sacha Baron-Cohen, yet again, proved my belief that he can be a good performer, providing he didn't write the script, Helena Bonham-Carter was suitably bonkers and the child actors were brilliant.
This was a visually stunning film, the set pieces, the costumes, the lighting, all combining to create beautiful scenes. The scene in which Fatine sells her hair was suitably gorgeous and distressing.
My main issue with the whole film was some of the casting. I'm a big fan of both Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried but I don't feel they did their best work in this, there was something a little off about their singing, which in a film that is predominantly sung (don't go in expecting a lot of dialogue between each performance, that isn't how this one works), this was something of a let down.
In all, this was a good film, even if you aren't a massive musical fan, whilst the majority of the film is sung, it's done in a way that isn't overbearing.
I am baffled by all these reports of standing ovations and people weeping. I didn't see any of that, although perhaps the audience at The Barbican are just that bit too British and reserved for all that nonsense, thank God.
Challenge day: 111
Challenge time: 06 days, 17 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 83
Film: Les Miserables (2012)
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway
Running time: 2 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Going into this I really wasn't sure if I it would be something I'd enjoy. I love the novel and have actively avoided the musical for fear of it ruining something I adore (and because my Mum told me she hated it, normally a sign that I will hate it too). I knew a couple of songs, one because it featured in a pretty key scene in season one of Dawson's Creek and the other because it's I Dreamed A Dream, and everyone knows that song, right?
To start off with, I wasn't sure what to think. Hugh Jackman seemed to sing the opener in an almost northern accent and the second Russell Crowe started warbling I did get the giggles, but within five minutes I was totally entranced.
Anne Hathaway managed to steal the entire film, despite having an on screen time that could not have been longer than 30 minutes and Hugh Jackman seemed to bring a real sense of emotion to every song, without slipping towards the musical theatre interpretation that could have been a downfall for so many of the cast.
Sacha Baron-Cohen, yet again, proved my belief that he can be a good performer, providing he didn't write the script, Helena Bonham-Carter was suitably bonkers and the child actors were brilliant.
This was a visually stunning film, the set pieces, the costumes, the lighting, all combining to create beautiful scenes. The scene in which Fatine sells her hair was suitably gorgeous and distressing.
My main issue with the whole film was some of the casting. I'm a big fan of both Eddie Redmayne and Amanda Seyfried but I don't feel they did their best work in this, there was something a little off about their singing, which in a film that is predominantly sung (don't go in expecting a lot of dialogue between each performance, that isn't how this one works), this was something of a let down.
In all, this was a good film, even if you aren't a massive musical fan, whilst the majority of the film is sung, it's done in a way that isn't overbearing.
I am baffled by all these reports of standing ovations and people weeping. I didn't see any of that, although perhaps the audience at The Barbican are just that bit too British and reserved for all that nonsense, thank God.
Challenge day: 111
Challenge time: 06 days, 17 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 83
Don't worry. If you're going to hell, I'll just come pick you up.
Date: Sunday 13th January
Film: This Means War (2012)
Director: McG
Starring: Tom Hardy, Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon
Running time: 01 hour, 37 minutes
Rating: 7/10
A film I've already watched once during the challenge, and my feelings on it haven't changed. It's not the greatest film you'll ever see but it's by no means the worst. It's watchable, it's predictable, it's corny. It's everything you could possibly need for a Sunday afternoon film.
Challenge day: 110
Challenge time: 06 days, 14 hours, 38 minutes
Challenge film total: 82
Film: This Means War (2012)
Director: McG
Starring: Tom Hardy, Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon
Running time: 01 hour, 37 minutes
Rating: 7/10
A film I've already watched once during the challenge, and my feelings on it haven't changed. It's not the greatest film you'll ever see but it's by no means the worst. It's watchable, it's predictable, it's corny. It's everything you could possibly need for a Sunday afternoon film.
Challenge day: 110
Challenge time: 06 days, 14 hours, 38 minutes
Challenge film total: 82
The fate of the planet is in the hands of a bunch of retards I wouldn't trust with a potato gun.
Date: Saturday 12th January
Film: Armageddon (1998)
Director: Michael Bay
Starring: Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler
Running time: 2 hours, 31 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm putting it out there. I love Armageddon.
Yes, it is corny. Yes, it is predictable. Yes, it is a ridiculous concept but, there is something about it that I cannot resist. It might be Ben Affleck in a vest...
Challenge day: 109
Challenge time: 6 days, 13 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 81
Film: Armageddon (1998)
Director: Michael Bay
Starring: Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler
Running time: 2 hours, 31 minutes
Rating: 7/10
I'm putting it out there. I love Armageddon.
Yes, it is corny. Yes, it is predictable. Yes, it is a ridiculous concept but, there is something about it that I cannot resist. It might be Ben Affleck in a vest...
I've seen Armageddon more times than is healthy for anyone. I had a friend at school whose parents had the very first DVD player I'd ever seen, they only had three DVDs, one of which was Armageddon. We would all gather at her house after school and watch this at least twice a week. It's one of those films I remember going to see at the cinema, I remember who I was with, I remember roughly where we sat, I remember who cried the hardest (and still mock them for it).
After all those teenage viewings, I've taken a little break from this, I don't remember watching it anytime in the last few years. However on Friday we found ourselves gathered around the TV in the office watching the '20 greatest movie songs' and as soon as that Aerosmith video started up, we were off in our own little world discussing the merits of one of the cheesiest action films in a long time (OK, OK, we mainly discussed Affleck in that vest).
