watch 50 movies in 2009

Watched again.

I saw this film back in 2006 and didn’t think much of it, with it being on the television last week I thought I’d record it and give it another try. Many people say it’s a hilarious film that everyone has to love, but unfortunately, even second time round, I still didn’t think much of it.

‘Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan’ is brought to us by famous comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, who I must admit I did think was brilliant in ‘Ali G Indahouse’. We are introduced to Borat, a television presenter of Kazakhstan, who is being sent to the ‘U.S. and A’ to capture the culture difference and economic success and bring this back to Kazakhstan to help his country improve. Along the way Borat gets sidetracked after seeing ‘Baywatch’ and of course I’m sure you can guess why, and the film takes a different course, one of searching for love in the form of Pamela Anderson.

I will admit that this film is not slow, in that it’s not painful to watch and you are waiting for it to be over. I think the variety and constant change of scene helps to keep it alive and hold ones attention.

With regard to humor and comical elements, it really depends on the type of person you are, there were bits that made me smile, but didn’t quite get the full laugh. If you’ve ever talked to someone about this movie, you’ll have probably heard quotes such as ‘Success’, ‘I like’ and It’s nice’ which are well done, but the overall humor didn’t really do much for me.

This film walks a fine line between humor and pure racism and discrimination, the problem being that people have different opinions on where that line is, and I personally think they step over it one too many times. I understand that it’s all in the name of humor, but this isn’t some kind of excuse, racism is racism, and discrimination, discrimination, it’s not that hard to understand. What makes this film socially acceptable is the fact that we know they are not purposely trying to be racists, and are merely portraying a character that really knows no different that what is socially correct.

If this film had managed to get me laughing out loud then I would have given it the extra star. The racism angle doesn’t play much part in my rating, but I can see how it can be misinterpreted, to what the producers were trying to achieve with this film.

Three stars.

(Review can be found on Dooyoo.co.uk – Topherbenn)

Mike O’Donnell was set to be a huge basketball star, but when his girlfriend burdens him with news of a child before the most important game of his life, his High School basketball chances are crushed. 30 years later and Mike wishes he had done things differently, and all too soon his dreams are going to come true. Mike O’Donnell awakes ‘17 Again’, and this is his chance to put things right, but will he do what he’s intend to do? Or will he remove himself from the equation and work on improving the lives of those around him?

Zac Efron stars as the young 17 year old stud brought back to the past to change the lives of those around him. He plays the part brilliantly, he’s likable and most of all believable, even through this scenes when we see the fatherly figure coming through the young boys body. His connection with the other cast members is truly unique and it seems he has great chemistry with all the cast, he’s developing well as a young star in such a competitive industry.

Other cast members do well to keep the film rolling on smoothly, and Matthew Perry, though doesn’t get a great deal of screen time, still manages to pull something good out of the bag. I was glad there was the comedy elements to this film, having loved Matthew during his ‘Friends’ career, I believe his very type cast, and I’m always wary when I hear of his name in a film, but he managed to do well in this flick.

Not only is the acting great, but the plot is somewhat original and playful. It’s got it’s quirks and a few falls, but on the whole it is well scripted. I believe there was a lot of scope for the characters to make the stamp on the film which is always nice to see. Finally a film that doesn’t try the ‘boy meets girl’ approach in such a well known fashion, instead the boy-girl relationship is still there with a new and exciting slant.

Never in the flick did I start to feel bored, in fact the complete opposite prevailed. Definitely a film well put together and something I wouldn’t mind watching again. It’s fun, flirty and feisty – all the required ingredients for a chick flick. I’m sure most guys are thinking they wouldn’t really enjoy this, but take the Girlfriend or Misses and they’ll not only have a great time but maybe thank you for it later.

Five stars.

(Review can be found on Dooyoo.co.uk – Topherbenn)

Having seen the ‘Alien vs Predator’ I was highly excited to see this sequel, unfortunately it never came to my local cinema, and I only managed to watch it the other week. I expected a high action, tense thriller of a war between the Aliens and Predators, instead I got a weak plot, mixed with a few scares and a set of actors that didn’t really know what they were doing!

