Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Movie Review
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph
Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon
Director: David Yates
And so it ends.
The final part of the final Harry Potter film is unleashed on the world - and
with it, the end of a saga which has entranced a world and created a multi
million dollar lifestyle for creator JK Rowling.
As you'll remember from the first part of the Deathly Hallows film ( read the review from last year here), Harry, Hermione and Ron set
out to find the Dark Lord's Horcruxes (a sort of magical object which gives
Voldemort his power) and destroy them - in the hope that that will end this
battle once and for all.
This film takes up right after the end of the last, with Dobby the elf
despatched, the battle lines drawn and Harry aware the ultimate battle is
nearing a final perhaps fatal end.
But as the fate and destiny of Voldemort and Harry Potter play out, the path
leads back to Hogwarts and to a dark secret which will finally settle the score
between the Wizarding world and the Muggle World....
Yes, it's finally here - the in some ways, reviewer proof final film of the
franchise which has spanned a lot of Rupert Grint gurning as well as millions
(or is it billions) of book sales since its launch back in 1997.
And quite frankly, what a stunning, magical epic and emotionally rewarding
end to the long running and much loved saga.
I'll preface this by saying I'm unaware of the source material and how it
played out on the page, so this film was a genuine surprise in many ways - and
an unexpectedly sumptuous narrative treat, blessed with some great acting. I for
one didn't know how it ended for Potter et al, so I was suitably spellbound from
beginning to end (which, as an aside, is probably a good thing as fans will
flock to this regardless - but non-fans may be wary).
Granted, viewing of the previous films is probably helpful, but in many ways,
this closing chapter has everything it needed to finally wrap it up and satiate
those of us (well, mainly me) who felt JK Rowling had dragged out the books
and the resulting films which simply saw Harry threatened and then deal with the
threat summarily.
It's a truly unexpected film - there are moments of absolute silence where
the acting simply takes the foreground and the soundtrack goes silent and
thematically, there is much to engage the grey matter (although a spiritual
flight of fantasy does feel a little unnecessary and meandering even though it's
a metaphysical jaunt into Harry's psyche- and don't even get me started on the
"19 Years Later" epilogue which is cloying and sickly saccharine and ultimately
unnecessary and disappointing).
It's the emotional calm before the storm as we build upto the final showdown
and the inevitable fight at Hogwarts. Every single member of this ensemble are
perfect but Daniel Radcliffe really does up his game again, this time imbuing
Harry with pathos, sadness, turmoil and pain as he sees what his fight has done
to others and how it takes the ultimate toll on many. It's great to see how far
he's come since the first film where his acting chops were quite frankly,
obscured by his moptop and lack of age.
In an ultimate battle, there will be casualties - and sure, some fan
favourites are despatched off screen, but you could argue that these deaths
would have felt mawkish to watch, held back the story - and let's be
honest, we've had some 14 years to get to know the characters so we do feel the
emotional pain. It's also good to see that the smaller characters are the true
heroes of the film - it's a nice touch in such an epic saga.
The other star of this film is director David Yates. The direction and
perfect pace he brings to the film is its great saviour - and perhaps the
franchise's saving grace. With swirling FX, a stunning and stirring score and
some dark and portentous moments, this Potter is a restrained, mature and
impressive, less is more kind of film which doesn't over indulge the fact it's
the last time we'll see these characters or throw FX in for their own sake.
There's none of the bloatedness which makes you feel the franchise has
overstayed its welcome; in fact, it's perfectly wrapped up and left with the
rich closure fans have sought for years.
This is the Harry Potter film I've been waiting for in many ways; perhaps, it
was inevitable that it would be the final film which got it right, but as a
closing chapter, it's near perfect and is the best send off it could ever have
been given.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Friday, 1 July 2011
127 Hours: Blu Ray Review
127 Hours: Blu Ray Review
127 Hours
Rating: RP16
Released by Roadshow and 20th Century Fox
James Franco gives an Oscar-nominated performance as Aron Ralston, an American climber whose trip into the wild in 2003 changed his life forever when he became trapped down a canyon, with his arm crushed against a wall with a boulder.
He meets two girls (Mara and Tamblyn) before his life changes when he falls down a Utah canyon and is trapped by a boulder.
Over five days, his mental and physical health take their toll as Ralston reflects back on his life and faces the ultimate look at his own mortality.