Saturday night rolls around, I'm flicking through the channels at my parents house, trying to find something to watch and, as if the programming Gods had heard the previous days discussion, BBC Three were showing Armageddon.
The film seems to be a lot cheesier than I remember, and with a less accomplished cast it could have been a complete disaster, but all told, it's a great piece of escapist cinema. It doesn't expect anything of it's audience and aims to do nothing but entertain, and that it does. In buckets.
Challenge time: 6 days, 13 hours, 01 minute
Challenge film total: 81
What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?
Date: Friday 11th January
Film: Groundhog Day (1993)
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell
Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I adore Bill Murray. I'm sure I've mentioned that before.
Groundhog Day is another film that proves I am justified in my love for him, and it sits near the top, second only to Ghostbusters, of my Brilliant Bill Murray Scale.
It's a simple enough story, a man repeats the same day over and over. He is the only person aware that he is repeating the day, and his interactions with people change as his outlook on the situation differs.
Somewhat ironically, given the film's premise, this movie never seems to get old or repetitive. I always find myself laughing along and it's one of the rare times that I find Andie MacDowell tolerable (I couldn't tell you why I don't enjoy watching her, I just know that something annoys me).
I'm not a fan of the phrase 'feel good film' but it most definitely applies here.
Challenge day: 108
Challenge time: 06 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes
Challenge film total: 80
Film: Groundhog Day (1993)
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell
Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I adore Bill Murray. I'm sure I've mentioned that before.
Groundhog Day is another film that proves I am justified in my love for him, and it sits near the top, second only to Ghostbusters, of my Brilliant Bill Murray Scale.
It's a simple enough story, a man repeats the same day over and over. He is the only person aware that he is repeating the day, and his interactions with people change as his outlook on the situation differs.
Somewhat ironically, given the film's premise, this movie never seems to get old or repetitive. I always find myself laughing along and it's one of the rare times that I find Andie MacDowell tolerable (I couldn't tell you why I don't enjoy watching her, I just know that something annoys me).
I'm not a fan of the phrase 'feel good film' but it most definitely applies here.
Challenge day: 108
Challenge time: 06 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes
Challenge film total: 80
Thursday, 10 January 2013
I know I can do this.
Date: Friday 4th January
Film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
Director: Bill Condon
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 01 hours, 57 minutes
Rating: 5/10
The second to last film in the saga, part one of the big finale, and the most ridiculous of the bunch.
Granted, this absurdity comes from the plot, from the concept of someone carrying a vampire-human hybrid baby, but there is a certain amount of ridiculous in people sitting in a room watching a pregnant woman sit around sipping cartons of blood until the baby breaks her spine and needs biting out of her stomach.
I think I'm done on the Twilight front. I don't know if I'll be rushing to the cinema to watch Breaking Dawn - Part 2.
Challenge day: 101
Challenge time: 06 days, 08 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 79
Film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)
Director: Bill Condon
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 01 hours, 57 minutes
Rating: 5/10
The second to last film in the saga, part one of the big finale, and the most ridiculous of the bunch.
Granted, this absurdity comes from the plot, from the concept of someone carrying a vampire-human hybrid baby, but there is a certain amount of ridiculous in people sitting in a room watching a pregnant woman sit around sipping cartons of blood until the baby breaks her spine and needs biting out of her stomach.
I think I'm done on the Twilight front. I don't know if I'll be rushing to the cinema to watch Breaking Dawn - Part 2.
Challenge day: 101
Challenge time: 06 days, 08 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 79
I know the consequences of the choice your making
Date: Friday 4th January
Film: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
Director:David Slade
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 04 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
The saga continues. I feel this was the best of the bunch. There's a little more going on, a spot of action and some great scenery.
By no means the greatest film I've seen but definitely the best Twilight film I've watched.
There is large scope for improvement but I can see why some people enjoy these films.
Challenge day: 101
Challenge time: 06 days, 06 hours, 52 minutes
Challenge film total: 78
Film: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
Director:David Slade
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 04 minutes
Rating: 6.5/10
The saga continues. I feel this was the best of the bunch. There's a little more going on, a spot of action and some great scenery.
By no means the greatest film I've seen but definitely the best Twilight film I've watched.
There is large scope for improvement but I can see why some people enjoy these films.
Challenge day: 101
Challenge time: 06 days, 06 hours, 52 minutes
Challenge film total: 78
You promised you wouldn't do anything stupid or reckless
Date: Thursday 3rd January
Film: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 5/10
The second film in the saga, based on what I feel is the worse of a bunch of bad books (still, a bit of a guilty pleasure).
Having now watched almost the entire saga, I can say that I feel this is the worst film of the bunch. It doesn't have a lot in terms of action, and there isn't a massive plot.
I didn't really enjoy this one at all.
Challenge day: 100
Challenge time: 06 days, 04 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 77
Film: The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
Director: Chris Weitz
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 10 minutes
Rating: 5/10
The second film in the saga, based on what I feel is the worse of a bunch of bad books (still, a bit of a guilty pleasure).
Having now watched almost the entire saga, I can say that I feel this is the worst film of the bunch. It doesn't have a lot in terms of action, and there isn't a massive plot.
I didn't really enjoy this one at all.
Challenge day: 100
Challenge time: 06 days, 04 hours, 48 minutes
Challenge film total: 77
Well then I hope you enjoy disappointment.
