Extras: The Complete Collection: DVD Review
Extras: The Complete Collection
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson,
Ashley Jensen
Released by BBC and Roadshow
Entertainment
Collecting together all 12 of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's comedy and
bundling it up with the TV movie which rounded off the series is a genius
idea.
Granted it's nothing which hasn't already been released but it's a great
collection which sucks you in.
Gervais is Andy Millman, a TV extra who longs to make it - his friend Maggie
(Ashley Jensen) is also a struggling actress - and combined with his useless
agent Darren (the gangly awkward Stephen Merchant), Andy tries whatever he can
to get a bigger part onscreen.
Ultimately though, it leads to Millman being humiliated - however, in series
2, Millman gets the break he's wanted and lands a BBC sitcom. Yet that momentous
victory is soured by the fact he's making TV for the masses with catch phrases
and parts of his soul being torn from him.
And then in the special, Andy nearly loses everything when he heads for the
top.
The joy of Extras comes in the writing and awkwardness which in some ways was
pioneered in The Office. Gervais isn't afraid to make himself the butt of the
jokes all the way through - and Merchant trades on his towering frame and
stupidity for his agent Darren. Coupled with the Hollywood cameos throughout the
series, this is compelling viewing.
However, it's the Special TV movie at the end which makes this set what it is
- and showcases exactly why the poignancy and heartache - along with Ashley
Jensen's terrific performance - work best in this series. As Andy forgets
everyone around him on his way up, his friend heads for rock bottom and near
depression - Ashley Jensen's performance will leave even the most hard hearted
in tears.
Gervais has had the good sense to end Extras after two series - let's hope it
stays that way because he's fashioned the perfect sitcom which deals with
Hollywood; there's despair, desperation, laughs and tragedy in spades.
Brilliant viewing for fans of Gervais' "awkward moments" style of
comedy comedy where the joke's on him - and there's heartbreak aplenty.
Extras: Behind the scenes docos, the difficult second album
looks at how they wrote the show after The Office, commentaries, deleted scenes
and Outtakes add to the package - but their inclusion only enhance the
experience as all have been available on separate discs before.
Rating: 8/10
Monday, 30 November 2009
Dr Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: DVD Review
Dr Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: DVD Review
Dr Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: Special Edition
Cast: Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Terry Molloy, The Daleks
Released by BBC And Roadshow Entertainment
This tale from the popular sci fi series' 25th anniversary in 1988 sees Sylvester McCoy's Doctor back on some familiar ground from the show's history and facing his old nemeses.
This 2 disc set had previously been available as part of the mega Davros DVD set but has now been given a separate release outside of that set so fans won't have to pay out for stories they already had just to get this special edition.
Basically the Doctor finds himself back in sixties London along with his companion Ace (Sophie Aldred) - and they're not alone. Because looking for a piece of ancient Time Lord tech are the Daleks - and if the Doctor can't stop them, everything could fall apart.
Taken from the less than popular series of the show, it's clear this was Who at its wobbly best - the Daleks are a bit shonky and you can actually see them wobble as they traverse roads to get to their evil ends.
That said, there's an old school charm to this - both McCoy and Aldred are great and give their all to a script which creaks with references to the show's past (a first for the writers and aimed at cocking a wink to the old school fans in the show's 25th year) but you can't escape from the fact this serial's not one of the best.
However, the same can't be said for the extras on this two disc set - commentary from the show's main stars, a doco about the making of this serial; a discussion of the references made to the show's history in Remembrance of the Daleks; extended and deleted scenes are just part of the additional moments.
But the piece de resistance is a documentary exploring the history of Davros, the Daleks' creator - an entire disc is devoted to this doco Davros Connection, 43 minutes about one of the show's most enduring villains and the actors who've played him through the years.
It's a great end to a relatively inauspicious story - Remembrance of the Daleks is not the show's finest moment - however, that said, the deep dark vein of mystery running though it shows the series was never too frightened to confound expectations for its characters.
