NEVER TOO LATE

I think this might be the most delayed I have ever been with posting my film reviews. I have been very stressed recently with university work and I needed to get everything sorted first. I apologise for the delay.

Faye

FAIR GAME (12A)

 

Director: Doug Liman

Verdict: I have to be honest when I say that I went to see this so long ago that I can’t even remember how I felt about it. All I know that this is a sure sign that I did not particularly like it. I found it extremely dull and confusing. I did not feel like I was ever completely engaged with the film, which probably links to the confusion problem as I did not understand what was happening. I do remember however, that I was quite impressed with Naomi Watts' acting as I can't remember ever seeing her in anything and I thought she expressed her emotions very well. Others may like it but it’s not even showing in the cinemas anymore!

LIMITLESS (15)

Director: Neil Burger

Verdict: I was really looking forward to going to see this film because I thought the trailer was really powerful and captivating. I was not disappointed. I really like Bradley Cooper, (not just for his looks…even though that helps) but I liked him in ‘The Hangover’. The story basically follows a low life writer who is struggling with his latest book and keeping his girlfried, but one day he happens to bump into an old friend. Cutting a long story short, this old friend offers him a drug and ensures him it will help him finish his book as it opens up every inch of the brain. The drug results in the protagonist getting into trouble, getting rich, getting girls and improving his life (basically). I loved that the trailer was really effective but as you watch the film you realise how much it did not give away. Overall a classy, engaging film.

THE EAGLE (12A)

Director: Kevin MacDonald

Verdict: 'The Eagle' takes us back to the past as it focuses on a young Roman soldier, in search for the 'golden eagle' to preserve his father's honour. I was not entirely sure I wanted to see this film because I wasn’t sure how Channing Tatum would work as a Roman. However, the film did have its fairly good moments. There were some good fighting scenes and I liked Jamie Bell in this movie. I just cannot understand what accents the characters were supposed to have because Tatum is American, who kept creeping in an out with English and Jamie Bell is English. If you have read my reviews before then you would have noticed that bad accents are one of my pet hates. Overall, an alright film but it seemed like something was not right.

FASTER (15)

Director: George Tillman Jr

Verdict: I’m not even sure why I went to see this film but my boyfriend dragged me along. I’m not sure whether it was because I was in a good mood or because I was expecting something really bad but I actually liked this film quite a lot. The film explores a man who is after revenge on the men that killed his brother. The protagonist played by ‘The Rock’ was quite an interesting character as he did not say much but I think this is what I liked. I thought the directing was effective because it didn't seem to mess about; the main three characters are labelled at the beginning as ‘The Driver’, ‘The Cop’ and ‘The Killer’. Some people may have seen this film and disagree with me entirely and I probably would if I saw it again but for what it was, I found it entertaining.

HOP (U)

Director: Tim Hill

Verdict: This is the story of the Easter Bunny as the main character E.B doesn't want the respobsibility handed down to him as he wants to become a drummer in Hollywood. Yes I am still talking about a rabbit! I really wanted to see this as I am a sucker for a kiddy animation. Although I did enjoy it, I may have been slightly disappointed because it was aimed at a very young audience. Obviously I should have expected that but I like animations which appeal to both children and adults but ‘Hop’ struggled with this. I also believe that what made it enjoyable for me was Russell Brand's voice as E.B, it created a different side to him and it made it particularly comical at times. If you are looking for a light hearted Easter (seemed very Christmassy) film to take your younger relations to, then this is the perfect film for you.

A LOT TO CATCH UP ON

JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER 3D (U)

Director: Jon Chu

Verdict: I honestly only went to see this film because there was nothing else on but I really enjoyed it and I'm not embarrassed to say! The cinema did consist of only girls, who were about ten but the movie still impressed me. I had heard that the film changes your view on Bieber and I definitely believe it does. I thought the film was fun and entertaining and it highlighted that he's just an ordinary teenage boy who just got lucky. I do think guys and total livid haters of Bieber would hate the film so I think I just happened to be in a very good mood!