‘Aliens vs Predator: Requiem’ takes off after the first Alien and Predator mash-up. When the Aliens spaceship falls from space and crashes into a small town in the US, all hell brakes loose. The citizen are scared, and when it comes to light there was a Predator on board, suddenly a war commences between the army of Aliens and the lonesome Predator. Can the citizens flee to safety and remove themselves from a war full of destruction or will they have to play a part in killing off these creatures from their hometown?

Firstly, as I watched the film, and very quickly got my bearings and realised what was in store for me for the next hour and a half I was very disappointed. The first film had a gripping plot that had depth and intrigue, leaving everything in suspense and keeping you guessing right until the end, this however I had worked out in the first few minutes, which didn’t bode well for the rest of the film.

With a weak plot, I turned to the actors and hoped they would be able to make a weak plot, into a watchable one, but when I was lost when it came to names and faces and wasn’t over impressed with what I was seeing, I couldn’t help but think this would be one of those sequels that gets the hype, but never delivers. I am not skeptical about new faces, though it doesn’t take me long to work out whether they have what it takes to make this film into something good.

As this film is set mostly at night, you can expect dark scenes, but many dark scenes are well created so you can understand, and make out the characters and actors, but not these. I was forever having to guess which creature was killing which, and who was doing what. I understand that nighttime brings that sense of terror and scare but please don’t spoil the atmosphere by leaving me to fill in the pieces. What was really disappointing was that I couldn’t differentiate the Pred-Alien from the normal Aliens; as those that saw the first will know, there is a Pred-Alien aboard the ship, a combination of the two creatures. With dark scenes, and the two creatures looking very similar, I really had to think hard about what I was seeing. I don’t mind a film that makes me think, but that’s when it’s about the story, not what I’m seeing on screen.

Overall, this film was a complete let down, having thought the first was incredible, and a great addition to the Alien/Predator film series, I couldn’t help think that they rushed this one, or didn’t find the right script before proceeding. If you’ve seen the first, then this one doesn’t really relate too much, apart from the appearance of the Pred-Alien, so I’d give it a miss to preserve the feelings you have for the first film. Here’s hoping they don’t attempt ‘Alien vs Predator: Back for round three’.

Two stars.

(Review can be found on Dooyoo.co.uk – Topherbenn)

When Davie, an inmate at a Young Offenders Institution commits suicide due to bullying by fellow prisoners, the inmates within his dormitory are sent away to a remote island once known as an Army training base. Under the supervision of a Prison Officer, these young men are sent packing, ready for some character building alone on the island. It soon becomes apparent that they are not alone; someone, or something has inhabited the island. As the inmates are picked off one by one, in some of the most gruesome deaths imaginable, they are lead to believe their is more to this than meets the eye… A twist ending reveals this isn’t a coincidence, and everything is unearthed in the final scenes.

Wilderness is a British/Irish horror film, directed by Michael J. Bassett. It was released in 2006 and film solely in Scotland and Northern Island. The film stars Sean Pertwee and Alex Reid, among other well known British actors, who through their creative talents help bring this story to life and offer some very good, very well acted frightening scenes.

Though the films plot isn’t necessarily so unique; focusing on a ‘serial killer’, it’s final revelations and reasons for why the characters are in this deadly situation is, and it keeps the story alive, in a genre that it is so easy to fall into the unoriginal story line category.

The film starts off in the Young Offenders Institution where you are brought up to date with the characters history and personalities. It soon becomes clear why they all deserve to be there, and the script writing of these characters is done exceptionally well. Each character is unique, and the diversity of the characters helps save the film from being dull and unimaginative.

As the film leads to the ‘uninhabited’ island, right from the start you are given a sense that everything is not what it seems. Clever camera angles and shots give the impression that these characters are part of a much bigger game, that they are not alone, and that they are being watched. The eye is in the detail; well it certainly is in this film. Rarely do you forget that these characters are being watched. The consistency throughout the film, shows the care taken to create the ery atmosphere.