Extras: Audio Commentary - with Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, Remembrances - Cast and crew talk about the influences and references to other Doctor Who adventures that are spread throughout the story. Back to School - Cast and crew talk about the making of the story accompanied by rare behind-the-scenes material. Extended and deleted scenes, Multi Angle Scenes, Davros Connections, Trailers, Photo Gallery, Production Notes and Radio Times listings.
Rating: 6/10
Dr Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: Special Edition
Cast: Sylvester McCoy, Sophie Aldred, Terry Molloy, The Daleks
Released by BBC And Roadshow Entertainment
This tale from the popular sci fi series' 25th anniversary in 1988 sees Sylvester McCoy's Doctor back on some familiar ground from the show's history and facing his old nemeses.
This 2 disc set had previously been available as part of the mega Davros DVD set but has now been given a separate release outside of that set so fans won't have to pay out for stories they already had just to get this special edition.
Basically the Doctor finds himself back in sixties London along with his companion Ace (Sophie Aldred) - and they're not alone. Because looking for a piece of ancient Time Lord tech are the Daleks - and if the Doctor can't stop them, everything could fall apart.
Taken from the less than popular series of the show, it's clear this was Who at its wobbly best - the Daleks are a bit shonky and you can actually see them wobble as they traverse roads to get to their evil ends.
That said, there's an old school charm to this - both McCoy and Aldred are great and give their all to a script which creaks with references to the show's past (a first for the writers and aimed at cocking a wink to the old school fans in the show's 25th year) but you can't escape from the fact this serial's not one of the best.
However, the same can't be said for the extras on this two disc set - commentary from the show's main stars, a doco about the making of this serial; a discussion of the references made to the show's history in Remembrance of the Daleks; extended and deleted scenes are just part of the additional moments.
But the piece de resistance is a documentary exploring the history of Davros, the Daleks' creator - an entire disc is devoted to this doco Davros Connection, 43 minutes about one of the show's most enduring villains and the actors who've played him through the years.
It's a great end to a relatively inauspicious story - Remembrance of the Daleks is not the show's finest moment - however, that said, the deep dark vein of mystery running though it shows the series was never too frightened to confound expectations for its characters.
Extras: Audio Commentary - with Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, Remembrances - Cast and crew talk about the influences and references to other Doctor Who adventures that are spread throughout the story. Back to School - Cast and crew talk about the making of the story accompanied by rare behind-the-scenes material. Extended and deleted scenes, Multi Angle Scenes, Davros Connections, Trailers, Photo Gallery, Production Notes and Radio Times listings.
Rating: 6/10
Father Ted: Definitive Collection: DVD Review
Father Ted: Definitive Collection: DVD Review
Father Ted: The Definitive Collection
Cast: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn
Released by Roadshow Entertainment
Ah Father Ted.
The comic insanity of a trio of priests trapped on Craggy Island along with their deranged housekeeper Mrs Doyle.
You'd think the comic potential would be severely limited on a show like this - but as many Ted fans can attest these days, this show's as beloved now as it was on its original transmission back in 1995 (seriously - nearly 15 years ago???)
And yet with this Definitive Collection, while it's packed with all three series of the shows and a bundle of new shiny extras (such as commentaries and video recollections of the annual Tedfest celebration out in Inis Mor, off County Galway), it can only go to show how missed Dermot Morgan (aka Ted) is.
Cruelly snatched by a heart attack at a party celebrating the final episode of the third series, his loss is felt by his absence on this latest collection - it'd have been grand to see what he would have made of all the accolades years on.
There's a lot to enjoy here - and most of it comes from the insanity on show courtesy of writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews; everyone has their favourite Father Ted moment - from the milk float trapped Dougal in Speed 3, to Father Jack's Feck, Ar*e, Girls cry, there's plenty to enjoy in this 5 disc set.
It's also a great collection to reflect on the careers of those comedians who made their names with Ted - from Graham Norton to Ardal O'Hanlon, it proved to be a real fertile ground for the talent involved.