127 Hours is claustrophobic, uncomfortable viewing in the extreme - thanks to one scene (more on that later).
But it's also terrific, with an undeniable energy and a mesmerising performance from Franco as Ralston.
Given Franco's on screen for most of the film solo, he really needed to pull out all the stops to chart the mental decline, hallucinations, guilt, and memories that Ralston goes through, and he delivers in spades in this total sensory experience of a film.
Every moment, as the camera tracks his wearying expressions, you can't tear your eyes away from Franco; partially that's because of the inevitability of knowing (slight spoiler ahead) he hacks off his own arm with a blunt knife to escape.
It's uncomfortable viewing but it's compelling too - I don't remember the last time I sat squirming and with nowhere to go, but it's so well done (thanks to bone-crunching sound effects) that it delivers the shock it needs and gives you the emotional and physical release you need after 80 minutes' worth of waiting.
Rating: 8/10
127 Hours
Rating: RP16
Released by Roadshow and 20th Century Fox
James Franco gives an Oscar-nominated performance as Aron Ralston, an American climber whose trip into the wild in 2003 changed his life forever when he became trapped down a canyon, with his arm crushed against a wall with a boulder.
He meets two girls (Mara and Tamblyn) before his life changes when he falls down a Utah canyon and is trapped by a boulder.
Over five days, his mental and physical health take their toll as Ralston reflects back on his life and faces the ultimate look at his own mortality.
127 Hours is claustrophobic, uncomfortable viewing in the extreme - thanks to one scene (more on that later).
But it's also terrific, with an undeniable energy and a mesmerising performance from Franco as Ralston.
Given Franco's on screen for most of the film solo, he really needed to pull out all the stops to chart the mental decline, hallucinations, guilt, and memories that Ralston goes through, and he delivers in spades in this total sensory experience of a film.
Every moment, as the camera tracks his wearying expressions, you can't tear your eyes away from Franco; partially that's because of the inevitability of knowing (slight spoiler ahead) he hacks off his own arm with a blunt knife to escape.
It's uncomfortable viewing but it's compelling too - I don't remember the last time I sat squirming and with nowhere to go, but it's so well done (thanks to bone-crunching sound effects) that it delivers the shock it needs and gives you the emotional and physical release you need after 80 minutes' worth of waiting.
Rating: 8/10
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Game Review: Red Faction: Armageddon
Game Review: Red Faction: Armageddon
Red Faction Armageddon
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
It's off to the red planet we go for this fourth instalment in the Red Faction series - which I have to admit to having never played before.
50 years after the events of Red Faction: Guerilla, you control Darius Mason on the wilds of the planet in 2170 in this third person shooter.
The aim is to track down a group known as the Cultists, led by Adam Hale, who've taken out a Terraformer and plunged your race underground. As you negotiate your way underground and briefly on the surface, you face threats from said Cultists as well as numerous bugs and other baddies, hellbent on turning you into history.
While the action is fairly standard and sees you pretty much unable to roam too freely (a GPS can help with your quest if you end up getting a little lost and unsure of where to go when facing marauding attacks from hordes of creepy crawlies), this is still pretty playable stuff.
A clever addition is the option to repair structures you inadvertently - or deliberately - destroy while in your quests - thanks to a glove you wear. It's a neat visual touch as well and helps you realise that sometimes, the solution can literally appear in front of your very eyes.
Furthermore, a magnet grappling gun gives you the option to haul structures around and makes wandering around underground a little more fun as well as giving you the chance for wanton destruction - outside of killing the baddies. But you have to be smart on how you use this - cause after all, remember you're underground...
Red Faction Armageddon is certainly playable and there's plenty to do; it's no mean thing to say it's disposably good fun and will see you wasting hours on end as you scoot around doing your thing and trying to save the day. It's easy to control and immerse yourself in and with a couple of other options available once you've finished the main game, it's got a shelf life beyond the average third person shooter games.
Rating: 7/10
Red Faction Armageddon
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
It's off to the red planet we go for this fourth instalment in the Red Faction series - which I have to admit to having never played before.
50 years after the events of Red Faction: Guerilla, you control Darius Mason on the wilds of the planet in 2170 in this third person shooter.