Date: Tuesday 1st January
Film: Twilight (2008)
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 02 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Someone very kindly gifted me the first four Twilight films for Christmas. I'll admit, the books were a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine - the writing is terrible, the female protagonist is whiny and irritating, but they were an easy read.
I had already seen the first two films and wasn't sold. Seeing as they are now part of my collection, the least I can do is give them all a chance.
The opening to the series was, for me, seriously disappointing. I'm a fan of Catherine Hardwicke's previous work, and think Kristen Stewart was brilliant in Into the Wild. I think the problem is that a cast and crew of indie filmmakers were bought together to create a film that, unbeknownst to most, was to become part of a phenomenon.
Yes, there are aspects of the ridiculous - the growling, the sparkling - but I feel these are a fault in the stories, as opposed to a fault of the film. With a following as large as that of Twilight, there was no way these traits could be left out, even if they are an easy source of mockery for the film.
This film is a faithful adaptation to the books, but it isn't for everyone.
Challenge day: 98
Challenge time: 06 days, 00 hours, 34 minutes
Challenge film total: 75
Film: Twilight (2008)
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke
Running time: 02 hours, 02 minutes
Rating: 6/10
Someone very kindly gifted me the first four Twilight films for Christmas. I'll admit, the books were a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine - the writing is terrible, the female protagonist is whiny and irritating, but they were an easy read.
I had already seen the first two films and wasn't sold. Seeing as they are now part of my collection, the least I can do is give them all a chance.
The opening to the series was, for me, seriously disappointing. I'm a fan of Catherine Hardwicke's previous work, and think Kristen Stewart was brilliant in Into the Wild. I think the problem is that a cast and crew of indie filmmakers were bought together to create a film that, unbeknownst to most, was to become part of a phenomenon.
Yes, there are aspects of the ridiculous - the growling, the sparkling - but I feel these are a fault in the stories, as opposed to a fault of the film. With a following as large as that of Twilight, there was no way these traits could be left out, even if they are an easy source of mockery for the film.
This film is a faithful adaptation to the books, but it isn't for everyone.
Challenge day: 98
Challenge time: 06 days, 00 hours, 34 minutes
Challenge film total: 75
You know it happens sometimes that the spirit gets yanked out so fast that the essence still feels it has work to do here.
Date: Wednesday 2nd January
Film: Ghost (1990)
Director: Jerry Zucker
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg
Running time: 02 hours, 07 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I love Ghost. I have done since I was a kid. I can't remember the first time I saw it, I just know that I spent most of my childhood being scared out of my wits by Willy Lopez and the mad subway ghost. They still creep me out now.The CGI hasn't aged well, the demons from below are brilliant examples of something that was the height of sophistication (and child scaring) in the early 90's but now will just make you chuckle.
It's almost guaranteed that I will develop a serious case of 'something in my eye' around the first "ditto" and will be in floods of tears by the final goodbye.
The saddest bit about Ghost? The realisation that my childhood dream of marrying Patrick 'King of the Mullets' Swayze will never come true. I guess it's back to my original plan. Move over Miss Piggy, Kermit is MINE.
Challenge day: 99
Challenge time: 06 days, 02 hours, 38 minutes
Challenge film total: 76
Film: Ghost (1990)
Director: Jerry Zucker
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg
Running time: 02 hours, 07 minutes
Rating: 9/10
I love Ghost. I have done since I was a kid. I can't remember the first time I saw it, I just know that I spent most of my childhood being scared out of my wits by Willy Lopez and the mad subway ghost. They still creep me out now.The CGI hasn't aged well, the demons from below are brilliant examples of something that was the height of sophistication (and child scaring) in the early 90's but now will just make you chuckle.
It's almost guaranteed that I will develop a serious case of 'something in my eye' around the first "ditto" and will be in floods of tears by the final goodbye.
The saddest bit about Ghost? The realisation that my childhood dream of marrying Patrick 'King of the Mullets' Swayze will never come true. I guess it's back to my original plan. Move over Miss Piggy, Kermit is MINE.
Challenge day: 99
Challenge time: 06 days, 02 hours, 38 minutes
Challenge film total: 76
Adventure is out there!
Date: Tuesday 1st January
Film: Up (2009)
Director: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer and Jordan Nagai
Running time: 01 hour 36 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Oh God, this film...
A brilliant animated film about coping with grief, making friends and opening your heart. It's funny, touching and will reduce even the hardest of hearts to a sobbing wreck.
Plus, there are talking dogs. That's right, DOGS THAT TALK.
Challenge day: 98
Challenge time: 05 days, 22 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 74
Film: Up (2009)
Director: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer and Jordan Nagai
Running time: 01 hour 36 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Oh God, this film...
A brilliant animated film about coping with grief, making friends and opening your heart. It's funny, touching and will reduce even the hardest of hearts to a sobbing wreck.
Plus, there are talking dogs. That's right, DOGS THAT TALK.
Challenge day: 98
Challenge time: 05 days, 22 hours, 29 minutes
Challenge film total: 74
They just want a good show, that's all they want.
Date: Monday 31st November
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Running Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
New Year's Eve, a bowl of chili, a glass of champagne, some good friends and a film I've watched, and enjoyed, recently.
Nothing to add on the second viewing. It's still great.
Challenge day: 97
Challenge time: 05 days, 20 hours, 53 minutes
Challenge film total: 73
Film: The Hunger Games (2012)
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth
Running Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
New Year's Eve, a bowl of chili, a glass of champagne, some good friends and a film I've watched, and enjoyed, recently.
