Movie Review: The Day the Earth Stood Still

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Main Players: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, et al.
Calling the shots: Scott Derrickson
Running time: 103mins
What's it about? An alien in the form of Keanu Reeves arrives on Earth with a robot named G.O.R.T. Is this an invasion or a warning of some kind? It becomes apparent that he is here to exterminate us for the way we treat the Earth. Enter scientist Jennifer Connelly to try and convince him that “we can change”. Blah!

What did I think? Okay, okay, so even the plot sounds terrible. But the trailer looked good, alright? Oh how terribly misguiding it was as; ladies and gentlemen! Here lies quite possible the worst movie you are ever likely to see.

Where to start; asides from the flimsy plot, the flow of the film is completely non-existent. Usually films will have its ups and downs. A big action scene might bring the excitement. Then it might tail off and be lifted again when the emotions run high with a dramatic scene. This has none of that! It’s the most monotone film you will see. It’s like a car that’s never able to get out of first gear. It feels like the film ends with out anything REALLY happening. Sure there are things on the screen, but there’s no emotion.

The performances are just as bland. Keanu Reeves does his usual expressionless schtick (which the roll probably calls for) but his face literally doesn’t change until he is forced to squint because wind blows in his face. Jaden Smith, who was so adorable and cute in ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ is just completely annoying and Jennifer Connelly phones it in like she’d rather be somewhere else (and who’d blame her?).

The only thing that was mildly amusing was the special effects. Watching a truck and a stadium disintergrate is about all the excitement there is. The rest is essentially dumb characters and worse dialogue; with splatters of unnecessary product placement, pointless biblical references and a “go green” message.

Two things happened that rarely happens to me: a). I almost fell asleep (and it was from fatigue) and b). I was ready to walk out about twenty minutes into the film. If that’s not saying something, I don’t know what is. Seriously, the only things I enjoyed were: my Raspberry choc top (mmmmmm) and when the lights came on. Avoid this like the plague! (And THAT is not a biblical reference!)

5% (it gets credit for even making it to the big screen)

Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Main Players: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, et al.
Calling the shots: David Fincher
Running time: 159mins
What's it about? Born as an 80 year-old baby, Benjamin is abandoned on the doorsteps of a nursing home in the heart of New Orleans. However, to everyone’s surprise, as he ages, he in fact grows more youthful. We follow his most unusual and extraordinary journey of life, love and loss, and learn that’s it’s “the moments” that count.

What did I think? So much buzz and so much hype about this movie as the award season officially rolls in. Nominated for 5 Golden Globe awards (including best picture, director and actor), Benjamin Button is a flawed but overall amazing film.

This movie is just simply put, brilliantly made. David Fincher needs to be commended. The tone is already set even before the title comes up. The effects in this film are incredible. Making days gone by seem natural but at the same time bringing that nostalgic feel to it. The imagery is incredible. As is the make up used to age (or de-age) the characters are almost flawless (though Brad Pitt does a little “plastic” at one stage).

The performances are also impressive. Led by an always underrated Pitt (working with Fincher for the third time) and the super reliable Blanchett, they seem to share great chemistry which elevate their performances that much further. Didn’t think Pitt deserved a nomination, but if he deserved one, so did Blanchett. The supporting cast is just as impressive as they bring the required emotion to each and every scene.

In comparison its flaws will seem like an after thought. The film does at times feel overly long and draggy. Benjamin’s “curious case” is never REALLY explained (asides from a connection to a clock that ticks backwards) and seems to just be “accepted” by everyone he meets. As in what’s happening to him IS INCREDIBLE! But nobody cares.

Going into this movie, I was worried about how they end it. I am happy to report that it does reach a very worthy, heartfelt and somewhat sad ending that wraps the film up very well. It’s not something that will blow your mind, but it is filmmaking at its best and one to keep an eye out for come Oscar time.

70%

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Main Players: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, et al.
Calling the shots: Danny Boyle (with co-director: India) Loveleen Tandan
Running time: 120mins
What's it about? Jamal is on the brink of a fairytale. He is on the last question of India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”. When the show wraps for the night, he is kidnapped and interrogated on suspicion of cheating. As the questioning begins it slowly becomes apparent that this boy from the slums might be destined to win it all.