The aim is to track down a group known as the Cultists, led by Adam Hale, who've taken out a Terraformer and plunged your race underground. As you negotiate your way underground and briefly on the surface, you face threats from said Cultists as well as numerous bugs and other baddies, hellbent on turning you into history.
While the action is fairly standard and sees you pretty much unable to roam too freely (a GPS can help with your quest if you end up getting a little lost and unsure of where to go when facing marauding attacks from hordes of creepy crawlies), this is still pretty playable stuff.
A clever addition is the option to repair structures you inadvertently - or deliberately - destroy while in your quests - thanks to a glove you wear. It's a neat visual touch as well and helps you realise that sometimes, the solution can literally appear in front of your very eyes.
Furthermore, a magnet grappling gun gives you the option to haul structures around and makes wandering around underground a little more fun as well as giving you the chance for wanton destruction - outside of killing the baddies. But you have to be smart on how you use this - cause after all, remember you're underground...
Red Faction Armageddon is certainly playable and there's plenty to do; it's no mean thing to say it's disposably good fun and will see you wasting hours on end as you scoot around doing your thing and trying to save the day. It's easy to control and immerse yourself in and with a couple of other options available once you've finished the main game, it's got a shelf life beyond the average third person shooter games.
Rating: 7/10
The Romantics: DVD Review
The Romantics: DVD Review
The Romantics
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
When a group of several friends and college buddies reunite for a wedding, you know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Katie Holmes is Laura, a writer who's maid of honour to best friend Lila (True Blood's Anna Paquin) ahead of her wedding to Tom, played by Josh Duhamel.
When the gang reunites, it's clear there's still some tension between Laura and Lila - mainly thanks to her love for Tom - and matters are brought to a head at a truly awful wedding rehearsal where Laura inadvertently toasts her and Tom - instead of Lila.
It's clear there's some issues between them all - and they're likely to try and resolve them this weekend whether they want to or not.
Simmering resentments come to the fore in this but it's a little slow and plodding to gain and hold your attention; while the cast is an admirable bunch and a good solid collection of actors, it's very hard to get engrossed in this gang and their issues.
The main triangle works reasonably well but overall, The Romantics is lacking a little of the dynamism it needs to propel it over its 95 minutes running time.
Extras: None
Rating: 5/10
The Romantics
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
When a group of several friends and college buddies reunite for a wedding, you know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Katie Holmes is Laura, a writer who's maid of honour to best friend Lila (True Blood's Anna Paquin) ahead of her wedding to Tom, played by Josh Duhamel.
When the gang reunites, it's clear there's still some tension between Laura and Lila - mainly thanks to her love for Tom - and matters are brought to a head at a truly awful wedding rehearsal where Laura inadvertently toasts her and Tom - instead of Lila.
It's clear there's some issues between them all - and they're likely to try and resolve them this weekend whether they want to or not.
Simmering resentments come to the fore in this but it's a little slow and plodding to gain and hold your attention; while the cast is an admirable bunch and a good solid collection of actors, it's very hard to get engrossed in this gang and their issues.
The main triangle works reasonably well but overall, The Romantics is lacking a little of the dynamism it needs to propel it over its 95 minutes running time.
Extras: None
Rating: 5/10
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon: Movie Review
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon: Movie Review
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Shia La Beouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Leonard Nimoy, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee
Director: Michael Bay
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us....
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the robots themselves, Optimus Prime spouts his usual pomposity and Leonard Nimoy makes a good father of the robots (and gets to paraphrase one of Spock's famous lines from Wrath of Khan) but the Decepticons suffer a little in terms of screen time - until an end sequence in Chicago where both sides finally fight full on with such ferocity you would think you're in a gangland riot blessed with robot executions left, right and centre.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
There's little in terms of story and the whole thing feels like it's leading to a confrontation between the robotic hordes.
That said if you're willing to check your brain at the door you will be entertained - though a word of warning you may feel at times, like you've beaten into submission by the brash, noisy and FX heavy film which is gung ho and even has the nerve to end on a scene of robots standing near a flying American flag.
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Shia La Beouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Leonard Nimoy, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee
Director: Michael Bay
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us....
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the robots themselves, Optimus Prime spouts his usual pomposity and Leonard Nimoy makes a good father of the robots (and gets to paraphrase one of Spock's famous lines from Wrath of Khan) but the Decepticons suffer a little in terms of screen time - until an end sequence in Chicago where both sides finally fight full on with such ferocity you would think you're in a gangland riot blessed with robot executions left, right and centre.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
There's little in terms of story and the whole thing feels like it's leading to a confrontation between the robotic hordes.