Nothing to add on the second viewing. It's still great.
Challenge day: 97
Challenge time: 05 days, 20 hours, 53 minutes
Challenge film total: 73
Are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human?
Date: Monday 31st December
Film: Stardust (2007)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro
Running Time: 02 hours, 07 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
A brilliant adaptation of a great book (thank you Neil Gaiman), Stardust is a family fantasy film that I always enjoy watching. A strong cast (although I was shocked to discover that the beautiful new Superman plays the dastardly Humphrey - not sure why I hadn't noticed that before), combined with a wonderful storyline, some witty one-liners and a few pretty good looking special effects, all work together to make this an enjoyable movie.
Challenge day: 97
Challenge time: 05 days, 18 hours, 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 72
Film: Stardust (2007)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro
Running Time: 02 hours, 07 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
A brilliant adaptation of a great book (thank you Neil Gaiman), Stardust is a family fantasy film that I always enjoy watching. A strong cast (although I was shocked to discover that the beautiful new Superman plays the dastardly Humphrey - not sure why I hadn't noticed that before), combined with a wonderful storyline, some witty one-liners and a few pretty good looking special effects, all work together to make this an enjoyable movie.
Challenge day: 97
Challenge time: 05 days, 18 hours, 31 minutes
Challenge film total: 72
Are you the lady who doesn't realize she's pregnant until she's sitting on the toilet and the kid pops out?
Date: Sunday 30th December
Film: Knocked Up (2007)
Director: Judd Apatow
Starring: Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann
Running Time: 02 hours, 09 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I am a massive fan of Judd Apatow and his gang of Merry Men, I think it's because of my obsession with Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, and Knocked Up is probably my favourite of their film collaborations.
This is a film that isn't really about the leads, or even the plot, it's about the little interactions with the supporting cast. Yes, the jokes are immature, but that doesn't stop them from being funny. Incredibly funny.
No matter how many times I watch this, I will always laugh out loud.
Challenge day: 96
Challenge time: 05 days, 16 hours, 24 minutes
Challenge film total: 71
Film: Knocked Up (2007)
Director: Judd Apatow
Starring: Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann
Running Time: 02 hours, 09 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I am a massive fan of Judd Apatow and his gang of Merry Men, I think it's because of my obsession with Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, and Knocked Up is probably my favourite of their film collaborations.
This is a film that isn't really about the leads, or even the plot, it's about the little interactions with the supporting cast. Yes, the jokes are immature, but that doesn't stop them from being funny. Incredibly funny.
No matter how many times I watch this, I will always laugh out loud.
Challenge day: 96
Challenge time: 05 days, 16 hours, 24 minutes
Challenge film total: 71
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
So this is the Hobbit.
Date: Sunday 30th December
Film: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan and Richard Armitage
Running Time: 02 hours, 49 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I am not a Middle Earth fan. I tried reading the books and didn't enjoy them, I made an attempt to watch the LOTR trilogy that didn't go so well (it was New Year's Day, I'd just swum in a Welsh lake, I'm really not sure I was in the best place for anything that involved thinking), and I wasn't convinced that I wanted to see The Hobbit.
I'm not going to say I am completely converted, but I did really enjoy this film. There were aspects that didn't click with me - whilst the motion capture is amazing; the characters created using this are well defined and the texture is incredibly realistic; the (albeit rarely used) CGI effects struck me as a little basic and dated.
I am definitely Elf-ist, they aren't a massive feature of An Unexpected Journey, but when they did pop up I found myself getting a little distracted.
This is a well cast film, Martin Freeman plays the lead brilliantly and the dwarves do a great job of separating themselves as individual characters, a difficult task when there are 13 similarly dressed characters running around on screen.
We didn't see The Hobbit in higher frame rate, nor 3D and I'm glad we didn't. Some of the more fast moving scenes would have been, I imagine, difficult to track.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. I think I'll find myself back in Middle Earth again sometime soon.
Challenge day: 96
Challenge time: 05 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 70
Film: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan and Richard Armitage
Running Time: 02 hours, 49 minutes
Rating: 8/10
I am not a Middle Earth fan. I tried reading the books and didn't enjoy them, I made an attempt to watch the LOTR trilogy that didn't go so well (it was New Year's Day, I'd just swum in a Welsh lake, I'm really not sure I was in the best place for anything that involved thinking), and I wasn't convinced that I wanted to see The Hobbit.
I'm not going to say I am completely converted, but I did really enjoy this film. There were aspects that didn't click with me - whilst the motion capture is amazing; the characters created using this are well defined and the texture is incredibly realistic; the (albeit rarely used) CGI effects struck me as a little basic and dated.
I am definitely Elf-ist, they aren't a massive feature of An Unexpected Journey, but when they did pop up I found myself getting a little distracted.
This is a well cast film, Martin Freeman plays the lead brilliantly and the dwarves do a great job of separating themselves as individual characters, a difficult task when there are 13 similarly dressed characters running around on screen.
We didn't see The Hobbit in higher frame rate, nor 3D and I'm glad we didn't. Some of the more fast moving scenes would have been, I imagine, difficult to track.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. I think I'll find myself back in Middle Earth again sometime soon.
Challenge day: 96
Challenge time: 05 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes
Challenge film total: 70
I'm going to help you rediscover your manhood. Do you have any idea where you could have lost it?
Date: Saturday 29th December
Film: Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Director: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone
Running Time: 01 hour, 58 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Crazy, Stupid, Love was one of my highlights of last year and not just because of Ryan Gosling minus his shirt.