Ultimately though this set is about the Father Ted and Father Dougal partnership - from the madness of their Eurovision song contest entry about a horse, to Ted trying to explain that the toy cows are small while the ones outside their caravan during a break "are far away", it's a sweet humorous relationship which will have you in tears of laughter no matter what mood you're in.
Extras: Interviews with the writers and creators; Comic Relief footage with Ted and Dougal; Ted Fest 2007 and commentaries on all 3 series, this really is the best of the bunch for the show.
Rating: 8/10
Father Ted: The Definitive Collection
Cast: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn
Released by Roadshow Entertainment
Ah Father Ted.
The comic insanity of a trio of priests trapped on Craggy Island along with their deranged housekeeper Mrs Doyle.
You'd think the comic potential would be severely limited on a show like this - but as many Ted fans can attest these days, this show's as beloved now as it was on its original transmission back in 1995 (seriously - nearly 15 years ago???)
And yet with this Definitive Collection, while it's packed with all three series of the shows and a bundle of new shiny extras (such as commentaries and video recollections of the annual Tedfest celebration out in Inis Mor, off County Galway), it can only go to show how missed Dermot Morgan (aka Ted) is.
Cruelly snatched by a heart attack at a party celebrating the final episode of the third series, his loss is felt by his absence on this latest collection - it'd have been grand to see what he would have made of all the accolades years on.
There's a lot to enjoy here - and most of it comes from the insanity on show courtesy of writers Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews; everyone has their favourite Father Ted moment - from the milk float trapped Dougal in Speed 3, to Father Jack's Feck, Ar*e, Girls cry, there's plenty to enjoy in this 5 disc set.
It's also a great collection to reflect on the careers of those comedians who made their names with Ted - from Graham Norton to Ardal O'Hanlon, it proved to be a real fertile ground for the talent involved.
Ultimately though this set is about the Father Ted and Father Dougal partnership - from the madness of their Eurovision song contest entry about a horse, to Ted trying to explain that the toy cows are small while the ones outside their caravan during a break "are far away", it's a sweet humorous relationship which will have you in tears of laughter no matter what mood you're in.
Extras: Interviews with the writers and creators; Comic Relief footage with Ted and Dougal; Ted Fest 2007 and commentaries on all 3 series, this really is the best of the bunch for the show.
Rating: 8/10
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
What Just Happened: Movie Review
What Just Happened: Movie Review
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Robert de Niro, John Turturro, Bruce Willis, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart
Director: Barry Levinson
Robert De Niro stars as Ben, a fading Hollywood producer whose star is clearly in the descent.
As the film opens, Ben's just witnessed his latest film, Fiercely starring Sean Penn, being savaged at a test screening - and he knows this could signal the end of his time at the top.
As if that wasn't bad enough he's having trouble with his ex Kelly (Robin Wright Penn) and to give him a trio of troubles, his attempts to get Bruce Willis to shave off his bushy beard so their latest project isn't canned are not going well.
So as Ben tries to negotiate all of these hurdles, it's clear something's going to have to give - can he claw his way back to the top before he's consigned to the showbiz dustbin?
What Just Happened isn't a bad film; it's just not as savage as it could be - while Penn and Willis play themselves, De Niro seems to play another more chilled out version of himself as he tries to juggle all the respective balls.
Given how successful The Player was at doing this kind of satire years ago(and it's inevitable these two will be compared) I have to admit I was expecting a little more caustic wit and biting satire about the industry.
This is not that kind of film and at times plays more like a screwball comedy - I get De Niro's character has aggro from two ex wives, Hollywood studio producers and cantankerous actors but I very rarely felt for him or rooted for him to overcome the odds.
De Niro does a fair job as Ben and there's a reasonable attempt to show Bruce in a bad light, but unfortunately What Just Happened is a bit of a disappointment.
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Robert de Niro, John Turturro, Bruce Willis, Catherine Keener, Kristen Stewart
Director: Barry Levinson
Robert De Niro stars as Ben, a fading Hollywood producer whose star is clearly in the descent.