That said if you're willing to check your brain at the door you will be entertained - though a word of warning you may feel at times, like you've beaten into submission by the brash, noisy and FX heavy film which is gung ho and even has the nerve to end on a scene of robots standing near a flying American flag.
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders: DVD Review
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders: DVD Review
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders
Rating: G
Released by BBC and Roadshow
And so the third Doctor's adventures draw to a close on DVD - and in some ways, so does some of the supporting talent.
This adventure from the 1970s is the final outing for Jon Pertwee's Dr before he changed into Tom Baker and sees the Dr investigating a Tibetan retreat where spooky things are afoot.
Those involved at the retreat seem to be on the verge of summoning an alien presence - and their very existence causes all kinds of problems for the Doctor - and could even lead to his undoing.
The six part adventure is a perfect curtain call for Pertwee's man of action - he's given every moment to shine and seizes it with both hands; plus with the extras and commentary, it feels like a ending in many ways with three of the main talents involved sadly recently dying.
But that doesn't cast a maudlin eye over what's a great story and a fantastic range of extras as well for fans of the genre; commentary from Nicholas Courtney, Barry Letts and Elisabeth Sladen who have now left this earth add a tinge of nostalgic sadness which is hard to initially shake; but The Final Curtain doco which looks back over the third Doctor's tenure is sensitively handled and all the better for it.
Extras: Commentary, docos, reminiscences, an omnibus edition of the story and the usual informative subtitles make this a superior two disc release
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders
Rating: G
Released by BBC and Roadshow
And so the third Doctor's adventures draw to a close on DVD - and in some ways, so does some of the supporting talent.
This adventure from the 1970s is the final outing for Jon Pertwee's Dr before he changed into Tom Baker and sees the Dr investigating a Tibetan retreat where spooky things are afoot.
Those involved at the retreat seem to be on the verge of summoning an alien presence - and their very existence causes all kinds of problems for the Doctor - and could even lead to his undoing.
The six part adventure is a perfect curtain call for Pertwee's man of action - he's given every moment to shine and seizes it with both hands; plus with the extras and commentary, it feels like a ending in many ways with three of the main talents involved sadly recently dying.
But that doesn't cast a maudlin eye over what's a great story and a fantastic range of extras as well for fans of the genre; commentary from Nicholas Courtney, Barry Letts and Elisabeth Sladen who have now left this earth add a tinge of nostalgic sadness which is hard to initially shake; but The Final Curtain doco which looks back over the third Doctor's tenure is sensitively handled and all the better for it.
Extras: Commentary, docos, reminiscences, an omnibus edition of the story and the usual informative subtitles make this a superior two disc release
Rating: 7/10
No Strings Attached: Blu Ray Review
No Strings Attached: Blu Ray Review
No Strings Attached
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Natalie Portman heads into lighter comedic territory with this sex buddy romcom.
She stars as Emma, a girl who's known Kutcher's Adam for several years. Adam has always liked her but the pair never quite got together.
But years later, the pair meet up again and decide to embark on a "friends with benefits" relationship.
However, the inevitable rears its head and Adam wants more but Emma is happier in her no strings attached lifestyle....are they destined to never be a couple?
No Strings Attached isn't half bad - given you already know the ending - and most of it is due to the humour and performance of Portman.
With occasionally crude moments, but plenty of laughs and a script which sparkles with one liners throughout, there's certainly enough to get you engaged - and keep you there.
Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, docos
Rating: 7/10
No Strings Attached
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Natalie Portman heads into lighter comedic territory with this sex buddy romcom.
She stars as Emma, a girl who's known Kutcher's Adam for several years. Adam has always liked her but the pair never quite got together.
But years later, the pair meet up again and decide to embark on a "friends with benefits" relationship.
However, the inevitable rears its head and Adam wants more but Emma is happier in her no strings attached lifestyle....are they destined to never be a couple?
No Strings Attached isn't half bad - given you already know the ending - and most of it is due to the humour and performance of Portman.
With occasionally crude moments, but plenty of laughs and a script which sparkles with one liners throughout, there's certainly enough to get you engaged - and keep you there.
Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, docos
Rating: 7/10
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