Silver Linings Playbook

David O'Russell, 2012

Pleasantly surprised by this film. It had a lot of hype at the time of release and although I am a fan of the two lead actors (Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence), I had preconceptions about this film being a typical rom com with the two leads playing their usual roles. 

Far from it. The biggest surprise of the day came from Bradley Cooper, who plays Pat Solitano Jr, a guy in the peak of his life, returning home to mum (Weaver) and dad (DeNiro) after a stint in a mental institution following a messy break up from his former wife. Pat is an undiagnosed bipolar who has to stay on his best behaviour and confirm to a medication and therapy schedule to keep himself away from the mental institute. Cooper portrays with great skill a paranoid man struggling with the angst of trying to start a new life whilst longing obsessively for his old one back. The performance is completely understated, almost dorky, a far cry from his usual lucky guy who has it all characters.

The supporting cast also add a lot to the film, De Niro in particular gives a solid and fresh performance as a wearied and worried parent with very minor mental health problems of his own. Unfortunately I cannot give such high praise to Jennifer Lawrence who we meet as Pat's new and troubled partner in crime on his release from prison who helps him on his quest to reunite with his wife. Tiffany, played by Lawrence, is a brave and bold character, but her dark brooding side is very familiar with some of her previous roles. 

The script is a real work of art, and it has taken a great amount of acting talent to hold up the fast paced words which overlap as arguments and heated discussions ensue. What this does achieve is a very believable portrayal of the situations thrust upon Pat and his family. The speech is chaotic and realistic and draws you into the story making it all the more realiatic, but also bringing it closer to home.

As for plot, a little predictable, but focused through the eyes of Pat you believe what he wants to achieve until he has it in front of him and turns it down. 

Overall a refreshing film, particular fan of the dance scene towards the end, it normalises madness and makes normal seem mad. You will finish the film with a new motto and a positive outlook.

P.S. Favourite one liner "Why are you wearing a garbage bag?"

**** / *****

50/50

Jonathan Levine, 2011

50/50 is a touching film, and also quite a memorable one. I saw it first at the cinema and recently watched it again to confirm that yes, this film is definitely worth a watch. I am a fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who stars in this film as 27-year old Adam, diagnosed with a rare form of cancer after what seemed to be a little bit of back ache. His prognosis? 50% chance survival rate. Having flown the nest, and living independently with his girlfriend Adam struggles to tell his overbearing mother and ill father about the disease.

Throughout the film it is not just cancer that Adam has to come to terms with, but he has his good buddy Kyle (Seth Rogen) to throw a bit of fun into the mix and laugh in the face of adversity. The performance from Seth Rogen is slightly toned down from his usual characters, but he definitely brings the humour element to the film. The film is full of some particularly good comedic scenes, for example when Adam decides to shave off his hair before cancer takes it from him, using Kyle's slightly suspicious hair trimmer.

The film also stars Anna Kendrick, Adam's therapist and a junior doctor trying to get to grips with how to approach the topic herself. Adam is reluctant and a bit introvert, but really you sympathise with the character and want to give the guy a hug.

This movie is not going to make you leap out of your seat with excitement, nor will it make you cry your eyes out, it is not the most thrilling but it is very poignant and depicts a normal process that many families have to face. It verges on far-fetched, with the addition of weed cakes being eaten by Adam and his buddies whilst they are treated with chemotherapy, and also the fact that Adam's friend Kyle seems determined to use Adam's situation to pull as many girls as they can. Realistic but bizarre, heart-warming but also sad. The film focuses on the important people in life who will help you through no matter what. Catch it on DVD if you can. An easy watch with a talented cast, well written, original and memorable.

**** / *****

12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen, 2013

                              

After what seemed like years of waiting, reading Solomon Northup's book, and being teased by the films many award nominations, I finally headed to the cinema on the UK release date of the highly anticipated and acclaimed Steve McQueen film.

The film is based on the book "12 years a slave", a autobiography of Solomon Northups life as a free man, then returned to slavery. I daren't spoil the entire plot but any joy found in the cohabiting free state where Solomon as a black man is well respected, free and has a good life with a young family is quickly dashed. Through a twist of fate Solomon is captured and forced into slavery, a concept alien to him having been born a free man.

From the second he is captured the brutality of the slave trade becomes apparent to us and Solomon (later known  as Platt). The film bravely does not shy away from the horrific acts and circumstances that slaves succumbed to. In many ways it's braveness makes it beautiful. 

The cast portray their characters beautifully and the film has a contrast of close ups and wider shots of the beautiful surroundings in which these injustices occur. One particular scene stood out to me for its bolshiness and also the fact that they let this framed picture of Solomon softly treading on the same piece of wet mud for a whole day go on for a painfully awkward time.

Comes extremely recommended and thoroughly deserving of all awards it has been nominated for.

***** / *****

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Adam McKay, 2013

                             

Have just been to seen the long anticipated sequel to Anchorman. My opinions are mixed. The film brings together our favourites, Ron Burgundy (Ferrell), Brick Tamland (Carell), Brian Fantana (Rudd) & Champ Kind (Koechner) as the comedy unfolds around their reuniting as a news team to take on the challenges of a new national 24 hour news channel. The boys are on top form and come back to glory having gone off in their different, and bizarre ways since the last instalment. 

Possibly the most enjoyable moments in the first parts of the film are Brick Tamlands hilarious interjections to completely unrelated conversations. Having said that from the off set it is apparent that Anchorman 2 is about to fall into the trap of going too far with the comedy and obscure situations in an aim to equal or better the original film. 