UNKNOWN (12A)

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Verdict: I had seen trailers for this film and I was not sure I wanted to see it because I thought it looked weak and predictable. Although some parts were, I thought the film had enough twists to keep me interested. I probably could have rated this film higher than I have but I really don't like Liam Neeson as an actor and I really don't think he did this film justice. I thought he was too old for the role and as usual, I did not think his American accent was up to scratch. If you are looking for a film which keeps you focused with its twists and turns then this is the film for you but you should not see it if you are looking for an original, amazingly made movie.

THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (12A)

Director: George Nolfi

Verdict: I was really looking forward to seeing this film because this is the film I thought I was watching last month but it turned out to be a completely different one. I like Emily Blunt as an actress and Matt Damon has been impressing me lately so I was expecting a good film. Although this it is good, it's not great! It reminded me of a lot of films, like 'Inception' and 'The Box' which is why the rating is slightly lower than I would have thought. Although I loved the idea and thought it was really clever, I found something was missing. I was really hooked throughout the film but found myself very disappointed with the ending as the whole film seemed to be building up to something, but it seemed to flop in the last minutes with a seriously cheesy ending. Overall a well made film and a great story but somehow not the whole package.

BATTLE: LOS ANGELES (12A)

Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Verdict: I was looking forward to seeing this film as I normally love 'end of the world' films, but I had heard a really bad review before I went to see it which really put me off. I do need to say the effects are really good and the storyline was OK but it was the acting that really brought the film down. The trailer was really powerful which meant most people fell for it and the cinema was really full. The acting was so exaggerated and dramatic to a laughable degree and the ending was pretty ridiculous. I have only given it three stars because the effects were really impressive.

HALL PASS (15)

Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

Verdict: I was expecting this film to be pretty funny as I laughed at all the trailers, and I wasn't disappointed! Although a lot of the jokes were shown on the adverts, there were a lot more to keep the audience entertained. A lot of the funny moments were also 'look away' moments which is why they were so comical! I loved the way the film ended and I would definately recommend this film to both guys and girls if you are looking for a good laugh.

RANGO (PG)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Verdict: I wasn't really sure what to expect from this film as I had heard mixed reviews. Although I thought it was quite slow to start, it started to get a lot better. The animation was absolutely amazing and couldn't be faulted. The complete originality of this film is what makes it a four star film because it is so different from anything I have seen before, it is smart and admirable. I would have to say that this is not a kid's film because I don't think there is enough attractions to keep them entertained. I'm not saying it isn't fun because it is but I definately feel like the directors were aiming to please an adult audience, with its clever jokes and western feel.

CHALET GIRL (12A)

Director: Phil Traill

Verdict: I was really excited to see this film because I really love Ed Westwick. I had heard this film was quite lame, and they weren't wrong, but this is what I loved about it. I have a weakness when it comes to chick-flicks! I would definately say that boys would really detest this film because it is just far too cheesy for them to begin to enjoy it. Overall a typical girl's film with a slight edge to it and definately recommended.

A FILM FOR EVERYONE...

I feel really bad again as I am delayed in writing these reviews, I have had a lot of university work recently which I have wanted to get out the way. Although these films aren’t as good as the previous ones, it is still a good bunch!

I would also just like to add that I am slightly angry with ‘The King’s Speech’ winning so many Oscars but I am very pleased that Christian Bale won Best Male Supporting Role.

Faye

PAUL (15)

Director: Greg Mottola

Verdict: I was really looking forward to seeing this film as I absolutely love ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and enjoyed ‘Hot Fuzz’ but I was slightly disappointed with their (Simon Pegg and Nick Frost) latest release. Although the effects were extremely better than before and it had a Hollywood feel to it, I cannot but feel that this is the reason it did not live up to my expectations. It did make me laugh, but it just wasn’t original as their previous films as it was predictable throughout and I feel like they were trying to please everyone, rather than trying to be different. Overall it did make me laugh but it didn’t live up to my hopes but I’m sure a lot of people will love it which is why I have rated it so.

