My Favorite Films In Alphabetical Order
Please respect this list as it's not generic blockbusters, as I know people will wonder where the old films are.
21 Grams
Another Earth
Apocalypto
Babel
Battle Royale
Batman Begins
Black Swan
Blue Valentine
Birdsong
Children Of Men
City Of Life And Death
The Dark Knight
The Departed
Drive
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - David Fincher Version
Hanna
Hard Candy
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Inception
I Saw The Devil
Let Me In
Let The Right One In
The Lord Of The Rings The Fellowship Of The Ring
My Way
No Country For Old Men
Oldboy
Pan's Labyrinth
The Prestige
Requiem For A Dream
Se7en
Shame
Shutter Island
Take Shelter
There Will Be Blood
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Titanic
Warrior
Watchmen
The Wrestler
Thursday 10 January 2013
Tuesday 11 December 2012
The Dark Knight Rises - 2012 - Film Review
This is all my preference and my opinion.
The Dark Knight Rises is the third installment in the Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, he's of course, Batman. Anne Hathaway as the irritating Catwoman. Tom Hardy in his anti-bad*ss role as Bane, not how I expected, not menacing enough and I felt he was under-used. As you can probably tell this film was very disappointing for me, I say that as an avid Nolan fan and a major fan of the previous two Batman films. I'll talk more of the disappointments throughout the review. The additional cast includes: Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman.
The Plot: I won't be going too much into as the film is ultimately a cluster-fudge. Batman has been out of action for 8 years, Bane shows up with more plans than Batman is aware... Then there is a million other things that don't need to be there at all, the film would have been better on a smaller scale. Nolan films usually have this grand, epic scale, when I say epic, I don't mean big, that's what the scale of the The Dark Knight Rises is, big, and it's too much for the running time.
The performances: Bale is good, but he was better in The Dark Knight and Batman Begins. Anne Hathaway was outright irritating as Catwoman, she has no chemistry with anyone. Tom Hardy is ok as Bane, he's good at times, but ultimately not intimidating enough, he needed to be more hard-hitting with his presence on the screen, he didn't feel like much of a threat like The Joker is in The Dark Knight. The rest of the cast is nothing special, except for Michael Cain is great as always, as is Oldman. Freeman didn't seem there.
The Technical Aspects: They're very good, but it doesn't have that Nolan polish to it. It may have something to do with the fact that the pacing is awful, it may have made the editing seem shoddy. Cinematography is good yet again, but the polish isn't there for me.
The Writing: The script is outright bad at times, the way Anne Hathaway presents her lines is outright terrible. Bane has a very memorable quote, he by far has the best lines "When Gotham is ashes, you have my permission to die" Great line, but it doesn't compare to the dozens of incredible lines that Heath Ledger has as Joker in The Dark Knight "I'm an agent of chaos".
Re-Watch-ability: Very low, possibly re-visit the film in a few years, but next to nothing. There's nothing to keep me coming back.
The Verdict: The Dark Knight Rises is no where near as good as Nolan's other two in the Batman trilogy, nor any of his other films. It's like he didn't even direct it. It's technically a Nolan film but it's not a Nolan film at heart, it doesn't have that Nolan finesse to it, the grand-ness to his films isn't there. I give The Dark Knight Rises a 3/10. The biggest disappointment of my life. It has it's moments, but ultimately a cluster-fudge, too much crammed into the running time. Thank you for reading my review! This is all my opinion.
The Dark Knight Rises is the third installment in the Christopher Nolan Batman Trilogy. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, he's of course, Batman. Anne Hathaway as the irritating Catwoman. Tom Hardy in his anti-bad*ss role as Bane, not how I expected, not menacing enough and I felt he was under-used. As you can probably tell this film was very disappointing for me, I say that as an avid Nolan fan and a major fan of the previous two Batman films. I'll talk more of the disappointments throughout the review. The additional cast includes: Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman.