An enjoyable comedy that explores relationships from a variety of angles with a brilliant cast that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Plus, Gos looks very good in a suit. And out a suit.
Challenge day: 95
Challenge time: 05 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes
Challenge film total: 69
Film: Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Director: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone
Running Time: 01 hour, 58 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Crazy, Stupid, Love was one of my highlights of last year and not just because of Ryan Gosling minus his shirt.
An enjoyable comedy that explores relationships from a variety of angles with a brilliant cast that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Plus, Gos looks very good in a suit. And out a suit.
Challenge day: 95
Challenge time: 05 days, 11 hours, 26 minutes
Challenge film total: 69
I am issuing an arrest warrant for the masked vigilante known as Spider-Man!
Date: Saturday 29th December
Film: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans
Running Time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 7/10
It's difficult to watch this without comparing it to the Sam Raimi version, and it doesn't come off brilliantly.
Whilst I think Garfield is a better Spider-Man, and he does have great chemistry with Emma Stone, this film is let down by a poor villain and some terrible CGI.
The leads are well formed, and it's great to see them get a bit more back story, but ultimately the final face off is disappointing. If anything, it becomes almost like watching two different films. The first half has potential to lead on to something great, the second half played out like a B-Movie.
I might watch this again, but only until the lizard pops up.
Challenge day: 95
Challenge time: 05 days, 09 hours, 28 minutes
Challenge film total: 68
Film: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans
Running Time: 02 hours, 16 minutes
Rating: 7/10
It's difficult to watch this without comparing it to the Sam Raimi version, and it doesn't come off brilliantly.
Whilst I think Garfield is a better Spider-Man, and he does have great chemistry with Emma Stone, this film is let down by a poor villain and some terrible CGI.
The leads are well formed, and it's great to see them get a bit more back story, but ultimately the final face off is disappointing. If anything, it becomes almost like watching two different films. The first half has potential to lead on to something great, the second half played out like a B-Movie.
I might watch this again, but only until the lizard pops up.
Challenge day: 95
Challenge time: 05 days, 09 hours, 28 minutes
Challenge film total: 68
You put those people together, you can't expect what's going to happen.
Date: Friday 28th December
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
One of my favourite films of 2012 (if not my absolute favourite) and in the 8 months since its release I've watched it more times than is probably healthy for anyone. In fact, I am incredibly surprised that this is the first time I've watched it since the challenge began.
Although, this probably wasn't the best time to watch, I'd been back in London half an evening, 1am was fast approaching and I still had to unpack, repack and get some sleep before heading to Southampton at 8am. Of course, I didn't want to do anything but set up my snazzy new Blu Ray player (thanks Santa!) and the only way to test out my wiring skills would be to put a disc in the machine. Obviously.
There is no part of this film that I do not love. It combines all the things I adore; Joss Whedon, superheroes, handsome boys and action scenes that make sense. That doesn't mean I'm not still really annoyed about the whole blade removal debacle.
I find Avengers inherently enjoyable. Joss has written a script that combines pre-established characters and new faces without letting anyone fade into the background. There are lines that, no matter how many times I watch the movie, make me smile.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 07 hours, 12 minutes
Challenge film total: 67
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
One of my favourite films of 2012 (if not my absolute favourite) and in the 8 months since its release I've watched it more times than is probably healthy for anyone. In fact, I am incredibly surprised that this is the first time I've watched it since the challenge began.
Although, this probably wasn't the best time to watch, I'd been back in London half an evening, 1am was fast approaching and I still had to unpack, repack and get some sleep before heading to Southampton at 8am. Of course, I didn't want to do anything but set up my snazzy new Blu Ray player (thanks Santa!) and the only way to test out my wiring skills would be to put a disc in the machine. Obviously.
There is no part of this film that I do not love. It combines all the things I adore; Joss Whedon, superheroes, handsome boys and action scenes that make sense. That doesn't mean I'm not still really annoyed about the whole blade removal debacle.
I find Avengers inherently enjoyable. Joss has written a script that combines pre-established characters and new faces without letting anyone fade into the background. There are lines that, no matter how many times I watch the movie, make me smile.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 07 hours, 12 minutes
Challenge film total: 67
Monday, 7 January 2013
Were we just as obnoxious as these kids back in the day?
Date: Friday 28th December
Film: American Reunion (2012)
Director: Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg
Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan and Seann William Scott
Running Time: 01 hour, 53 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Another viewing of a film I've watched once before during this challenge.
This didn't lose anything on second viewing, although I don't think it was one of those films where you picked up more, noticed things you've missed before. It was still enjoyable.
Perfect fluff for Sunday Night Movie Club, an easy watch.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 66
Film: American Reunion (2012)
Director: Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg
Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan and Seann William Scott
Running Time: 01 hour, 53 minutes
Rating: 7/10
Another viewing of a film I've watched once before during this challenge.
This didn't lose anything on second viewing, although I don't think it was one of those films where you picked up more, noticed things you've missed before. It was still enjoyable.
Perfect fluff for Sunday Night Movie Club, an easy watch.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 04 hours, 49 minutes
Challenge film total: 66
the light's hitting your hair in this great way. It's like a crippled tree reaching for heaven.
Date: Friday 28th December
Film: Cyrus (2010)
Director: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei
Running time: 01 hour, 31 minutes
Rating: 8/10
One night back in London between Christmas and New Year breaks and Sunday Night Movie Club is meeting a little early (and a little late).