Although funny throughout I felt somewhat uncomfortable with some of comedy. I don't mind pushing boundaries but repeatedly falling back on interracial wise cracks and mocking disability became a bit unfunny.

The film has some saving qualities, the introduction of Ron's son turns this film into a journey for Ron and looks at family values. It also shows the start of some now key features in American and worldwide news that we know and love today, even if they do come out of far-fetched situations. 

The film has attracted some big name cameos, Kristen Wiig, James Marsden, Greg Kinnear, Will Smith, Jim Carrey. These comedy stars make me feel bad for uttering the words "average", but I am sure anyone who loved Anchorman will see this and make their own mind up. A bit predictable as indicated by the title: the legend continues. It continues but I don't feel it moves forward.

Worth a watch for a few laughs and to revisit the characters we have come to love but just as you should never meet your idols, I would be wary with your expectations on sequels. 

And Baxter is still as cute.

*** / *****

Big Fish

Burton, 2003

                                

I have been a fan of this film for some time now, but when I dusted off the DVD from my shelf I was baffled to see this is a Tim Burton film. I am sure I have always known that but this film does not encompass all that I have come to know and love of his films. Forgive me if I tar his films with the same brush but I am used to horror, gore, thrilling story lines and cooky, gothic characters. In that respect this film is a breath of directorial fresh air. 

Big Fish is full of Burtons fantastical characters and unlikely situations, and yes there's a one eyed witch and a giant and some circus freaks. As I list these my original point starts to become invalid as these characters aren't too far removed from Burtonland. The new and interesting thing is the time frame of the film. It takes a look back at the life of Edward Bloom as his frustrated son William tries to decifer the fact from the fiction in his fathers life before it's too late.

The stellar cast is headed by Albert Finney (present day Edward Bloom) who despite ailments is full of life, experience and wonder. His fabulous tall tales of the wonder of his life are narrated with such enthusiasm and nostalgia that the viewer starts to wish every word was true.

Flashbacks to Edwards younger days (played out by Ewan McGregor) are a feast for the eyes. Whether it's a perfect town in the middle of nowhere with perfect people, a huge giant called Karl, or a frozen moment in a larger than life circus, the look of this film is that of a fairy tale story book.

What Burton does well in most of his films are hidden life lessons or morals, which each story in Blooms life reveals. One of the final and paramount scenes of this film is emotionally and visually beautiful. Will carries his father to the lake which he often talks about. As they pass characters from Edwards life Will is astounded and the viewers faith in Bloom's tall tales is rewarded. Emotional, bizarre and beautiful this film comes highly recommended as far as I'm concerned.

Edward Bloom is a man with a little bit of something we should all aspire to have: a sense of adventure and belief in the fantastical. The man truly is one Big Fish.

****/*****

Eden Lake

James Watkins, 2008

Medieval gore I can handle, ghosts give me the creeps, crazed murderers I watch over the top of a duvet, but this film is like nothing I have seen before.

I came across this film when it came out in 2008, but was fortunately spared the public humiliation of watching it in the cinema. Despite being left a nervous wreck every time the credits role I feel if I have any appreciation of films I must highly recommend it to anyone wanting to be scared witless and angered by seemingly normal people who could quite possibly live next door. 

The film starts with a visit to Eden Lake, a romantic camping trip away for a young couple, Steve and Jenny; chance to get back to nature and live the simple life for a day or two. What the weekend ends as is far from this. The great british chav with nothing better to do and his group of bored friends wreak terror upon the couple who dared to question them. The young cast who play the members of the group are truly terrifying, ruthless and pure evil. 

A chase begins and the couple begin to flag, picking up injuries along the way but too scared to turn back and try to hold an adult conversation with the mindless youths. Through days and nights of tension, Steve's situation worsens and Jenny is forced to carry on without him and do anything she can to outwit and escape the brutes who hound her through the woods. There is some gore and Jenny ends up covered in mud, clothes torn, hair awry, but still she runs. Perhaps one of the most sickening scenes of the film is when the group turns on one in their own cohort for refusing to fall to peer pressure. This scene is enough to make stomachs turn and makes you question who on earth dreamt up such a horrifying scene of torture and murder.

This film is packed high with tension and leaves your heart racing as you follow Jenny chaotically through the English woodland.

I daren't spoil the ending but the most cruel twist of fate for Jenny will make you question and feel disgust at the human race. The most disturbing thing that Eden Lake will leave you with is the thought in the back of your mind that no matter how disgusted you are, you will realise that the events of this film are completely plausible and that is true terror...

Definitely see this, but you have been warned...

**** / *****

You're a wizard Harry

To all UK residents who have had access to ITV over these weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year I would like to take a chance to acknowledge the franchise that is "Harry Potter"

I have looked back with nostalgia over the past weeks and have nothing but utter pride for this British film which became a worldwide phenomenon. I remember going to buy the books which were in themselves extraordinary, and my various cinema trips over the years to see what the latest instalment has to offer. Sure I have done a Harry Potter marathon with my friends, it is after all a defining fantasy of my generation. 

What I have loved is watching them over the weeks, the development is amazing, even the acting talents of the three young wizards improves each time, but it also frames the advances in the film industry, special effects by the end of the saga are beyond compare, costume, makeup they all improve with time. It's not until you watch these side by side that you realise that not only did the Harry Potter franchise grow with the film industry, the film industry also grew because of it.

I am proud to be part of the Hogwarts generation and will be planning another marathon very soon. And perhaps another visit to the WB Studio Tour, or if I'm feeling particularly rich a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We love you Harry Potter! And always will.