The Plot: I won't be going too much into as the film is ultimately a cluster-fudge. Batman has been out of action for 8 years, Bane shows up with more plans than Batman is aware... Then there is a million other things that don't need to be there at all, the film would have been better on a smaller scale. Nolan films usually have this grand, epic scale, when I say epic, I don't mean big, that's what the scale of the The Dark Knight Rises is, big, and it's too much for the running time.
The performances: Bale is good, but he was better in The Dark Knight and Batman Begins. Anne Hathaway was outright irritating as Catwoman, she has no chemistry with anyone. Tom Hardy is ok as Bane, he's good at times, but ultimately not intimidating enough, he needed to be more hard-hitting with his presence on the screen, he didn't feel like much of a threat like The Joker is in The Dark Knight. The rest of the cast is nothing special, except for Michael Cain is great as always, as is Oldman. Freeman didn't seem there.
The Technical Aspects: They're very good, but it doesn't have that Nolan polish to it. It may have something to do with the fact that the pacing is awful, it may have made the editing seem shoddy. Cinematography is good yet again, but the polish isn't there for me.
The Writing: The script is outright bad at times, the way Anne Hathaway presents her lines is outright terrible. Bane has a very memorable quote, he by far has the best lines "When Gotham is ashes, you have my permission to die" Great line, but it doesn't compare to the dozens of incredible lines that Heath Ledger has as Joker in The Dark Knight "I'm an agent of chaos".
Re-Watch-ability: Very low, possibly re-visit the film in a few years, but next to nothing. There's nothing to keep me coming back.
The Verdict: The Dark Knight Rises is no where near as good as Nolan's other two in the Batman trilogy, nor any of his other films. It's like he didn't even direct it. It's technically a Nolan film but it's not a Nolan film at heart, it doesn't have that Nolan finesse to it, the grand-ness to his films isn't there. I give The Dark Knight Rises a 3/10. The biggest disappointment of my life. It has it's moments, but ultimately a cluster-fudge, too much crammed into the running time. Thank you for reading my review! This is all my opinion.
Sunday 25 November 2012
My Way - 2012 - Film Review
My Way is a South Korean war film from directer Kang Je-gyu. The film stars Jang Dong-gun as Jun-shik the passive and calm Korean whom's passion is running. The films other main character is Joe Odagiri as the passive-aggressive Tatsuo whom's passion is also running.
The Plot: Jun-Shik (gun) is a Korean living in 1930's Japan working as a rickshaw runner. He's not aloud to take part in sports events as he is Korean. Tatsuo (Odagiri) is his lifetime rival for various reasons, he's Japanese and is aloud to compete in the marathon events. I don't want to go any further with the story than that but to give you an idea without giving anything away, in short, an incident happens and one of them get's pushed into the army and one goes by choice and so begins their triumphant and epic story.
The Performances: Both Jang Dong-gun and Joe Odagiri are just as astonishing as each other, very emotional, very poignant performances, especially toward the end of the film, where the hard hitting emotion takes place, that being said the entire film is a triumph of emotional story-telling and events that truly do bring goosebumps from the beautiful opening scenes, to the dramatic ending.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is breathtakingly well done my Lee Mo-gae who also did the cinematography for I Saw The Devil, he's truly talented. There's one particular scene involving Jun-shik going after a sniper the camera movements and angles are absolutely mind-blowing, truly epic. Same goes for the editing.
The Writing: I've always found with foreign films it's hard for me to get a good idea on what I think of the script, but it is a great script, it never stood out, but that isn't a flaw, as I said, when reading the subtitles it's hard to pick up on it, plus, script has a lot to do with the way actors present lines, in English it's easier to pick up on. As I said, not a flaw.
Re-Watch-Ability: As of now I've only seen the film once, but it's not a one-watch-wonder let me stress that, it is one to re-visit in the coming months and guaranteed to be in awe of again and again.