What did I think? Such a pity that films like this will never get the recognition that it requires. Well, maybe except during award season but it won’t make much at the box office. But it’s not all about the money…right?

The film is masterfully crafted (feels like I use that phrase a lot). The look of the movie is fantastic and it flows well. In lesser hands, the jumping timeline could have become a confusing and muddled mess, but under the guidance of Danny Boyle there’s no such issue. It is quite different from his other works (‘28 Days Later…’, ‘Trainspotting’) in theme but definitely the same style.

The relative unknown cast (correct me if I’m wrong, they are unknowns to me), do a marvelous job. They make complex characters seem everyday and somewhat relatable. You want him to win in the end because, gosh darn it, he deserves it.

It’s not completely without its flaws. The movie lacks a real “wow” moment. Even in its climatic moments, it lacks a certain “snap” and it’s almost rather confusing and pointless. The soundtrack also as good as it is, at times feels inappropriate and rather random. They also completely overplay the “fate/destiny” hand, so if that type of things doesn’t tickle your fancy, it might rub you the wrong way (that whole sentence sounded wrong).

It’s an enjoyable arthouse film. One of those movies you are unlikely to see again but it’s definitely worth your time. It’s thought provoking and makes you want to believe in destiny and fate. A hidden gem; in amongst the rubbish that gets released these days.

70%

Movie Review: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
Main Players: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, et al.
Calling the shots: Eric Darnell & Tom McGrath
Running time: 89mins
What's it about? Picking up pretty much right off from the original, our favourite castaways are about to make their way home; by sling-shot plane. As the title suggests they don’t quite make it back to their home, by they do crash land in their “home”...if you catch my drift. Let the laughter and discovery of their roots and friendships begin.

What did I think? I love my animations. Call me a big kid, but I always look forward to them. I am therefore vindicated when they turn out to be as good as this and it’s rare for a film these days, but I think it out does its predecessor.

Two major things work for this film. The entire original cast is back. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer all reprise their roles and that kind of thing is always a blessing for a sequel. With the addition of some other strong voice talents (Alec Baldwin and the late Bernie Mac) it brings a certain fun to the film.

The second is the fact that not all the jokes are lame or rely completely on slap-stick as most “family” films tend to do. A lot of the jokes are actually quite mature/smart and it gets just as much airtime as the, afore mentioned, slap-stick humour. So it satisfies both adults and kids alike and it’s probably fair to say, my friends and I laughed the loudest in the cinema.

There is literally so much to enjoy in this film. The penguins, the monkeys, the shark, Mort and King Julian constantly provide the laughs. It sounds like I’m running of a list of animals but they are much funnier than the main characters. The annoying characters are actually the humans in the film, particular the old-lady who kind of out stays her welcome.

As enjoyable as the original was, this one improves on it by leaps and bounds. Better animation, better characters, better everything! So take your kids, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends or whoever you need to take. It’ll definitely be worth it.

70%

Movie Review: Four Holidays

FOUR CHRISTMASES (FOUR HOLIDAYS)
Main Players: Vince Vaughan, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, et al.
Calling the shots: Seth Gordon
Running time: 88mins
What's it about? A very dysfunctional couple, who've been avoiding seeing their families on Christmas get caught on camera, stranded at the airport. In comes the phone calls and before you know it, they agree to spend Christmas with their families. ALL FOUR OF THEM. Cue the laughs and the discovery of the strength of their relationship. And blah, blah, blah...

What did I think? As you can probably tell already by my tone (or not) this movie is very very average. Nothing about it is all that new and because of that, it fails to really leave an impression. One thing that really makes you wonder is why they even bothered to change the title for the Australian release...

Another problem is that it is absolutely predictable. The visits to the individual families are funny in parts but with each visit, it becomes less and less funny and by the end of it, it's almost like the filmmakers had lost interest as well; with the last visit not even raising a laugh. Along the way it gets distracted by a stock-standard plot turn about: what do they really know about each other? Is there a future? etc. etc. The usual stuff.

Thankfully, because of it running out of gas it has a mercifully short running time. The other impressive aspect is it's incredible supporting cast. The parents are literally played by who's who of veteran actors. Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek and Jon Voight; all take turns in trying to make us laugh. Though like I said, by the time Jon Voight shows up it's not very funny.