GNOMEO AND JULIET 3D (U)

Director: Kelly Asbury

Verdict: I really don’t want to spend my time talking about this film too much because I honestly don’t think it’s worth it! Although I did laugh, I’m not sure I would need a second hand to count how many times. I felt like all the best bits were in the trailer which is one thing I truly hate to happen and do not even get me started on the 3D…! If anything it was non existent and I could have watched it without the glasses. I do, however believe that children would love it but I thought the trailer was slightly misleading.

I AM NUMBER FOUR (12A)

Director: D. J Caruso

Verdict: I wasn’t expecting too much from this film because I only went to see it because I am a fan of Alex Pettyfer. However, I really enjoyed it and thought it was pretty good! The cinema screen was packed which surprised me. I thought the effects were really good compared to similar films. I am quite looking forward to the sequels as I didn’t originally know that it was going to be part of a series but they set the ending up really well for another film. My only negative would be that I felt it was quite frightening for a 12A and I wouldn’t have been happy if I had brought my eight year old child along to see it, but I heard no crying so maybe I’m too soft!

DRIVE ANGRY 3D (18)

Director: Patrick Lussier

Verdict: I would just like to say that I got dragged along to see this film by my persistent boyfriend. I really did not want to see this as it did not appeal to me whatsoever as I expected a hot girl who was most definitely going to make me jealous, rubbish one liners, the monotone Nicolas Cage and a lot of unnecessary shooting; and this is what I got! I had heard a review for this film and he said not to take it too seriously, which I didn’t, but I can honestly say that I still didn’t enjoy it. I thought the plot was really weak and I didn’t think the film was put together particularly well. However, if you’re a guy who loves Nicolas Cage, some eye candy, a lot of swearing and shooting then you may love it!

NO STRINGS ATTACHED (15)

Director: Ivan Reitman

Verdict: I did enjoy this film as I knew I would because I love a good romance. The main reason I liked it was because I thought the characters and the acting were very real and believable. The film was definitely better when there was an increase of pace and soundtrack, but overall I believe both guys and girls would enjoy this film for what it is!

A GOOD WEEK FOR CINEMA

I haven’t felt this positive about writing my blog in a long time. I feel really inspired by the films I’ve watched this week because they’ve made me happy in different ways.

Faye

THE FIGHTER (15)

Director: David O Russell

Verdict: I didn’t rush to see this film when it came out because I didn’t think I would enjoy it. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Although I didn’t get excited over the subject matter, boxing, overall I thought the film was brilliant. I felt like this was one of Christian Bale’s best performances and I cannot believe he didn’t win the Bafta for supporting role. To be honest, I even felt he deserved the best leading role. I felt he captured the character amazingly and I truly went through the emotions with his character. I didn’t think Mark Wahlberg was particularly captivating but he did alright! I definitely believe Melissa Leo, who played their mother, deserves her Oscar nomination as I thought she was remarkable in her part. I feel like this movie may have been over shadowed by ‘The King’s Speech’ as I believe it’s far better. I loved the film overall, as it created parallels throughout and I loved the way it was directed.

JUST GO WITH IT (12A)

Director: Dennis Dugan

Verdict: I thought this film looked really funny from the trailer so I was really looking forward to going to see it. I was slightly worried that they had shown all the funny bits in the trailer though. However, they definitely didn’t do that. I don’t know if I was just in a giggly mood but I thought this film was hilarious! Adam Sandler didn’t annoy me as much as he usually does and I thought he had a good chemistry with Jennifer Aniston. I thought the children characters were brilliant and created a lot of laughs and I think for what it is; this film deserves the stars I’ve given it. A true comedy for both the guys and girls.

TRUE GRIT (15)

Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Verdict: This film really confused me because I was expecting a lot of shooting and some scary parts, but don’t ask me why I thought this. Although there were some shooting scenes, I thought this film was quite soft for the Coen brothers but I understand it is a remake and originally a book. However, I felt the three main actors, Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld were really impressive in this film. I truly believe Steinfeld deserves not only her Oscar nomination but a win. I cannot believe she is only fourteen and this is her first major role, she is amazing! I nearly gave this film a lower rating than I have because I really didn’t like the ending as I believe it should have ended differently and I felt like the film suddenly ended. However, I have reminded myself that this is an adaption from a novel. Overall I did like this film and I believe it really uplifted me in some parts.