As the film opens, Ben's just witnessed his latest film, Fiercely starring Sean Penn, being savaged at a test screening - and he knows this could signal the end of his time at the top.
As if that wasn't bad enough he's having trouble with his ex Kelly (Robin Wright Penn) and to give him a trio of troubles, his attempts to get Bruce Willis to shave off his bushy beard so their latest project isn't canned are not going well.
So as Ben tries to negotiate all of these hurdles, it's clear something's going to have to give - can he claw his way back to the top before he's consigned to the showbiz dustbin?
What Just Happened isn't a bad film; it's just not as savage as it could be - while Penn and Willis play themselves, De Niro seems to play another more chilled out version of himself as he tries to juggle all the respective balls.
Given how successful The Player was at doing this kind of satire years ago(and it's inevitable these two will be compared) I have to admit I was expecting a little more caustic wit and biting satire about the industry.
This is not that kind of film and at times plays more like a screwball comedy - I get De Niro's character has aggro from two ex wives, Hollywood studio producers and cantankerous actors but I very rarely felt for him or rooted for him to overcome the odds.
De Niro does a fair job as Ben and there's a reasonable attempt to show Bruce in a bad light, but unfortunately What Just Happened is a bit of a disappointment.
The Twilight Saga: New Moon - Movie Review
The Twilight Saga: New Moon - Movie Review
Rating: Twihards - 9/10; non Twihards - 6/10
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning
Director: Chris Weitz
Well, it's finally here.
With the weight of expectation (to put it mildly), the second of the Twilight franchise has been unleashed on the world.
And it comes after what seems like months of speculation over RPatz, Kristen, the Wolf Pack, and rabid fan love.
So with director Catherine Hardwicke off Stephenie Meyer's sequel, there was a lot for Chris Weitz (American Pie, The Golden Compass) to deliver.
Given the arguments over whether you're Team Jacob or Team Edward, there was a lot resting on this- especially given the tangible absence of Edward in the book, New Moon.
So did it?
The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens with a shot of a full moon and ends with Bella taking a breath - and, in between for the fans of the saga, there's everything they could want. But for those who are probably not 100% bona fide Team Edward/ Team Jacob, there could be a lot of eye rolling and wondering what on earth the continuing obsession is about.
The story takes up where Twilight left off - with Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (R Patz) deeply in love and on the eve of Bella's 18th birthday. Despite her protestations, the Cullens throw Bella a birthday party - but a paper cut sees Bella shed some blood, which sees Edward's brother Jasper try to take her life.
As Edward ends up hurting Bella while trying to protect her, he decides it's safer for him to be out of her life - for good.
Destroyed by the rejection of her first love, Bella falls apart - enter Jacob (Taylor Lautner) who plugs the hole in her heart (despite hiding a secret about himself) with companionship and sworn oaths of fidelity.
But Bella finds he's not enough and when she discovers that thrill seeking and becoming an adrenaline junkie allows Edward to appear to her, Bella chooses to live life on the edge to be with her one true love.
Danger for Bella is just around the corner though - with vampire Victoria out for revenge after the death of her mate (whom the Cullens despatched in the first Twilight) and hot on Bella's trail. A series of miscommunications leads Edward to believe Bella's dead and forces him to sacrifice himself at the hands of the vampire clan, The Volturi (a la Romeo and Juliet.)
Can Bella save Edward in time? And more importantly, will she sacrifice her burgeoning relationship with Jacob for the star crossed love of her life?
Some films are review proof - and the latest in the Twilight franchise is one of those. Regardless of how we critics see it, New Moon will be a box office phenomenon.
Sure, I could spend time telling you how there's a gratuitous excess of abs on slow-mo show here (both with Jacob and Edward) - but that's what the fans want to see (certainly judging by the lusty cat calls and wolf whistles at the NZ premiere); I could reveal there's some horrendously corny teen love lines - such as Edward's "You gave me everything just by breathing" to Bella, but the audience's swoons suggest to me that that's just pandering to the fans - and I could tell you that parts of the film play like music videos as the soundtrack swells over aching teens caught up in their relationship and during the Wolf Pack chasing Victoria the vampire - but again, that's what the diehard fans of the franchise want.