Vince Vaughan tries to do his usual schtick, and for a while it works. But then it seems like he just talks and talks and becomes quite annoying. Reese is quite enjoyable because she's done so many of these but together, they seem to lack a certain chemistry.

This movie does have a very "holiday" feel to it and it's no wonder it's out-done Twilight, Quantum, Australia and HSM3 in the states. With the stars involved it has wide appeal. It's a pity it doesn't have much else.

30%

Movie Review: Australia

AUSTRALIA
Main Players: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, et al.
Calling the shots: Baz Luhrmann
Running time: 165mins
What's it about? In the Northern Territory just as WW2 had begun, Lady Ashley arrives from England to take over her husband’s cattle property. With the help of the Drover and a half-caste boy, she soon falls for the way of the Australian life and brings the property back to prosperity. Drama and tragedy promises to follow.

What did I think? Can I just say that my arse is fine and I didn’t even take a toilet break. That’s for those naysayers who say the movie is too long etc, etc. It is a long movie, but it is made so well you can overlook it.

It is better though if you can appreciate the “over-the-top”-ness and the melodrama involved rather than laugh or mock it. The acting is often borderline corny and a lot of the lines delivered with exaggerated accents (Aussie or otherwise). The lavish background looks majestic but definitely computerized and the set pieces are often dramatized for full effect (see the Kangaroo and Stampede scenes). The result is a fantastic combination of drama, comedy, love, tragedy and emotion.

There is a certain grandness to proceedings. And as I mentioned early the story will grab your attention and the time will pass quicker than you think. Luhrmann also handles every aspect of it with respect and shows love for his home country.

It literally stars a who’s who of Aussie male actors. They are all cast pretty well. Hugh Jackman earns his sexiest men alive tag in this film and it is quite possibly Nicole Kidman’s best role. Brandon Walters who plays Nullah, the half-caste boy, is wonderful and his is quite adorable as well. David Wenham plays against type and does it well.

This movie has completely bombed in the states and it’s not hard to see why. It hasn’t got the wide spreading appeal that will attract audiences. Instead it’s more like a beautiful and wonderfully crafted tribute to the country will all call home. Australia.

70%

Movie Review: Quarantine

QUARANTINE

Main Players: Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, Jay Hernandez, et al.

Calling the shots: John Erick Dowdle

Running time: 89mins

What's it about? A TV crew following the night shift of a couple of Fire Fighters get when they bargained for when they follow the duo to a call. Without warning they are trapped within the building from the outside by government officials and are confronted with a building full of residents on edge and a mysterious symptom that begins to spread.

What did I think? The format of the film; first person, shaky camera, home-video style, that we've already seen this year in 'Cloverfield' works much better for a horror movie like this and it shows why. You feel the panic, the helpless-ness and it's bloody full on.

The plot is nothing new, a virus that spreads making people into aggressive zombie-like creatures. But it's still one of the better horror movies out there. I guess that's not much of a consolation with the junk out there nowadays. Still it is very watchable and it's intense. The start drags a little, the happening at the fire station is rather boring and you with they'd just get on with it. It does build the characters well though and the fact that they've no idea about the night they are about to have.

The relative unknown cast work for this. If you see a Zac Ehron or a Jessica Alba on screen you'd almost groan. They beautiful people to look at, maybe, but it would take the effect out from the whole movie. But digress. Following 'Hostel', I guess Jay Hernandez has a taste for horrors. He does his usual shtick. Everyone else is good because they don't stand out in anyway, they just play their roles. Jennifer Carpenter though, gets on your nerves. You almost hope a character slaps some sense into her. Though given the situation the hysteria is justified.

I heard the chatter during the film and people were complaining about the movie being in-and-out of focus and the shaky-ness. Dude, I guess you guys just missed the point of the movie. The climactic "night-vision" scene is very tense, harks back to 'The Silence of the Lambs'.

Incidentally, this is apparently a carbon-copy remake of the Spanish horror movie '[REC]'. Haven't seen it yet but I'm curious to find out why they bothered.

So, check it out if you're a horror fan but if you're not and you hated the likes of 'Cloverfield' or 'Blair Witch...' or anything zombie related, stay away.

60%