The deaths are kept original and are conducted without the use of CGI. This film is shot without the need for hi-tech camera units. It’s dull toned scenes make it rustic and seem from an older time, any CGI would have ruined this image. In a gruesome scene when a character is bitten to death by dogs, we see blood splatter, hear bones shatter, and see the aftermath of a bloody feast. There’s a split second when you question the reality of this scene; it looks so life like, and the actor does well to impress the audience.

The killers identity is kept mysterious, as the film progresses we see more and more, until the end when everything falls into place. The final revelation of the killer is almost a small let down, but knowing what’s previously happened during the film, makes you realise he is capable of anything.

All in all, this film ticks all the boxes for a good horror/thriller. Though it isn’t the most original storyline, you have to realise that originality within this genre is hard to come by. The acting is top notch; and though I hadn’t heard of many of the actors, this wasn’t a problem, each had their strengths which really shone through. I think the cinematography is where this film clinches that extra star. The care and attention to the story, the mystery and intrigue captured by the scenes is why I felt drawn into this film. I felt connected; I felt a part of this blood bath. Certainly one for the horror fans to see how sometimes they get it right.

Four stars.

(Review can be found on Dooyoo.co.uk – Topherbenn)

If you wanna chase your dream, sometimes you gotta break the rules.

Viola is desperate to prove that she’s got what it takes to compete in professional football, only the coach and boys football team can’t take her seriously. When her twin brother goes away to London to promote his music, Viola has an idea, a quick make over and Viola is now Sebastian, her brother who’s ready to show them what she’s made of.

Who would have thought it, a girl becoming her brother to play football; it doesn’t sound the most thrilling plot, and to be fair it isn’t anything special, but it’s the small subplots and cheeky and quirky acting that helps get this film off the ground. The screen play is pretty descent too, and it’s a good mix of an alright script that is pretty well delivered. I think the under laying message of “What would you do to make your dreams come true” is not really emphasised too much, but keeps cropping up every now again, after all, she’s being her brother to play football professionally.

The cast do a good job to save it from being a boring and mundane teen flick. Although most of the cast aren’t too well known it doesn’t stop them from doing their best to bring the film up to American teen flick standards. The main lead Amanda Bynes who plays Viola, and then the fake Sebastian has her work cut out, but she delivers a great performance, good enough to trick me into thinking it was a different actor playing the fake brother, but I kid you not, she played both… brilliant!

This is really your typical relaxed teen flick, with an okay story line, a well casted list of actors who can hold their own and bring the story to life, and a good few laughs and jokes along the way. Definitely worth a try for some laughs on an evening in.

Four stars.

Kiss Your Ice Goodbye

Diego, Manfred and Sid return for another adventure, only this time they’re in big trouble. The ice is melting and the valley they inhabit will fill with ice cold water over the next few days. Join them on their quest to find the boat that will drift them to safety.

Like the original film, this film doesn’t disappoint with a poor plot. It’s edgy, with a little sense of urgency, but filled to the brim with laugh-out-loud moments during the gang’s quest for safety. Not only is there the creative tale of survival, but Manfred is still looking for his herd, Sid becomes ‘Fire-King’ and Diego has a few possums to put up with, it’s these additional elements that keep the plot alive and kicking. As a family movie, it ticks all the boxes of being fun, uncomplicated, and a little bit silly. This is definitely one for the kids, if a pack of small Sid’s, dancing crazily can’t get them laughing, I don’t know what will; this scene was one of a favourites, as simple as it may be, I still had to gasp for air as I clutched my sore sides from laughing a little too much.

The voices of the entire main cast were again incredible. Sid’s character is brought to life by John Leguizamo, filled with enthusiasm and silly antics. Ray Romano depicts a sad and lonely Mammoth, but with a hint of fun and friendship and Denis Leary doesn’t fail to impress us with his version of scary but cuddly sabre-tooth tiger, Diego.