NOTHING TAKING MY FANCY

I feel very ashamed of myself because I have really struggled to bring myself to writing these reviews. I’ve been very busy recently and it seems like I’ve lost the heart to sit down and write my posts. I want to carry on with my blog but I’m afraid my posts to come will be very short as they are becoming delayed. I have decided to not write the date I went to see them anymore because to be quite honest, I’m starting to not remember! Thanks again for reading!

Faye

HOW DO YOU KNOW

Director: James L. Brooks

Verdict: I was really looking forward to this because I love a good chick flick and I am a fan of Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd but I would say that I was slightly disappointed because I wasn’t quite sure about Witherspoon’s character. I did not think her actions were particularly realistic and I thought the film was far too long! I thought it went on and on but the ending seemed to be wrapped up pretty quickly!

THE MECHANIC

Director: Simon West

Verdict: For what it is, this film is pretty good! I got dragged along by my boyfriend as he particularly likes Jason Statham, where as I can’t stand him. I would say I did actually really enjoy this because it was pretty entertaining. There’s not much else to say other than, it is an obvious action film with some good extra elements to it.

TANGLED 3D

Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard 

Verdict: I don’t normally get excited about Disney but this time I did because I had heard some pretty good reviews which made me look forward to it a great deal. I would admit that it did not reach my expectations fully because the reviews seemed to be so positive but I did really enjoy it. I was impressed by the 3D and felt like it had all the right Disney elements to it.

HEREAFTER

Director: Clint Eastwood

Verdict: This was quite an unusual cinema experience for me because I went to see this film, thinking it was a completely different film. I thought it was a film that is actually coming out in March, ‘The Adjustment Bureau’. I’m just going to be honest when I say that I nearly fell asleep when I watched this film and I thought it was so slow and boring. It really didn’t help because I didn’t realise it wasn’t the film I was expecting till nearly the end when I sneakily looked on my phone to see what we were actually seeing!! The film seems to be about death basically and I really didn’t enjoy it. I’ve given it two stars because I thought the opening scene was really effective.

FAR TOO LONG

I really need to apoligise for my lack of posting recently, I have been so busy with university work. I am afraid I have decided to make this post very brief because a lot of films are coming out in the next week which I am really looking forward to so I thought I better get the long awaited reviews out the way. I apoligise in advance for how summarised these reviews are. I really hope to make my future posts better. Thanks for reading!

Faye

THE KING'S SPEECH
13th Jan 2010 (12A)

Director: Tom Hopper
Verdict: Although I did like this film, I did think that it would be much better suited to the older generation, as (obviously) not too much happens other than the King trying to speak properly! I did think that Colin Firth's performance was particularly good in this film and I really think he deserves his recent Oscar nomination. However, I would say I am slightly apprehensive about the film winning all its Oscar nominations as there are over ten! Overall a good film but not one to watch if you love an action filled movie.

THE GREEN HORNET 3D
15th Jan 2010 (12A)

Director: Michael Gondry
Verdict: I wasn't particularly looking forward to this film if I were to be honest because I get slightly irritated by the actor Seth Rogan. I find his characters all the same and he grates on me a greal deal. I would say he still didn't change my mind but overall I thought the film was pretty good. I thought his partner, Jay Chou was a really great actor and his character was brilliant. The action was just enough for me and at some moments in the film, I was really laughing hard. I would say that it does take a while to get funny but there is a moment in the film where it seems to suddenly get good. I would recommend this film (although I'm not even sure it's still out in the cinema...oops)! I would also like to mention that I only just remembered it was 3D when I had looked it up so that is something I would add...the 3D aspect was VERY poor.

MORNING GLORY
22nd Jan 2010 (12A)

Director: Roger Michell
Verdict: As I have stated before in my reviews, I really love a good 'rom-com' and this didn't disappoint. I would say there was more 'com' and 'rom' which is why I haven't given it slightly more stars. However, that would probably attract some people, particularly men. I thought Rachel McAdams was really good in her role and I especially loved the role which Harrison Ford played as he created the most laughs and it was completely different to his other roles. There are many moments in the film where I couldn't stop laughing which is why I have given it a high rating because recently I haven't felt many films have been able to humour me as much as they should.