The Verdict: My Way is a thing of cinematic beauty, the artistry behind the film-making is that of the highest order. The emotional core is strong, with great characters, tears flowing at the end. The film is a 10/10 from me, a must see, essential viewing for any fan of true cinema. Thank you for reading my review!
The Plot: Jun-Shik (gun) is a Korean living in 1930's Japan working as a rickshaw runner. He's not aloud to take part in sports events as he is Korean. Tatsuo (Odagiri) is his lifetime rival for various reasons, he's Japanese and is aloud to compete in the marathon events. I don't want to go any further with the story than that but to give you an idea without giving anything away, in short, an incident happens and one of them get's pushed into the army and one goes by choice and so begins their triumphant and epic story.
The Performances: Both Jang Dong-gun and Joe Odagiri are just as astonishing as each other, very emotional, very poignant performances, especially toward the end of the film, where the hard hitting emotion takes place, that being said the entire film is a triumph of emotional story-telling and events that truly do bring goosebumps from the beautiful opening scenes, to the dramatic ending.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is breathtakingly well done my Lee Mo-gae who also did the cinematography for I Saw The Devil, he's truly talented. There's one particular scene involving Jun-shik going after a sniper the camera movements and angles are absolutely mind-blowing, truly epic. Same goes for the editing.
The Writing: I've always found with foreign films it's hard for me to get a good idea on what I think of the script, but it is a great script, it never stood out, but that isn't a flaw, as I said, when reading the subtitles it's hard to pick up on it, plus, script has a lot to do with the way actors present lines, in English it's easier to pick up on. As I said, not a flaw.
Re-Watch-Ability: As of now I've only seen the film once, but it's not a one-watch-wonder let me stress that, it is one to re-visit in the coming months and guaranteed to be in awe of again and again.
The Verdict: My Way is a thing of cinematic beauty, the artistry behind the film-making is that of the highest order. The emotional core is strong, with great characters, tears flowing at the end. The film is a 10/10 from me, a must see, essential viewing for any fan of true cinema. Thank you for reading my review!
Monday 19 November 2012
Shame - 2012 - Film Review
Shame is a 2012 drama film directed by Steve McQueen. The film stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon, a 30 something year old sex addict. Carey Mulligan Plays Sissy, Brandon's sister. The film was made on a 4 million dollar budget which is incredible, I'm proud of films on small budgets, makes it all the more special as they do more than most Hollywood-ised films, with less.
The Plot: Brandon (Fassbender) is a sex addict living in an upper class apartment in New York. When his sister comes to stay with him things grow even more complicated. There's not much else more to add to the plot, it's fairly simple, but it works as it is more about the characters.
The Performances: Michael Fassbender delivers a career defining performance, he's mesmerizing to watch, hands down one of the greatest performances ever to be put on screen. Carey Mulligan is incredible also, but she's not getting anywhere near Fassbender's in this one, but she is amazing, proving to be a brilliant actress. There is a particular scene involving Fassbender and Mulligan arguing in front of the TV, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest scenes in film history, the dialogue is breathtaking, as is Michael Fassbender, every word he puts out is pure gold.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is downright gorgeous, the camera angles are very original and have their own, completely different style to them. The film has a lot of one take shots that are truly genius, such as the before mentioned argument scene is all in one take, about 6 minutes in length. There is a scene at a Restaurant all in one take, truly incredible.
The Writing: It's absolutely marvelous scripting, especially Fassbender's lines, he own's them all. Again, the argument scene in front of the TV is just genius writing, and Fass and Mull bring it to life so well.
Re-Watch-Ability: Just got done watching it for the second time after about 5 months of not seeing it, still incredible. I'd hold off from watching it too much, as it's a film that deserves the time and the place, for the sake of immersion.
The Verdict: Shame is a masterpiece, one of the greatest films ever made without a doubt in my mind. It's a triumph in cinematography, writing and acting. It's a 10/10 from me. Thank you for reading my review!