Whereas Twilight introduced the franchise and set the characters up, you'd expect a sequel to ramp up the action and the stakes. However, New Moon is a slight side step on that franchise path as it's about setting up the Jacob/Edward/Wolf pack/Vampire issues which will play out through the rest of the novels/films. So, while there is a bit more action than the original film, there's still a lot of foreboding, plotting and signposting to be done.
And that's perhaps where director Chris Weitz fumbles the Twilight ball a little (in the eyes of a non-obsessive Twihard) - there are scenes of aching moments of love and loss, balanced by a sweeping tinkling piano score - which to the casual viewer seem cliched and unoriginal; some of the newcomers in the Wolf Pack are not the strongest actors - but given their buffness and penchant for wandering around shirtless, you would imagine they're no more than eye candy.
To be honest, the biggest disappointment is the Volturi - early on they're alluded to as Vampire aristocracy who rule with power and fear and yet it's only Dakota Fanning's Jane who comes off as powerful and menacing; Michael Sheen's Aro verges on hammy creepiness - his early menace is soon lost by a lot of clasping hands and wide red eyes.
Yet, there's also much to admire in New Moon - the final fight scenes are a cool, blurry mix of Matrix style bullet time action and sweeping camera work.
But it's Kristen Stewart's stand out performance as Bella which impresses the most. Once again, she commands a powerhouse performance as she falls apart after Edward's abandonment. It's this pivotal acting which gives Bella an edge, a vulnerability and a rawness which shows why she's such a talent; the Wolf transformations and appearances on screen are pretty damn good (though some may feel they're not how they should be when compared to their background in Stephenie Meyer's books); and Team Jacob certainly receives a boost from Taylor Lautner's much improved performance this time around - although given the slightly controlling edge to his character, I somehow doubt there will be many defectors from Team Edward.
New Moon is by no stretch of the imagination a disaster - as an example of its genre, it's perfectly pitched to its audience and its core fan base.
I just suspect the non-fans (yes, there are some out there) may be somewhat bemused as to what all the fuss is about.
However, to the Twihards I say "go, love it and cherish it and get ready for Eclipse, which is heading to cinemas in 2010". The countdown begins now.
Rating: Twihards - 9/10; non Twihards - 6/10
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning
Director: Chris Weitz
Well, it's finally here.
With the weight of expectation (to put it mildly), the second of the Twilight franchise has been unleashed on the world.
And it comes after what seems like months of speculation over RPatz, Kristen, the Wolf Pack, and rabid fan love.
So with director Catherine Hardwicke off Stephenie Meyer's sequel, there was a lot for Chris Weitz (American Pie, The Golden Compass) to deliver.
Given the arguments over whether you're Team Jacob or Team Edward, there was a lot resting on this- especially given the tangible absence of Edward in the book, New Moon.
So did it?
The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens with a shot of a full moon and ends with Bella taking a breath - and, in between for the fans of the saga, there's everything they could want. But for those who are probably not 100% bona fide Team Edward/ Team Jacob, there could be a lot of eye rolling and wondering what on earth the continuing obsession is about.
The story takes up where Twilight left off - with Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (R Patz) deeply in love and on the eve of Bella's 18th birthday. Despite her protestations, the Cullens throw Bella a birthday party - but a paper cut sees Bella shed some blood, which sees Edward's brother Jasper try to take her life.
As Edward ends up hurting Bella while trying to protect her, he decides it's safer for him to be out of her life - for good.
Destroyed by the rejection of her first love, Bella falls apart - enter Jacob (Taylor Lautner) who plugs the hole in her heart (despite hiding a secret about himself) with companionship and sworn oaths of fidelity.
But Bella finds he's not enough and when she discovers that thrill seeking and becoming an adrenaline junkie allows Edward to appear to her, Bella chooses to live life on the edge to be with her one true love.