First up in the evening's double bill is Cyrus.
Cyrus tells the story of John who meets Molly, starts to fall for her, then meets her adult son, Cyrus, who goes out of his way to make things difficult for the couple.
It's nice to see a film in which Jonah Hill doesn't play his Superbad character yet again. Whilst he does make you laugh, he does this is a quiet, understated, borderline creepy way.
John C. Reilly and Marisa Tomei are, as they almost always are, brilliant as an older couple finding love following unsuccessful previous relationships. They both come across as vulnerable characters learning how to start a relationship again.
Don't expect this film to be a laugh out loud, riotous, comedy film. It is humourous but this isn't obvious, it's slow burning, understated, discreet.
I liked this. A lot.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 02 hours, 56 minutes
Challenge film total: 65
Film: Cyrus (2010)
Director: Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marisa Tomei
Running time: 01 hour, 31 minutes
Rating: 8/10
One night back in London between Christmas and New Year breaks and Sunday Night Movie Club is meeting a little early (and a little late).
First up in the evening's double bill is Cyrus.
Cyrus tells the story of John who meets Molly, starts to fall for her, then meets her adult son, Cyrus, who goes out of his way to make things difficult for the couple.
It's nice to see a film in which Jonah Hill doesn't play his Superbad character yet again. Whilst he does make you laugh, he does this is a quiet, understated, borderline creepy way.
John C. Reilly and Marisa Tomei are, as they almost always are, brilliant as an older couple finding love following unsuccessful previous relationships. They both come across as vulnerable characters learning how to start a relationship again.
Don't expect this film to be a laugh out loud, riotous, comedy film. It is humourous but this isn't obvious, it's slow burning, understated, discreet.
I liked this. A lot.
Challenge day: 94
Challenge time: 05 days, 02 hours, 56 minutes
Challenge film total: 65
When you're desperate, that's when you got no choice.
Date: Wednesday 26th December
Film: Public Enemies (2009)
Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard
Running time: 02 hours, 20 minutes
Rating: 5/10
I really found this film dull. How can it have such a strong cast and yet completely fail to engage me? A lot of people have told me that I'd enjoy this, that they really enjoyed it, but it just wasn't for me. I'm not really sure why.
It was nice, for the first time in a long time, to see Johnny Depp playing a character that wasn't another caricature of Captain Jack Sparrow, and his cheekbones are pretty special but other than the handsome girls and boys I struggled to find any positives with this movie.
Challenge day: 92
Challenge time: 05 days, 01 hour, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 64
Film: Public Enemies (2009)
Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard
Running time: 02 hours, 20 minutes
Rating: 5/10
I really found this film dull. How can it have such a strong cast and yet completely fail to engage me? A lot of people have told me that I'd enjoy this, that they really enjoyed it, but it just wasn't for me. I'm not really sure why.
It was nice, for the first time in a long time, to see Johnny Depp playing a character that wasn't another caricature of Captain Jack Sparrow, and his cheekbones are pretty special but other than the handsome girls and boys I struggled to find any positives with this movie.
Challenge day: 92
Challenge time: 05 days, 01 hour, 25 minutes
Challenge film total: 64
You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear! You're - you're an action figure!
Date: Tuesday 25th December
Film: Toy Story (1995)
Director: John Lasseter
Running time: 01 hour, 21 minutes
Rating: 9/10
This might be the worst of the trilogy, but it's still a wonderful film and I can't think of a better thing to pop on the telly while I'm peeling hundreds of potatoes and parsnips.
While there have been some great animated movies in the past, Toy Story remains one of my favourites. Unlike Disney films, Pixar throw in jokes for their adult audiences and create characters that everyone loves, characters that have flaws, that the audience connects to.
Luckily for me, someone treated me to the trilogy for Christmas. I might have to catch up on two and three. It's been a while since I've watched them all.
This might be the worst of the trilogy, but it's still a wonderful film and I can't think of a better thing to pop on the telly while I'm peeling hundreds of potatoes and parsnips.
While there have been some great animated movies in the past, Toy Story remains one of my favourites. Unlike Disney films, Pixar throw in jokes for their adult audiences and create characters that everyone loves, characters that have flaws, that the audience connects to.
Luckily for me, someone treated me to the trilogy for Christmas. I might have to catch up on two and three. It's been a while since I've watched them all.
Challenge day: 91
Challenge time: 04 days, 23 hours, 5 minutes
Challenge film total: 63
You've seen the films, kiddo. It ain't over 'til it's over.
Date: Sunday 23rd December
Film: Love Actually (2003)
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy
Running time: 02 hours, 15 minutes
Rating: 8/10
So, I've written about this film before, but this time was a little different. We found ourselves at The PCC, with mince pies and mulled wine in hand and ready to fill ourselves to the brim with festive joy.
Just what we needed to prepare ourselves for the festive week approaching.
Did I mention how much I love Christmas?
Challenge day: 89
Challenge time: 04 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 62
Film: Love Actually (2003)
Director: Richard Curtis
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy
Running time: 02 hours, 15 minutes
Rating: 8/10
So, I've written about this film before, but this time was a little different. We found ourselves at The PCC, with mince pies and mulled wine in hand and ready to fill ourselves to the brim with festive joy.
Just what we needed to prepare ourselves for the festive week approaching.
Did I mention how much I love Christmas?