THE DILEMMA
27th Jan 2010 (12A)

Director: Ron Howard
Verdict: I would say quite honestly that I probably only went to see this film because there wasn't much else on! I really wouldn't recommend this film because it did not make me laugh more than a few times and I didn't really see the point of the whole story. It seems like it's building up to this really big thing when it doesn't really come to much (in my opinion). I have completely confirmed my true dislike for Vince Vaughn as I don't think I've ever seen him play a serious role (but maybe he has). Overall pretty rubbish!

ABOUT TIME...

I thought it was finally about time I caught up on my reviews. Having been very busy for the past couple of weeks I haven’t been too well at maintaining my blog but I have finally found the time to write my latest reviews.

                                                                                                           

Faye

GULLIVER’S TRAVEL

26^th Dec 2010 

Director: Rob Letterman

Verdict: I was quite looking forward to this film as I had seen a lot of press about it and with an all star British cast, other than Jack Black, I was pretty interested. Although the film was a bit of fun and shouldn’t be analysed too much I was slightly disappointed as the film seemed to have just placed all the clips from the trailers together. I wouldn’t say I would rush to see it again and wouldn’t particularly recommend it but it was a bit of Christmas fun and it was OK.

LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS

(Forgotten Date) (15) 

Director: Edward Zwick

Verdict: After seeing the trailer, I thought it looked pretty good but also quite depressing as the main female character played by Anne Hathaway suffered with Parkinsons Disease. I was so impressed by her performance as I haven’t seen her play a truly believable role before and she had to face a very real situation. The character she played was very different to anything she has played before and I was really taken by the emotion she portrayed. Jack Gyllenhaal’s character was slightly annoying but again very emotional. Overall I thought the film was good and I would recommend this film, mainly to girls but guys wouldn’t mind it either as Anne Hathway takes her clothes off…rather a lot.

THE WAY BACK

(Forgotten Date) (12A) 

Director: Peter Weir

Verdict: I was unsure about how many stars to give this film because it was very slow in parts as it follows a group of men escaping a concentration camp. I nearly gave it four stars  because the performances from the actors were truly believable and captivating; it was quite emotional as I seemed to go through the different emotions with the characters. However I realised that I haven't thought much about the film since, which leads me to think that it's not necessarily a film to remember. I would not recommend this film to action lovers as it certainly wasn’t action filled. It reminded me slightly of ‘Cast Away’ in the respect that not much happened but it seemed like a lot!

THE NEXT THREE DAYS

4^th Jan 2010 (12A) 

Director: Paul Haggis

Verdict: I wasn't too sure about seeing this film because i'm not the biggest fan of Russell Crowe but I came out of the cinema feeling pretty happy about what I had watched. I felt it had just the right amount of tension and I loved the way that the main character was just a normal man, trying to save his wife who he adored. Although some might say that it wasn't realistic at all, who cares? It's a film and film is meant to entertain and this film certainly does that. I really believed in the protagonist's relationship with his wife, played by Elizabeth Banks, who also impressed me. Overall, not a completely original and unique film but it does what it's suppose to.

127 HOURS

8^th Jan 2010 (15) 

Director: Danny Boyle

Verdict: I was particularly looking forward to this film because I loved Boyle’s previous film, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which I felt was so well made for its budget. After hearing about ‘127 Hours’ and knowing at some point in the film I would have to watch the guy cut off his own arm, I was slightly worried but I still wanted to see it. When the film started, I knew it was going to be good, with Boyle’s interesting camera editing and very effective soundtrack and I wasn’t disappointed. The whole film kept me engaged and wanting to watch more, with its tense moments coupled with some comical lines. James Franco has played a variety of roles in the past and I felt this film really showed his true acting ability as I really felt for his character. The film starts at a very fast pace and suddenly changes when he gets stuck. I would truly recommend this film as I loved it, although if you don’t like blood, then you might want to think twice, or look away!