Danger for Bella is just around the corner though - with vampire Victoria out for revenge after the death of her mate (whom the Cullens despatched in the first Twilight) and hot on Bella's trail. A series of miscommunications leads Edward to believe Bella's dead and forces him to sacrifice himself at the hands of the vampire clan, The Volturi (a la Romeo and Juliet.)
Can Bella save Edward in time? And more importantly, will she sacrifice her burgeoning relationship with Jacob for the star crossed love of her life?
Some films are review proof - and the latest in the Twilight franchise is one of those. Regardless of how we critics see it, New Moon will be a box office phenomenon.
Sure, I could spend time telling you how there's a gratuitous excess of abs on slow-mo show here (both with Jacob and Edward) - but that's what the fans want to see (certainly judging by the lusty cat calls and wolf whistles at the NZ premiere); I could reveal there's some horrendously corny teen love lines - such as Edward's "You gave me everything just by breathing" to Bella, but the audience's swoons suggest to me that that's just pandering to the fans - and I could tell you that parts of the film play like music videos as the soundtrack swells over aching teens caught up in their relationship and during the Wolf Pack chasing Victoria the vampire - but again, that's what the diehard fans of the franchise want.
Whereas Twilight introduced the franchise and set the characters up, you'd expect a sequel to ramp up the action and the stakes. However, New Moon is a slight side step on that franchise path as it's about setting up the Jacob/Edward/Wolf pack/Vampire issues which will play out through the rest of the novels/films. So, while there is a bit more action than the original film, there's still a lot of foreboding, plotting and signposting to be done.
And that's perhaps where director Chris Weitz fumbles the Twilight ball a little (in the eyes of a non-obsessive Twihard) - there are scenes of aching moments of love and loss, balanced by a sweeping tinkling piano score - which to the casual viewer seem cliched and unoriginal; some of the newcomers in the Wolf Pack are not the strongest actors - but given their buffness and penchant for wandering around shirtless, you would imagine they're no more than eye candy.
To be honest, the biggest disappointment is the Volturi - early on they're alluded to as Vampire aristocracy who rule with power and fear and yet it's only Dakota Fanning's Jane who comes off as powerful and menacing; Michael Sheen's Aro verges on hammy creepiness - his early menace is soon lost by a lot of clasping hands and wide red eyes.
Yet, there's also much to admire in New Moon - the final fight scenes are a cool, blurry mix of Matrix style bullet time action and sweeping camera work.
But it's Kristen Stewart's stand out performance as Bella which impresses the most. Once again, she commands a powerhouse performance as she falls apart after Edward's abandonment. It's this pivotal acting which gives Bella an edge, a vulnerability and a rawness which shows why she's such a talent; the Wolf transformations and appearances on screen are pretty damn good (though some may feel they're not how they should be when compared to their background in Stephenie Meyer's books); and Team Jacob certainly receives a boost from Taylor Lautner's much improved performance this time around - although given the slightly controlling edge to his character, I somehow doubt there will be many defectors from Team Edward.
New Moon is by no stretch of the imagination a disaster - as an example of its genre, it's perfectly pitched to its audience and its core fan base.
I just suspect the non-fans (yes, there are some out there) may be somewhat bemused as to what all the fuss is about.
However, to the Twihards I say "go, love it and cherish it and get ready for Eclipse, which is heading to cinemas in 2010". The countdown begins now.
Friday, 13 November 2009
2012: Movie Review
2012: Movie Review
Rating: 5/10
Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Well, we're pretty much screwed.
That's if you believe the Mayans and the latest release 2012.
According to the ancient prophecies, when the planets perfectly align on 21st December 2012, the world will end.
In 2009, (crikey that's now) scientist Adrian Helmsley (a pious Chiwetel Ejiofor) discovers the earth's crust is heating up thanks to recent solar flare activity and the end of the world is nearing.
So when he goes to the President of the US of A (Danny Glover) to relay the information, plans begin for the end of the world. However, what the plans don't necessarily allow for is the full scale survival of the human race.