Challenge day: 89
Challenge time: 04 days, 21 hours, 54 minutes
Challenge film total: 62
Galloping around the cosmos is a game for the young, Doctor
Date: Saturday 22nd December
Film: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley
Running time: 01 hour, 53 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Do I really need to write about how brilliant The Wrath of Khan is?
No, didn't think so.
Challenge day: 88
Challenge time: 04 days, 19 hours, 39 minutes
Challenge film total: 61
Film: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley
Running time: 01 hour, 53 minutes
Rating: 10/10
Do I really need to write about how brilliant The Wrath of Khan is?
No, didn't think so.
Challenge day: 88
Challenge time: 04 days, 19 hours, 39 minutes
Challenge film total: 61
I just like to smile, smiling's my favourite
Date: Thursday 20th December
Film: Elf (2003)
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen
Running time: 01 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Packing up for Christmas and there was only one film that I could pop on in the background. Considering how intolerable I generally find Will Ferrell, and my fussiness when it comes to Christmas films, it surprises me just how much I love Elf. It's number three on my Christmas movie chart (shockingly, I didn't watch one or two at all this Christmas), it always makes me smile and is constantly quoted in my house from mid-November.
I'm thinking it must be Zooey Deschanel, my love for her overrides any feelings toward Will Ferrell, and his ability to play the same character in every single film he is in. Plus, it's about Christmas and I bloody love Christmas.
Challenge day: 86
Challenge time: 04 days, 17 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 60
Film: Elf (2003)
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen
Running time: 01 hours, 37 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Packing up for Christmas and there was only one film that I could pop on in the background. Considering how intolerable I generally find Will Ferrell, and my fussiness when it comes to Christmas films, it surprises me just how much I love Elf. It's number three on my Christmas movie chart (shockingly, I didn't watch one or two at all this Christmas), it always makes me smile and is constantly quoted in my house from mid-November.
I'm thinking it must be Zooey Deschanel, my love for her overrides any feelings toward Will Ferrell, and his ability to play the same character in every single film he is in. Plus, it's about Christmas and I bloody love Christmas.
Challenge day: 86
Challenge time: 04 days, 17 hours, 46 minutes
Challenge film total: 60
It's the quiet places where all the mad shit happens.
Date: Tuesday 18th December
Film: Grabbers (2012)
Director: Jon Wright
Starring: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley and Russell Tovey
Running time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 9/10
The second film in the Den of Geek double bill started with an intro to a room full of people I admire (don't forget, I had that hideous jumper on, for the shame). We found ourselves sat directly in front of John Landis and the Grabbers director; Jon Wright, writer; Kevin LeHane and one if it's stars; Russell Tovey. There was no pressure here for us to enjoy the film.
It's a good job it was bloody brilliant then.
The concept is simple. Alien lifeforms attack a small Irish island and the only way to protect yourself from being killed it to be drunk.
We laughed riotously from beginning to end, I jumped 20 foot high regularly (I really am pathetic when it comes to loud noises and things popping up as if from nowhere), and all in all we loved it.
Grabbers had a limited cinema release and is already out on DVD (I really should have updated this blog a bit sooner, stupid Christmas break). If you have the time, seek out a copy and enjoy.
Challenge day: 84
Challenge time: 04 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes
Challenge film total: 59
Film: Grabbers (2012)
Director: Jon Wright
Starring: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley and Russell Tovey
Running time: 01 hour, 34 minutes
Rating: 9/10
The second film in the Den of Geek double bill started with an intro to a room full of people I admire (don't forget, I had that hideous jumper on, for the shame). We found ourselves sat directly in front of John Landis and the Grabbers director; Jon Wright, writer; Kevin LeHane and one if it's stars; Russell Tovey. There was no pressure here for us to enjoy the film.
It's a good job it was bloody brilliant then.
The concept is simple. Alien lifeforms attack a small Irish island and the only way to protect yourself from being killed it to be drunk.
We laughed riotously from beginning to end, I jumped 20 foot high regularly (I really am pathetic when it comes to loud noises and things popping up as if from nowhere), and all in all we loved it.
Grabbers had a limited cinema release and is already out on DVD (I really should have updated this blog a bit sooner, stupid Christmas break). If you have the time, seek out a copy and enjoy.
Challenge day: 84
Challenge time: 04 days, 16 hours, 19 minutes
Challenge film total: 59
I have no funk. I'm totally funkless.
Date: Tuesday 18th December
Film: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass and Jake Johnson
Running time: 01 hour, 26 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Thanks to the wonderful folks over at Den of Geek, The CW and I found ourselves in a hotel screening room that was a little bit too posh for us, me wearing the ugliest of all Christmas jumpers...
Challenge day: 84
Challenge time: 04 days, 14 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge film total: 58
Film: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass and Jake Johnson
Running time: 01 hour, 26 minutes
Rating: 9/10
Thanks to the wonderful folks over at Den of Geek, The CW and I found ourselves in a hotel screening room that was a little bit too posh for us, me wearing the ugliest of all Christmas jumpers...
ready for a double bill of two films I've been waiting a long time to see.
Up first, Safety Not Guaranteed. We had tried to see this at Sundance earlier in the year but tickets were hard to come by. It was definitely worth the wait.
Whilst this film is pegged as a being about a slightly odd man who thinks he can time travel, this is essentially a film about personal growth and the building of relationships. It also explores the oddities and eccentricities of human behaviour.
There are scenes where you laugh out loud, and then two minutes later I found myself feeling an overwhelming sense of melancholy and sympathy toward the characters and the way they are treated by the world at large.