The Plot: Brandon (Fassbender) is a sex addict living in an upper class apartment in New York. When his sister comes to stay with him things grow even more complicated. There's not much else more to add to the plot, it's fairly simple, but it works as it is more about the characters.
The Performances: Michael Fassbender delivers a career defining performance, he's mesmerizing to watch, hands down one of the greatest performances ever to be put on screen. Carey Mulligan is incredible also, but she's not getting anywhere near Fassbender's in this one, but she is amazing, proving to be a brilliant actress. There is a particular scene involving Fassbender and Mulligan arguing in front of the TV, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest scenes in film history, the dialogue is breathtaking, as is Michael Fassbender, every word he puts out is pure gold.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is downright gorgeous, the camera angles are very original and have their own, completely different style to them. The film has a lot of one take shots that are truly genius, such as the before mentioned argument scene is all in one take, about 6 minutes in length. There is a scene at a Restaurant all in one take, truly incredible.
The Writing: It's absolutely marvelous scripting, especially Fassbender's lines, he own's them all. Again, the argument scene in front of the TV is just genius writing, and Fass and Mull bring it to life so well.
Re-Watch-Ability: Just got done watching it for the second time after about 5 months of not seeing it, still incredible. I'd hold off from watching it too much, as it's a film that deserves the time and the place, for the sake of immersion.
The Verdict: Shame is a masterpiece, one of the greatest films ever made without a doubt in my mind. It's a triumph in cinematography, writing and acting. It's a 10/10 from me. Thank you for reading my review!
Sunday 18 November 2012
I Saw The Devil - 2011 - Film Review
I Saw The Devil is a 2010 Korean film from acclaimed directer Kim Ji-woon. The film stars Lee Byung-hun as the total bad #ss secret service agent Soo-hyun. The film also stars legendary Korean actor Choi Min-sik as the menacing villain Kyung-chul.
The Plot: I'll give you just the beginning of the film therefor not spoiling more than the first 15 minutes, the trailer gives you more. The film starts out in the snowy night, Soo-hyun (Lee) is talking to his soon to be wife Joo-yun on the phone, she is soon murdered by serial killer Kyung-chul (Choi) Soo-hyun wants his revenge and so begins a sinister game of cat and mouse. It may sound un-original, but let me stress it is one of the most original films of today in how it plays out. Utterly enthralling.
The Performances: Lee Byung-hun is utterly bad #ss but in a subtle, more toned down way, he mixes emotion and depth along with it. There is a reason to care about him. Choi Min-sik is just incredible as the villain, he's repulsive and menacing. Both performances are brilliant, as are everyone else in the film.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography has it's own, very unique style, it keeps the film captivating, almost changing tones throughout, but never seems disjointed, always remains fluent. There is a stand out scene, and one of my favorites of the film, in which involves a fight with Choi and a couple of people in a car, it's astonishing the way the camera is rotating around the car as it happens, it's utter genius.
The Writing: No complaints whatsoever, there is some brilliant scripting in the final scenes. Other than that it never fails, it's not the greatest script, but it's still brilliant.
Re-Watch-Ability: Endlessly re-watchable, I can stick it on anytime and am always impressed.
The Verdict: Overall a flawless gem of a film, never fails to amaze, remains consistently hypnotic throughout, with brilliant cinematography by Le Mo-gae, amazing set pieces and a poignant and awesome tale of loss and revenge. 10/10, one of my all time favorite films. Thank you for reading my review!