Throw into this mix, John Cusack's Jackson Curtis, estranged from his wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and 2 kids (yes the uber-moppets, along with a step-father are here and ready for the apocalypse) who's always suspected the final days are on their way.
On a camping trip with his kids in Yellowstone, Jackson finds crazy old Charlie Frost (a wild performance from Woody Harrelson) knows about the conspiracy behind the end of days - and more importantly, how to get through it.
So, when the earthquakes increase in intensity, the nuclear family does what it has to to survive as Jackson does his best to save the day.
But when nature's worst is unleashed, the human race may not make it....
What can you say about 2012, the latest disaster film from the man who blew up the White House when the aliens attacked in Independence Day?
Check your brains at the door and you'll pretty much enjoy it - there are all the pre-requisites of any disaster films; terribly cliched one liners, check; major landmarks being destroyed, check; family under peril - from both nature and the new love, check; evil Government conspiracies and nasty Russians who get last minute redemption, check; massive explosions, check; lots of improbable escapes; check; bloated running time, check- they're all here for you to enjoy over some 150 minutes.
And yet, during some moments in 2012, there are some deeper moments which elevate it from the usual disaster, USA promoting pap. There's an apparent dark conspiracy (though the Princess Diana reference is appallingly misjudged) which runs through and there are moral questions about whether those in power have the right to make all the decisions to prolong the species rather than save all; unfortunately though, those are slightly over-milked by the repetitive sanctimonious speeches made by Eijofor's character. There are moments which will irritate some - the saccharine goodbyes that some family members get to make on phones, the depiction of the Queen with her corgis....
John Cusack emerges with his credibility in tact at the end of this - it's all fairly predictable stuff; but once again with his continuing charisma and old school cool, he makes it through - even though everything's falling apart around him.
If you fancy seeing a film with the world going to hell in a handcart, then 2012 is the perfect getaway - the effects are par for the course and not too bad in places.
However, I do have one plea - I know it's a symbol for Americans, but can Roland Emmerich please just deal with his issues over the White House and stop blowing it up now?
Rating: 5/10
Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Well, we're pretty much screwed.
That's if you believe the Mayans and the latest release 2012.
According to the ancient prophecies, when the planets perfectly align on 21st December 2012, the world will end.
In 2009, (crikey that's now) scientist Adrian Helmsley (a pious Chiwetel Ejiofor) discovers the earth's crust is heating up thanks to recent solar flare activity and the end of the world is nearing.
So when he goes to the President of the US of A (Danny Glover) to relay the information, plans begin for the end of the world. However, what the plans don't necessarily allow for is the full scale survival of the human race.
Throw into this mix, John Cusack's Jackson Curtis, estranged from his wife Kate (Amanda Peet) and 2 kids (yes the uber-moppets, along with a step-father are here and ready for the apocalypse) who's always suspected the final days are on their way.
On a camping trip with his kids in Yellowstone, Jackson finds crazy old Charlie Frost (a wild performance from Woody Harrelson) knows about the conspiracy behind the end of days - and more importantly, how to get through it.
So, when the earthquakes increase in intensity, the nuclear family does what it has to to survive as Jackson does his best to save the day.
But when nature's worst is unleashed, the human race may not make it....
What can you say about 2012, the latest disaster film from the man who blew up the White House when the aliens attacked in Independence Day?
Check your brains at the door and you'll pretty much enjoy it - there are all the pre-requisites of any disaster films; terribly cliched one liners, check; major landmarks being destroyed, check; family under peril - from both nature and the new love, check; evil Government conspiracies and nasty Russians who get last minute redemption, check; massive explosions, check; lots of improbable escapes; check; bloated running time, check- they're all here for you to enjoy over some 150 minutes.