The computer design team deserve tremendous credit for all of the characters and special effects. The comic and slightly realistic touch is just brilliant. I could watch the gang on many more adventures and not get bored – whoever thought of these characters knew they had something special.

This is a perfect sequel to an already brilliant series. The gang are back with laughs and adventure, and some creative character developments don’t go unnoticed. I have high hopes for the third installment in the series which hits cinemas summer 2009.

Five stars.

Watched again.

Crafty! Inventive! A great twist ending!

Four stars.

Wacky, creative… just brilliant!

Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) is going through a rough patch in his life, he’s in a dead end job and is having relationship problems with his girlfriend, that is until he spontaneously jumps on a different train instead of going to work. Here he meets Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet), an eccentric woman who defines everything ‘hippie’ in today’s society. They hit it off, and the young relationship blossoms into a budding romance.

The films starts with an air of the unknown but it soon becomes apparent what’s going on and how it could develop. The two leads are cast brilliantly, and their talents are reflected in the fantastic portrail of the crazy couple.

But one day out of the blue Joel doesn’t hear from Clementine, and to make matters worse, when he see’s her she doesn’t even know who he is… ‘strange’ isn’t quite enough to explain how this piece of the film comes across. Only too soon do we find out about Lacuna, a private company who serve anyone that needs someone removing from their memory. Gone. Joel’s been removed and he doesn’t understand why. Eventually he decides he must have the treatment done… but as the film develops and we learn more from the couples memories, and it’s clear Joel isn’t ready to give up trying.

Without spoiling this explosive film, I congratulate French director Michel Gondry for another outstanding picture. His mix of science fiction with romance makes for a compelling viewing. At times everything about this film is quite surreal, but after all, it’s a very unique film; I can’t say I’ve seen anything like it before. Though it could be brushed off as another ‘amnesia-themed’ flick, it don’t think this gives it due credit. Yes, these films are creative and compelling, Memento is a great example, but this film takes the story a little deeper and adds that additional twist element. Carrey and Winslet in part make this a truly exceptional film, without their talent, it wouldn’t have been so perfect.

Five stars.

Incredible.

Jamal is in the hot seat, playing ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’, but surely he can’t win the 20 million Rupees? It’s not until the end of the film that this is revealed, but through a well crafted piece of cinematography of flashbacks reveal the life of this Mumbai child, and how he knows all the answers…

Jamal is living in the Slums of Mumbai, enjoying life being a child with no worries in the world, that is until he looses his Mother in a raid of their town, forcing him to take refuge with his brother, Salim, and their ‘Third Musketeer’ Latika.

The film tone starts as any happy-go-lucky film does, a real interest in the characters, and a sense of love and happiness, but when the children are left to fend for themselves, you fall deeper into the lives of a typical orphaned child living in India, and your heart cries out for them.

Picked up by a band of orphaned child carers, Jamal, Salim and Latika are given such love and care, in what is a beautiful setting, that is, until the real truth comes out; the children are there for a different purpose, to scrounge money from residents of the town as poor orphaned beggars. As the children realise this truth through a well scripted and emotional event in the film, the children flee for their lives, but this doesn’t quite go to plan.

Jamal and Salim are back fending for themselves, Latika’s whereabouts are unknown… but later their lives take a huge turn for the worse, when they no longer know the other; Salim has ‘gone off the rails’, forcing Jamal to part company.

As the story continues, Jamal is finally reunited with Latika… without giving too much away, their paths cross and the ending is just how you would imagine it.

The acting from the children, right through to the grown up adults in this film are incredible. The emotion portrayed, along with the sense that the events could possibly be true, is one reason why this film deserves all the 8 Oscars it won. Danny Boyle doesn’t fail to present a film that embeds culture, morality and the arts; this is something the British film industry can be proud of. This film is like no other, and definitely something everyone should see!

Five stars.

Watched again.

Fantastic! Hilarious! Perfect gore ride!

Four stars.