The characters are well formed and brilliantly acted, Mark Duplass steals the film, which is saying something considering just how great Audrey Plaza is.
If you get the chance, go see this.
Challenge day: 84
Challenge time: 04 days, 14 hours, 35 minutes
Challenge film total: 58
Who was that pointy-eared bastard?
Date: Monday 17th December
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
If you don't like this film, we can't be friends.
I adore it, lens flare and all.
A great re-imagining of a classic franchise.
There is nothing that makes me happier than handsome boys in space.
I will probably watch this 50 more times before Into Darkness comes out later this year.
Challenge day: 83
Challenge time: 04 days, 13 hours, 09 minutes
Challenge film total: 83
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
If you don't like this film, we can't be friends.
I adore it, lens flare and all.
A great re-imagining of a classic franchise.
There is nothing that makes me happier than handsome boys in space.
I will probably watch this 50 more times before Into Darkness comes out later this year.
Challenge day: 83
Challenge time: 04 days, 13 hours, 09 minutes
Challenge film total: 83
You have to go and help people, you're good at it
Date: Saturday 15th December
Film: The Impossible (2012)
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland
Running time: 01 hour, 54 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Bright and early on a Saturday and it's time for a preview screening (thanks Virgin) of The Impossible. A film that I wasn't entirely convinced that I wanted to see, I can't put my finger exactly on why.
I came away from this completely blown away. This is a visually stunning film, at times a little suffocating. The waves feel horrendously realistic and the sound fills you from all sides.
The focus on a family of tourists gives the tragedy a human side, however I found that there was limited mention of the impact of the tsunami on the residents of South East Asia, the people who have lost their family, homes, livelihoods and more.
Tom Holland is exceptional in his first role and alongside Ewan McGregor made me cry a little more than is dignified in Holloway Odeon on a Saturday morning.
My main struggle with this film was Naomi Watts. There was something about her cut-glass British accent that just really annoyed me.
This is worth seeing at the cinema if you get the chance, I doubt the emotional impact and the encompassing visuals of the wave will be the same if you're watching this on a smaller screen.
Challenge day: 81
Challenge time: 04 days, 11 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 56
Film: The Impossible (2012)
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland
Running time: 01 hour, 54 minutes
Rating: 8.5/10
Bright and early on a Saturday and it's time for a preview screening (thanks Virgin) of The Impossible. A film that I wasn't entirely convinced that I wanted to see, I can't put my finger exactly on why.
I came away from this completely blown away. This is a visually stunning film, at times a little suffocating. The waves feel horrendously realistic and the sound fills you from all sides.
The focus on a family of tourists gives the tragedy a human side, however I found that there was limited mention of the impact of the tsunami on the residents of South East Asia, the people who have lost their family, homes, livelihoods and more.
Tom Holland is exceptional in his first role and alongside Ewan McGregor made me cry a little more than is dignified in Holloway Odeon on a Saturday morning.
My main struggle with this film was Naomi Watts. There was something about her cut-glass British accent that just really annoyed me.
This is worth seeing at the cinema if you get the chance, I doubt the emotional impact and the encompassing visuals of the wave will be the same if you're watching this on a smaller screen.
Challenge day: 81
Challenge time: 04 days, 11 hours, 02 minutes
Challenge film total: 56
Here we go. Thank you, acid.
Date: Friday 14th December
Film: Wanderlust (2012)
Director: David Wain
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating 6/10
Sunday night film club: The Friday night edition and being that one of us wasn't feeling well and the other had just had their last (slightly manic) day at work for close to three weeks, we weren't feeling anything too heavy. A quick flick through CW's DVD collection and a general feeling of laziness lead to us pulling this from the top of the pile.
Neither of us had seen this before and, based on the reviews we had read, our expectations weren't particularly high. It might just have been that the timing was right, but we were pleasantly surprised.
Some jokes were obvious, some jokes were bad, however there were times that we did find ourselves laughing out loud. Paul Rudd is, as usual, exceptional (I think I love him a little too much), Jennifer Aniston is a consistently good comedy actress, although she does seem to be making the wrong project choices (in my opinion).
I won't be rushing out to buy the DVD, in fact I think I'll only watch this again if it's on the telly on a lazy Sunday night, but this is an inoffensive, easy to watch, comedy.
Challenge date: 80
Challenge time: 04 days, 09 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 55
Film: Wanderlust (2012)
Director: David Wain
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux
Running time: 01 hour, 38 minutes
Rating 6/10
Sunday night film club: The Friday night edition and being that one of us wasn't feeling well and the other had just had their last (slightly manic) day at work for close to three weeks, we weren't feeling anything too heavy. A quick flick through CW's DVD collection and a general feeling of laziness lead to us pulling this from the top of the pile.
Neither of us had seen this before and, based on the reviews we had read, our expectations weren't particularly high. It might just have been that the timing was right, but we were pleasantly surprised.
Some jokes were obvious, some jokes were bad, however there were times that we did find ourselves laughing out loud. Paul Rudd is, as usual, exceptional (I think I love him a little too much), Jennifer Aniston is a consistently good comedy actress, although she does seem to be making the wrong project choices (in my opinion).
I won't be rushing out to buy the DVD, in fact I think I'll only watch this again if it's on the telly on a lazy Sunday night, but this is an inoffensive, easy to watch, comedy.
Challenge date: 80
Challenge time: 04 days, 09 hours, 08 minutes
Challenge film total: 55
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