And yet, during some moments in 2012, there are some deeper moments which elevate it from the usual disaster, USA promoting pap. There's an apparent dark conspiracy (though the Princess Diana reference is appallingly misjudged) which runs through and there are moral questions about whether those in power have the right to make all the decisions to prolong the species rather than save all; unfortunately though, those are slightly over-milked by the repetitive sanctimonious speeches made by Eijofor's character. There are moments which will irritate some - the saccharine goodbyes that some family members get to make on phones, the depiction of the Queen with her corgis....
John Cusack emerges with his credibility in tact at the end of this - it's all fairly predictable stuff; but once again with his continuing charisma and old school cool, he makes it through - even though everything's falling apart around him.
If you fancy seeing a film with the world going to hell in a handcart, then 2012 is the perfect getaway - the effects are par for the course and not too bad in places.
However, I do have one plea - I know it's a symbol for Americans, but can Roland Emmerich please just deal with his issues over the White House and stop blowing it up now?
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Away We Go: Movie Review
Away We Go: Movie Review
Rating: 8/10
Cast: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Melanie Lynskey, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Director: Sam Mendes
You would think that a film that's essentially a pregnancy road trip wouldn't be a winner.
However, this latest from Sam Mendes has everything a decent small film needs in spades.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star as Burt and Verona, a pair of thirty somethings who are still trying to find their place in the world.
One night, in possibly the most original way ever, the pair discover Verona is pregnant - and armed with that news, they head to tell Burt's parents the joyous news. (Verona's parents died when she was in her twenties)
But when they tell the grandparents-to-be, Burt's ma and pa (Catherine O'Hara and Jeff Daniels) announce they're leaving the country.
This sets off the feeling that Burt and Verona need to find a home to settle down in as they were only living where they were because of his parents.
So armed with a growing belly, the duo head to various friends scattered across America to see if they can find somewhere new to live before the baby is born.
Away We Go is warm, wry, witty, whimsical and very unexpectedly funny thanks to some humour and deadpan moments from star John Krasinski (from the US version of The Office).
But the second the humour smacks you across the face, director Sam Mendes spins the world on its head and leaves you close to tears - and it's Taranaki's Melanie Lynskey who as a college friend of the duo is responsible for the melancholy.
That said, Mendes and the script don't wallow in it - it's the low-key warmth and the stunning performances by the leads which bring you back down to earth with a jolt.
Some may feel the characters are quirky, and granted they are, but it's never done in an irritating way as Kransinski and Rudolph anchor it firmly in the charming camp.
Away We Go will leave you beaming from ear to ear and is an unexpected joy as the year comes to a close.
Rating: 8/10
Cast: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Melanie Lynskey, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Director: Sam Mendes
You would think that a film that's essentially a pregnancy road trip wouldn't be a winner.
However, this latest from Sam Mendes has everything a decent small film needs in spades.
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star as Burt and Verona, a pair of thirty somethings who are still trying to find their place in the world.
One night, in possibly the most original way ever, the pair discover Verona is pregnant - and armed with that news, they head to tell Burt's parents the joyous news. (Verona's parents died when she was in her twenties)
But when they tell the grandparents-to-be, Burt's ma and pa (Catherine O'Hara and Jeff Daniels) announce they're leaving the country.
This sets off the feeling that Burt and Verona need to find a home to settle down in as they were only living where they were because of his parents.
So armed with a growing belly, the duo head to various friends scattered across America to see if they can find somewhere new to live before the baby is born.
Away We Go is warm, wry, witty, whimsical and very unexpectedly funny thanks to some humour and deadpan moments from star John Krasinski (from the US version of The Office).
But the second the humour smacks you across the face, director Sam Mendes spins the world on its head and leaves you close to tears - and it's Taranaki's Melanie Lynskey who as a college friend of the duo is responsible for the melancholy.
That said, Mendes and the script don't wallow in it - it's the low-key warmth and the stunning performances by the leads which bring you back down to earth with a jolt.
Some may feel the characters are quirky, and granted they are, but it's never done in an irritating way as Kransinski and Rudolph anchor it firmly in the charming camp.
Away We Go will leave you beaming from ear to ear and is an unexpected joy as the year comes to a close.
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