Achievements In Cinematography - Will Be Added On As I See More
City Of Life And Death
I Saw The Devil
My Way
Pan's Labyrinth
Birdsong
Children Of Men
Drive
Shame
The Tree Of Life
Titanic
Black Swan
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Take Shelter
No Country For Old Men
The Dark Knight
Hanna
Inception
I Saw The Devil
My Way
Pan's Labyrinth
Birdsong
Children Of Men
Drive
Shame
The Tree Of Life
Titanic
Black Swan
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Take Shelter
No Country For Old Men
The Dark Knight
Hanna
Inception
Take Shelter - 2011 - Film Review
Review - Take Shelter - 2011
Take Shelter is a 2011 psychological thriller-drama film directed by Jeff Nichols starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The film is made on a five million dollar budget which I respect, I love seeing films on a small budget just kick the living daylights out of most Hollywood-ised films. Some think small budget means bad, to be blunt that's just ignorance.
The Plot: Curtis LaForche (Shannon) Keeps having end-of-days apocalyptic visions including very vivid dreams. I don't want to say any more than that as it is a film that needs to be gone into knowing not much about it. I will say this, from the films mesmerizing opening to it's fantastically, strangely epic ending, it unfolds with such captivating story telling that slowly captivates the viewer.
The Performances: Michael Shannon delivers a powerhouse of a performance, he sent chills down my spine in several scenes of utter acting genius, it still sends chills down my spine as I wright this, honestly it's one of the great performances of all time in my opinion. There is a scene, and don't worry I won't give anything away, but it involves Shannon losing it in a food court, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest moments in cinema. It's utterly goose-bump educing. Jessica Chastain is proving to be one of today's best actors, she is brilliant in the film but this is Michael Shannon's courier defining film and performance.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is just downright gorgeous it captivates the viewer right from the beginning and in dramatic sequences it remains fluent, it never seems disjointed, it remains it's own. The angles are precise and the editing is nothing short of incredible, can't speak highly enough of the technical aspects.
The Writing: The script is brilliantly written by directer Jeff Nichols and is especially standing out in the food court flip out scene, ahh, how I love it, it's a thing of cinematic genius how that played out.
Re-Watch-Ability: It's highly re-watchable, one to be in awe of every time, I recommend a straight up purchase.
The Verdict: Take Shelter is a triumph in film-making and acting, it's one of the great films as far as I'm concerned, 10/10, a must see for everyone. Thank you for reading my review!
Take Shelter is a 2011 psychological thriller-drama film directed by Jeff Nichols starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain. The film is made on a five million dollar budget which I respect, I love seeing films on a small budget just kick the living daylights out of most Hollywood-ised films. Some think small budget means bad, to be blunt that's just ignorance.
The Plot: Curtis LaForche (Shannon) Keeps having end-of-days apocalyptic visions including very vivid dreams. I don't want to say any more than that as it is a film that needs to be gone into knowing not much about it. I will say this, from the films mesmerizing opening to it's fantastically, strangely epic ending, it unfolds with such captivating story telling that slowly captivates the viewer.
The Performances: Michael Shannon delivers a powerhouse of a performance, he sent chills down my spine in several scenes of utter acting genius, it still sends chills down my spine as I wright this, honestly it's one of the great performances of all time in my opinion. There is a scene, and don't worry I won't give anything away, but it involves Shannon losing it in a food court, it is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest moments in cinema. It's utterly goose-bump educing. Jessica Chastain is proving to be one of today's best actors, she is brilliant in the film but this is Michael Shannon's courier defining film and performance.
The Technical Aspects: The cinematography is just downright gorgeous it captivates the viewer right from the beginning and in dramatic sequences it remains fluent, it never seems disjointed, it remains it's own. The angles are precise and the editing is nothing short of incredible, can't speak highly enough of the technical aspects.
The Writing: The script is brilliantly written by directer Jeff Nichols and is especially standing out in the food court flip out scene, ahh, how I love it, it's a thing of cinematic genius how that played out.
Re-Watch-Ability: It's highly re-watchable, one to be in awe of every time, I recommend a straight up purchase.
The Verdict: Take Shelter is a triumph in film-making and acting, it's one of the great films as far as I'm concerned, 10/10, a must see for everyone. Thank you for reading my review!
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